What are imports?
Imports are goods or services purchased from other countries.
Definition, calculation and mechanism
Energy, machinery, intermediate inputs and consumer products serve different purposes. Imported inputs can support domestic output and exports. Currency depreciation can raise costs, with contracts and competition shaping timing.
Interpretation, examples and limits
Rising imports alone need not signal weakness; investment and income can also lift demand. Assess dependency through alternative suppliers and supply security. Separate volume from price changes.
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