Import

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Import'

A good or service brought into one country from another. Along with exports, imports form the backbone of international trade. The higher the value of imports entering a country, compared to the value of exports, the more negative that country's balance of trade becomes.

Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Import'

The word "import" is derived from the word "port," since goods are often shipped via boat to foreign countries. Countries are most likely to import goods that domestic industries cannot produce as efficiently or cheaply, but may also import raw materials or commodities that are not available within its borders. For example, many countries have to import oil because they either cannot produce it domestically or cannot produce enough of it to meet demand.

Sign Up For Term of the Day!

Try Our Stock Simulator!

Test your trading skills!

Related Definitions

  1. Tariff

    A tax imposed on ...
  2. Export

    A function of ...
  3. Dollar Drain

    When a country ...
  4. Countervailing Duties

    A duty placed on ...
  5. Certificate Of Origin - CO

    A document ...
  6. General Order - GO

    A status given ...
  7. Protectionism

    Government ...
  8. Price Scissors

    When the value ...
  9. Drawback

    Any form of tax ...
  10. Terms of Trade - TOT

    The value of a ...

Articles Of Interest

  1. The Basics Of Tariffs And Trade Barriers

    Everything you need to know - from the different types of tariffs to their effects on the local economy.
  2. What Is International Trade?

    Everyone's talking about globalization, so we explain what is it and why some oppose it.
  3. Globalization: Progress Or Profiteering?

    Proponents of globalization argue that it helps the economies of developing nations and makes goods cheaper, while critics say that globalization reduces domestic jobs and exploits ...
  4. NAFTA's Winners And Losers

    Read on to find out who this free-trade agreement helped, and who it hurt.
  5. A Review Of Past Recessions

    Here we look at the biggest economic declines in the U.S. since the Great Depression.
  6. What Is The World Trade Organization?

    The WTO sets the global rules of trade. But what exactly does it do and why do so many oppose it?
  7. A Primer On Reserve Currencies

    For nearly a century, the U.S. dollar has served as the world's premier reserve currency, but the future is uncertain.
  8. Derivatives 101

    Learn how to use this type of investment as an alternative way to participate in the market.
  9. Okun's Law: Economic Growth And Unemployment

    Learn about Okun's Law, why it is important and how it stood the test of time since first being published.
  10. How Debt Limits A Country's Options

    While debt is fundamentally necessary to the operation of a national government, it can also be limiting and dangerous.

comments powered by Disqus
Recommended
Loading, please wait...
Trading Center