Agricultural raw materials imports (% of merchandise imports)



Countries By Agricultural raw materials imports (% of merchandise imports)



Key points



Official Definition of Agricultural raw materials imports (% of merchandise imports)

Agricultural raw materials comprise SITC section 2 (crude materials except fuels) excluding divisions 22, 27 (crude fertilizers and minerals excluding coal, petroleum, and precious stones), and 28 (metalliferous ores and scrap).



Importance

The statistic "Agricultural raw materials imports (% of merchandise imports)" holds significance for a country's economic development and stability. A low value of this statistic indicates that the country is relatively self-sufficient in terms of agricultural raw materials, which can be beneficial for its economy. It implies that the country is not heavily reliant on foreign imports for its agricultural sector, leading to greater control over its agricultural production and potentially reducing vulnerability to fluctuations in global market prices or supply chain disruptions.

Conversely, a high value of this statistic suggests that the country is heavily dependent on imports of agricultural raw materials. This reliance can pose challenges such as exposure to international market fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and potential price volatility. High dependence on imports may also impact the country's trade balance, foreign exchange reserves, and overall economic stability.



Top 10 Countries by Agricultural raw materials imports (% of merchandise imports)

Bottom 10 Countries by Agricultural raw materials imports (% of merchandise imports)



Regions

Europe

The data on Agricultural raw materials imports (% of merchandise imports) reveals varying levels among the listed countries. Estonia has the highest percentage at 3.13%, indicating a heavy reliance on imported agricultural raw materials. This dependency could leave Estonia vulnerable to supply chain disruptions or price fluctuations. On the other hand, Andorra has the lowest percentage at 0.37%, suggesting a more self-sufficient agricultural sector. Countries like Belarus and Latvia also show relatively high percentages, signaling a potential need for diversification in their agricultural supply chains. Overall, this statistic highlights the importance of food security and economic stability in these nations, with implications for strategic trade policies and investment in domestic agricultural production.

Far East: East Asia, SE Asia, Australia

Analysis of Agricultural Raw Materials Imports (% of merchandise imports) in selected countries:
Australia has a low percentage at 0.67%, indicating a lesser dependency on imported raw materials. In contrast, Laos and Vietnam have higher percentages at 2.68% and 2.48%, respectively, suggesting a higher reliance on imported agricultural raw materials. While countries like Brunei and Singapore have minimal dependencies, this could signify self-sufficiency but may limit access to diverse products. For economies like Indonesia and Malaysia, the statistic reflects a significant portion of imports dedicated to raw materials, potentially impacting trade balances. Overall, this statistic may influence a country's economic development by highlighting reliance on external sources, affecting production costs, and signaling vulnerability to global market fluctuations.

ASEAN

Brunei, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore have the lowest imports of agricultural raw materials, indicating a diverse economy. Meanwhile, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam rely more on such imports, suggesting a strong agricultural sector. This reliance can provide food security but exposes these countries to global price fluctuations. For Brunei and Singapore, diversified economies reduce vulnerability to agricultural market risks but limit potential agricultural development. On the other hand, countries with higher imports like Indonesia have the advantage of agricultural production expansion but face risks of overreliance. Balancing imports with domestic production will be crucial for sustainable development and economic stability in these nations.

Latin America

The statistic on Agricultural raw materials imports (% of merchandise imports) reveals interesting dynamics among the listed countries. El Salvador stands out with the highest percentage at 1.8985, indicating heavy dependence on imported agricultural raw materials. This could lead to vulnerability in the event of price fluctuations or supply chain disruptions. On the other end, Panama has the lowest percentage at 0.2204, suggesting a more self-sufficient agricultural raw materials sector. While countries like Argentina and Brazil maintain moderate ratios, indicating a balanced approach. For nations like El Salvador, potential disadvantages include exposure to external market risks, whereas Panama may enjoy greater stability but could miss out on global market opportunities. Overall, this statistic underscores the importance of self-sufficiency and strategic trade policies in ensuring sustainable development for each country.

Middle East

The statistic "Agricultural raw materials imports (% of merchandise imports)" for the listed countries ranges from 0.42% in Oman to 3.48% in Iran. This data indicates the dependence of these countries on imported agricultural raw materials for their merchandise trade. Countries like Egypt and Iran have a high percentage, suggesting a significant reliance on imports for their agricultural sector, which can be a disadvantage in terms of vulnerability to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. On the other hand, countries like Bahrain and Cyprus have lower percentages, potentially indicating a more self-sufficient domestic agricultural production. The impact of this statistic on development varies, with importing countries needing to ensure a stable supply chain and consider diversification strategies to mitigate risks.



Rivals

Anglosphere v BRICS

China, People's Republic of, stands out with the highest Agricultural raw materials imports at 2.88% of merchandise imports, indicating a strong reliance on imported raw materials for its agricultural sector. India follows closely behind at 1.63%, showcasing a significant need for external resources. Brazil and South Africa also have relatively high percentages, indicating a similar dependency. The United Kingdom and the United States show lower percentages, suggesting a more self-sufficient approach. While high imports can ensure a stable supply of raw materials, they may also expose countries to price fluctuations and supply chain risks. Lower import percentages can signify stronger domestic production capabilities but may limit exposure to global markets. The impact of this statistic on a country's development lies in its ability to manage external dependencies, ensure food security, and navigate global trade dynamics effectively.

Russia v Ukraine

Both the Russian Federation and Ukraine show a substantial percentage of agricultural raw materials imports as a share of their total merchandise imports, with Ukraine slightly higher at 1.05% compared to Russia's 0.92%. This indicates a heavy reliance on imported raw materials for their agricultural sectors. Ukraine's higher percentage may suggest a greater vulnerability to global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions, while Russia's lower percentage could indicate a more diversified economy. For Ukraine, this reliance can bring stability but also risks, while for Russia, it may reflect a more self-sustaining agricultural sector. Managing this dependence will be critical for both countries' economic development and resilience in the face of external shocks.

France v United Kingdom

France imports agricultural raw materials, accounting for 1.14% of its merchandise imports, whereas the United Kingdom imports 1.25%. The United Kingdom relies slightly more on imported agricultural raw materials compared to France. For France, a lower percentage suggests a potentially more diversified domestic sources for raw materials, providing some insulation from international price fluctuations. However, this could also indicate a lack of competitiveness in global markets. Conversely, the United Kingdom's higher reliance on imports may expose it to greater price volatility and supply chain risks but could also signify efficient global sourcing networks. This statistic's implications for both countries lie in ensuring a balance between self-sufficiency and global market integration to foster agricultural sector development.

Israel v Iran

Iran has a relatively high Agricultural raw materials imports (% of merchandise imports) at 3.49%, indicating a significant reliance on imported raw materials for its agricultural sector. In contrast, Israel has a much lower percentage at 0.97%, suggesting a greater degree of self-sufficiency in agricultural raw materials. Iran's high import dependence may leave it vulnerable to global market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions impacting trade, whereas Israel's lower import reliance provides more stability and control over its agricultural supply chain. Iran's high imports could strain its trade balance, while Israel's self-sufficiency may enhance its food security and resilience to external disruptions.

Saudi Arabia v Iran

Iran's Agricultural raw materials imports account for 3.49% of its merchandise imports, indicating a significant reliance on importing such materials. This high percentage suggests a vulnerability to fluctuations in global commodity prices and potential supply chain disruptions. In contrast, Saudi Arabia's imports in this category make up only 0.85% of its total merchandise imports, showing a more diversified import profile. Iran's heavy reliance on these imports may lead to increased economic risks, while Saudi Arabia's lower dependency provides more resilience. These differences could impact Iran's ability to stabilize its agricultural sector and diversify its economy, while Saudi Arabia may enjoy greater stability and flexibility in managing its import-dependent industries.

India v Pakistan

India and Pakistan have varying levels of dependence on imported agricultural raw materials as a percentage of their total merchandise imports. India's import percentage stands at 1.63%, indicating a relatively lower reliance on foreign agricultural raw materials compared to Pakistan, which has a higher import percentage of 5.90%. The advantage for India lies in its lower vulnerability to international market fluctuations, while Pakistan's higher import percentage could provide a wider variety of raw materials but at the cost of greater exposure to price volatility. This statistic suggests that India may have a more self-sustainable agricultural base compared to Pakistan, potentially fostering more stable domestic agricultural production and development.

Turkey v Greece

In terms of Agricultural raw materials imports, Greece has a relatively low percentage at 0.81% compared to Turkey's higher percentage of 2.27%. This indicates that Turkey relies more on importing agricultural raw materials as a percentage of its total merchandise imports than Greece does. For Greece, this lower dependence may provide a level of self-sufficiency and stability in the face of fluctuating global markets, reducing potential supply chain vulnerabilities. However, Greece may miss out on potential cost savings and a diverse range of raw materials that Turkey acquires through its higher imports. Turkey's higher reliance could make it more susceptible to price fluctuations and supply disruptions in the global market, impacting its production costs and agricultural sector development.

China v Japan

In terms of Agricultural raw materials imports as a percentage of total merchandise imports, China, People's Republic of stands at 2.88% while Japan is at 1.51%. China's higher percentage indicates a greater reliance on imported agricultural raw materials for its industrial sector compared to Japan. This could give China a diversified source of raw materials but also exposes it to global price fluctuations. Japan's lower percentage suggests a more self-sufficient approach which could provide stability but limit access to diverse resources. For China, this statistic reflects its rapid industrialization and reliance on imports for economic growth, while for Japan, it signifies a focus on domestic production and potentially higher production costs.



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