Imports of goods and services (current US$)



Countries By Imports of goods and services (current US$)



Key points



Official Definition of Imports of goods and services (current US$)

Imports of goods and services represent the value of all goods and other market services received from the rest of the world. They include the value of merchandise, freight, insurance, transport, travel, royalties, license fees, and other services, such as communication, construction, financial, information, business, personal, and government services. They exclude compensation of employees and investment income (formerly called factor services) and transfer payments. Data are in current U.S. dollars.



Importance

Imports of goods and services are a crucial macroeconomic statistic for a country as they signify the value of all goods and services received from the rest of the world. A high value of imports indicates that a country is relying heavily on foreign products and services to meet its demands, which can have both positive and negative implications.



Top 10 Countries by Imports of goods and services (current US$)

Bottom 10 Countries by Imports of goods and services (current US$)



Regions

Europe

Imports of goods and services reveal significant disparities among the listed countries. Germany leads with $1.46 trillion, followed by the United Kingdom at $784.59 billion. While Germany and the United Kingdom benefit from diversified economies and strong global trade ties, smaller economies like Montenegro and Iceland with imports of $2.91 billion and $7.50 billion respectively, face challenges of scale and dependence on specific imports. High import values, such as Belgium's $403.29 billion, indicate a robust economy but also vulnerability to external market fluctuations. For countries like Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is potential for economic growth by diversifying imports and reducing trade deficits. Overall, imports play a crucial role in shaping economic development and resilience to external shocks for each country.

Far East: East Asia, SE Asia, Australia

The data shows varying levels of imports of goods and services among the listed countries. Countries like Japan, China, and Singapore have significantly high values, indicating a strong reliance on imports for their economies. These countries benefit from access to a wide range of goods and services, boosting economic growth but making them vulnerable to global market fluctuations. Meanwhile, countries like Brunei and Cambodia have lower import values, suggesting a more self-sufficient economy but potentially limiting access to diverse products and services. The impact of this statistic on each country's development lies in its ability to stimulate economic activity through trade but also poses risks in terms of dependency and trade deficits.

ASEAN

The data on imports of goods and services reveals significant disparities among the countries listed. Singapore stands out with the highest import value, indicating its strong reliance on foreign goods and services. Malaysia also shows a substantial import value, reflecting its position as a trade-oriented economy. Indonesia and Vietnam follow with notable import figures, signaling their integration into the global market. Thailand and Brunei exhibit moderate import levels, while Cambodia and the Philippines have comparatively lower values. For Singapore and Malaysia, high imports signify economic growth but also vulnerability to external shocks. Indonesia and Vietnam benefit from diversification but face trade deficits. Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, and the Philippines have room to boost domestic production for self-sufficiency and trade balance improvements.

Latin America

Imports of goods and services for the listed countries vary significantly, with Mexico having the highest value at approximately $421.73 billion USD and Cuba the lowest at $8.07 billion USD. Brazil follows closely behind Mexico with $233.94 billion USD. This statistic reflects the economic activity and trade relationships of each country with the rest of the world. Countries heavily reliant on imports, like Cuba and Bolivia, may face challenges in terms of trade deficits and dependency. On the other hand, countries like Brazil and Mexico, with high import values, often have access to a wide range of goods and services, supporting economic growth but also potentially leading to trade imbalances and vulnerability to external shocks. Each country's development is influenced by the efficiency of their import utilization and management of trade balance, impacting their economic stability and growth prospects.

Middle East

The data on Imports of goods and services (current US$) shows diverse economic landscapes among the listed countries. For instance, countries like the United Arab Emirates and Turkey exhibit high import values, reflecting strong economic activity and global integration. On the other hand, countries like Syria and Armenia have lower import values, indicating potential economic challenges and limited market access. High imports can signal strong domestic demand but may also lead to trade imbalances and dependency on foreign goods. Conversely, lower imports may suggest economic constraints but could also highlight self-sufficiency efforts. Overall, this statistic plays a crucial role in shaping each country's development trajectory and trade dynamics.



Rivals

Anglosphere v BRICS

Imports of goods and services play a crucial role in the economic development of countries. Among the selected nations, the United States stands out with the highest import value of $2.78 trillion, indicating its strong economic dependence on foreign goods and services. Canada follows with $524.57 billion, highlighting its significant trade relationships. China leads globally with $2.37 trillion, showcasing its dominance in global trade. India's $510.24 billion reflects its growing economy. Each country's level of imports reflects its consumption patterns, industrial needs, and trade openness. While high imports can indicate economic strength and consumer choice, over-reliance may lead to trade deficits and vulnerability to currency fluctuations, impacting long-term sustainable growth and strategic autonomy.

Russia v Ukraine

Imports of goods and services for the Russian Federation amount to $305.26 billion, significantly higher than Ukraine's $63.17 billion. This stark contrast reflects the difference in the two countries' economic sizes and diversification. The Russian Federation's heavy reliance on imports indicates a strong consumer demand and industrial needs, highlighting its economic strength but also vulnerability to external disruptions. In contrast, Ukraine's lower imports suggest a comparatively smaller economy with potential limitations in consumption and industrial capabilities. While high imports can drive economic growth, it also exposes countries to external shocks and trade imbalances, requiring sound economic management and diversification strategies for sustainable development.

France v United Kingdom

France and the United Kingdom both have substantial imports of goods and services, with France importing approximately $779.78 billion and the United Kingdom importing about $784.59 billion in current US dollars. The United Kingdom's slightly higher imports could indicate a larger demand for foreign goods and services compared to France. For France, this high level of imports may boost its economy by providing a variety of goods and services to consumers and businesses, enhancing competitiveness. However, reliance on imports can also make the country vulnerable to external economic shocks. In contrast, the United Kingdom's strong imports may signify its role as a global trade hub but could also lead to trade deficits if domestic production lags behind. Overall, these import levels for both countries reflect their interconnectedness with the global economy and the importance of international trade for their economic development.

Israel v Iran

Iran recorded Imports of goods and services totaling $58.46 billion, while Israel imported goods and services amounting to $96.90 billion. Israel's higher import value suggests a more significant reliance on foreign goods and services compared to Iran. This high import rate indicates Israel's need to access international markets for its economic sustenance, exposing it to global market volatility. Conversely, Iran's relatively lower imports signify a potentially more self-reliant economy but may also point to limited access to diverse international products and services. The impact of this statistic on both countries' development lies in their ability to manage trade balances, ensure economic stability, and foster domestic industries' competitiveness.

Saudi Arabia v Iran

Iran reported imports of goods and services amounting to approximately $58.5 billion, while Saudi Arabia's imports totaled around $182.2 billion. In comparison, Saudi Arabia's imports greatly surpass Iran's, highlighting Saudi Arabia's larger economy and more diversified market services. The advantage for Saudi Arabia lies in its ability to access a wide range of goods and services, enhancing domestic consumption and economic growth. However, this high import reliance can also be a disadvantage, making the economy vulnerable to global market fluctuations. For Iran, importing a lower value of goods and services may indicate a more self-reliant economy but could also point to potential limitations in access to foreign goods and services, hindering economic development. Ultimately, a high import value can strain a country's trade balance and foreign reserves, impacting its overall economic stability and development trajectory.

India v Pakistan

India has a significantly higher value for Imports of goods and services compared to Pakistan, indicating a larger volume of international trade activities. This reflects India's more diversified economy and stronger position in global markets. The advantage for India lies in access to a wider range of goods and services, fostering economic growth and stability. However, this dependence on imports may also pose a risk in terms of economic vulnerability and reliance on foreign resources. For Pakistan, lower import values may suggest a more focused economy but could also indicate limitations in terms of market diversification. This statistic highlights the importance of trade policies and economic strategies for both countries, influencing their development trajectory and resilience in the face of global economic fluctuations.

Turkey v Greece

In 2021, Greece reported imports of goods and services worth approximately $74.97 billion, while Turkey recorded imports amounting to about $232.11 billion. Turkey's significantly higher import value compared to Greece indicates a larger volume of foreign trade and reliance on imports for its economy. This suggests that Turkey may have a more diversified market with a higher demand for foreign goods. However, Turkey's heavy dependence on imports could make it vulnerable to external shocks and currency fluctuations. On the other hand, Greece's lower import value may signify a more self-sufficient economy with potentially lower exposure to global market risks. For Greece, this could promote domestic production and support local industries, but it may also limit access to international goods and innovations, potentially hindering competitiveness and economic growth.

China v Japan

China, the People's Republic of, has imports of goods and services valued at approximately $2.37 trillion, while Japan's imports total around $798.65 billion. China's high import value reflects its status as a global manufacturing hub and consumer market, enabling a diverse range of services and goods to flow into the country. This indicates China's economic strength and integration with the global economy. However, it may also signal a reliance on imports for key resources. In contrast, Japan's imports, though lower, demonstrate its position as a technologically advanced economy with a focus on high-value goods and services. This reliance on imports may suggest a need to fortify domestic production capabilities to reduce vulnerabilities to external shocks.



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