Both imports and exports are considered international trade but differ in many aspects. The biggest imports vs exports difference lies in the flow of goods. While imports lead to the inflow of goods into a country, exports lead to the outflow of goods from a country.
Let’s take a closer look at exports vs. imports here:
| International trade | Both imports and exports are a part of international trade |
| Flow of goods | Imports lead to inflow while exports lead to an outflow of goods |
| Flow of funds | Imports lead to outflow while exports lead to inflow of money |
| Impact on currency | Imports weaken while exports strengthen the currency value |
Table of Contents
What are imports?
The inflow of goods or services into the country from other nations is known as imports.
What are exports?
The outflow of goods or services from the country to other nations is known as exports.
Imports vs Exports Pros and Cons
Imports Pros and Cons
Pros of Imports
- Imports can make the goods or services available to the nation’s people when they are facing an acute shortage of the same.
- High-quality goods at low prices can be easily made available to any country’s citizens without incurring the setup cost of huge industries.
Cons of Imports
- Imports are a huge burden on any nation’s balance of payments.
- Importing goods or services is known to harm the indigenous industry.
Exports Pros and Cons
Pros of Exports
- It helps in increasing the income of the exporter along with the income of the country.
- Exports help in exercising name domination of the company or country-specific at a global scale.
- Exports help in generating new employment opportunities in the country.
Cons of Exports
- Exports can lead to a shortage of the said goods or services inside the country.
- Exports can be a tedious task given the bureaucracy and legalities to be adhered to. This, in turn, can be a financial burden on the firm and nation’s resources.
Import vs. Export Examples
Let’s explore imports and exports examples for further understanding:
Examples of Imports
- The US purchasing oil from the UAE is an import for the US.
- Australia purchasing German cars is an import for Australia.
Examples of Exports
- Selling oil to other nations by UAE.
- Selling cars to other countries by the US.
Bringing out the Similarities between Imports and Exports for Better Understanding
- Both imports and exports directly impact a country’s foreign exchange rates.
- Both imports and exports involve cross-country movement of goods and services.
5 Key Points of Difference Between Imports and Exports
| Basis | Imports | Exports |
|---|---|---|
| Imports and exports definition | The inflow of goods or services into the country from other nations is known as imports. | The outflow of goods or services from the country to other nations is known as exports. |
| Objective | The main objective of imports is to fill the gaps in supply as per the demanded goods or services in a nation. | Exports are aimed at increasing the cash inflow of the country and making waves in the global trade market. |
| Effect on economy | The Gross Domestic Product of the nation falls if the imports are more than exports. The economy faces trade losses. | If the exports are more than imports, the economy lodges trade profits or surplus. |
| Effect on Balance on Payments | Higher imports imply a negative Balance of Payments meaning the debt of the nation is piling up. | Higher exports imply a positive Balance of Payments and hence, a lower or zero debt bill. |
| Impact on currency | A high import bill of a country weakens its currency value against the US$. | A higher export bill of a country strengthens its currency value against the US$. |
Comparison Chart
Comparison Video
Imports and Exports FAQs
What are Imports and Exports?
Import is buying goods or services from a foreign region. Export is selling goods or services from inside the country to a region outside the domestic territory.
Why Are Exports Important?
Exports are important as they bring in income for the country, thereby, strengthening the economy of the nation.
What are the Three Main Differences between Import and Export?
These three differences will help understand the ‘imports and exports meaning’ better:
- Import happens when goods or services enter the country’s borders and exports happen when the goods or services leave the country’s border.
- Imports are meant to fulfill the shortage of goods and services in the country. Exports are meant to strengthen the nation’s treasury.
- Imports are a burden for a nation’s growth. Exports are a boon for a nation’s growth.
What are the Advantages of Import and Export?
Imports are helpful when there is no or low availability of demanded goods or services in a nation. Whereas exports help in earning foreign currency by selling surplus goods or services produced in a country to nations where they are scarce.
Which Country is the Largest Importer?
The imports and exports of the US reveal that it is the largest importer in the world with more than a $2 trillion annual import bill.
What are the Types of Imports?
Imports are broadly classified into two categories:
- Industrial & consumer goods
- Intermediate goods
What are the Types of Exports?
Exports are broadly classified into two categories:
- Direct exports
- Indirect exports
Who are the Top 3 Importers and Exporters?
The top 3 importers are:
- The US
- China
- Germany
The top 3 exporting countries are:
- China
- The US
- Germany
What is the Best Import-Export Business?
The top imports and exports business is an online fashion and lifestyle retail store.
Which Countries Export More Than Import?
As per the latest statistics, China, Germany, and Japan have more exports than imports.
Conclusion
Both imports and exports are essential parts of international trade. Imports lead to inflow of goods and outflow of money. Exports, on the other hand, lead to an outflow of goods and an inflow of money. The import and export companies contribute largely to a country’s economy. Exports strengthen a country’s economy whereas imports weaken it.
