import
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import
The process of bringing goods or services from abroad into one's own country. The opposite is export.
Der Import von Elektronik aus Asien ist in den letzten Jahren stark gestiegen.
The import of electronics from Asia has risen sharply in recent years.
The word comes from the Latin 'importare', which means 'to carry in' (im- = in, portare = to carry). This structure also helps you understand the opposite, 'der Export' (export) (ex- = out).
Der Import von Gütern ist für unsere Wirtschaft von großer Bedeutung.
The import of goods is of great importance for our economy.
'Der Import' (import) belongs to a word family. The related verb is 'importieren' (to import), and the person or company that imports is 'der Importeur' (importer).
Die Firma hat sich auf das Importieren von Spezialitäten spezialisiert.
The company has specialized in importing specialty products.
When the process is meant, 'Import' is usually singular. When the goods themselves are meant, the plural 'die Importe' (imports) is often used, or the singular is used with reference to a specific product.
Die Regierung will den Import von Rohstoffen fördern.
The government wants to promote the import of raw materials.
When talking about the process of importing, the structure is often used: der Import VON [goods] AUS [country] (the import OF [goods] FROM [country]).
Der Import von Wein aus Italien hat zugenommen.
The import of wine from Italy has increased.
export
'der Export' and 'der Import' both describe trade with foreign countries, but from opposite directions. With export, goods or services go from one's own country to another country. With import, goods or services come from abroad into one's own country. The words are easy to confuse because they often appear together in economic texts. Remember: export means outward, import means inward.
Der Import von Kaffee ist für viele Firmen wichtig.
The import of coffee is important for many companies.
Im Sommer steigt der Export von Obst in die Nachbarländer.
In summer, the export of fruit to neighboring countries increases.