IT IS BETTER TO IMPORT RATHER THAN PRODUCE OUR OWN

WHY MUST WE IMPORT? 

IMPORTING FOOD BENEFITS

1. Good Quality Foods. Imported foods have an ensured quality compared to local agricultural
products because importers consider that their customers must be satisfied with their quality to
gain repeat orders. The strict implementation of imported foods quality checking is not
compromised compared to the quality checking of our local agricultural products. 

2. Reduced Costs. Oftentimes, it is cheaper to import and transport food than to produce it in our
country. At first, it may seem costly to import products, but if we think about it, we can reduce
expenses in importing. This happens because, in other countries, the dollar is worth more. These
importing countries offer lower prices for their food which is an advantage on our part. 

3. More Choices. Importing foods allows people to have more choices. By importing we can
choose the best products. Our country's tropical climate and type of land cannot produce all kinds
of products throughout the year. By importing, we can enjoy all the agricultural products not
present in our country anytime we desire. Patronizing imported goods does not mean buying
foreign-made products; it may just mean using foreign ingredients that give products the specific
taste we've grown to love. 

4. Economic Growth. Contrary to the beliefs of farmers and food producers that were importing
food results in unemployment, there are more reasons behind this case. An example is the choice
of young people to work in cities rather than in fields related to farming, which can result in a
shortage of locally produced food, making importing a necessity rather than a choice.
Furthermore, it is also believed that when a country imports goods, it means an outflow of
demand from that country. Importing means an active domestic market in your country with a
growing economy. International trade is one of the factors that can increase the level of
economic growth. 

5. Energy Efficiency. Importing food is energy efficient because the point used in other
countries, such as Kenya, is much lower than the energy we use here for the same product.
Energy efficiency is beneficial for the environment. By consuming imported foods, we save
money, our government saves money, and we can give jobs to more people worldwide. 

6. Availability of Imported Fruits in Local Markets. Not all agricultural products are available
in the local market. There are agricultural products that Filipino consumers can only enjoy by
importing. Fruits such as apples, oranges, grapes, kiwi, and pears are some of the most loved
fruits in our country, which cannot be grown locally because we are in a tropical country. 

7. Becoming a Leader in the Industry. One of the essential benefits of importing is the
opportunity to become a market leader in one's chosen Industry. Importing can be a chance to
introduce new and unique agricultural products – such as raw products or products with imported
ingredients- to the market. Introducing a fresh product could mean becoming a leader in a
particular industry. 

POSSIBLE ARGUMENTS

1. Decreased Nutritional Value. Imported agricultural goods mean having a long time for
product delivery. The nutritional value of goods can be compromised in this case.

Rebuttal:  
It is uncommon for importers to experience delays in delivering imported products. Since
importation would take long hours to finish, importers get ready by ensuring that the agricultural
goods reach their destination as soon as possible. 

2. Increased Food Waste. Bruising and spoiling of agricultural products are common in
importation. This can result in increased food waste. 

Rebuttal: 
Damaged and spoiled agricultural products may not be eaten anymore, but they could be
maximized for other uses. The seeds of the damaged and spoiled agricultural products may be
preserved and reused in planting. Seriously damaged products may be used as fertilizers as well. 

3. Unethical Work Force. Importing could mean lesser job opportunities for local farmers and
food producers. 

Rebuttal: 
This may be the most serious disadvantage of importing, however, if we are going to think of it.
Importing could also give more jobs to people worldwide, and many Filipinos working abroad
could also benefit from this making the scenario less unethical. 

4. Cheap Food Imports Reduce the Market for Domestic Agricultural Products. Consumers
prefer cheaper products, and imported goods include in that preference. 

Rebuttal: 
Not all local consumers prefer buying imported products much cheaper than domestic
agricultural products. There are still a lot of local citizens who prefer buying locally-grown
products. There are still more people who prioritize and patronize local products than those who
are just prioritizing product costs. 

5. Importing aims to expand the Domestic Economy. Importing means expanding the
domestic economy, this is in favor of other countries’ economies. 

Rebuttal: Importing means more than favorable situations for exporting countries. Importing is
beneficial to all, including the country which imports. Importing creates equal benefits for all,
thus making all countries to be productive in their role as exporters or importers. 
6. Decreased Sales Potential for Local Agricultural Products. While exporting means an
increase in sales potential, importing, on the other hand, results on the contrary. Instead of
gaining from exporting, other countries are the ones gaining from us. 

Rebuttal: 
Decreased sales for local agricultural products lead our farmers and food producers to be more
resourceful in thinking of new strategies to make new products out of the local agricultural
products and still be able to sell them for a reasonable price. 

7. Decreased Local Profits. Decreased sales of local agricultural products would also mean
decreased local profits. 

Rebuttal: 
Decreased local profits would challenge farmers and food producers. Instead of considering the
situation unfavorable, they may consider growing other food varieties that cannot be imported
and focus on its production. 

8. Imports Increase Competition in the Market. Imported products and local agriculture
products have serious competition in the market. Imported products are often more prioritized
than our goods. 

Rebuttal: 
Competition cannot be regarded as a negative word. Competition may lead to a better variety of
products sold in the market. It could also lead to better formulation of products out of our local
agriculture products. 

9. Trade Deficit Due to Exceeding Importation.

A rising level of imports and a growing trade deficit can have a negative effect on a country's
exchange rate (Kramer, 2022). 
 
Rebuttal: A trade deficit means having a stable economy, and it is proven to positively affect the
deficit country in the coming years. In addition, trade deficits can help countries to avoid
shortages of goods and other economic problems. In some countries, trade deficits correct
themselves over time (Bloomenthal, 2020). 

10. Opting for Local Food Means less Plastic. Importing means more plastic usage, which
results in more garbage accumulation. 

Rebuttal: Importing would need to secure goods that would require plastic usage. However, the
plastic used in importing can be reused and recycled, so it would not be considered a
disadvantage. 
REFERENCES: 

Bloomenthal, A. (2020, November 20). Trade Deficit: Definition, When It Occurs, and
Examples. Investopedia. Retrieved
from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/trade_deficit

 Kramer, L. (2022, January 30). How Importing and Exporting Affects the Economy.
Investopedia. Retrieved
from https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/100813/interesting-facts-about-
imports-and-exports

What are the Benefits of Importing and Exporting of Products? (n.d.). A & A Website. Retrieved
from https://www.aacb.com/benefits-of-importing-and-exporting/