In some countries, it is now possible for people to buy products made in other countries. To what extent do the benefits of this development outweigh the problems.

In some countries, it is now possible for people to buy products made in other countries. To what extent do the benefits of this development outweigh the problems.

Today, it is common for customers to purchase products imported from overseas, including cosmetics, clothing and food. I think it is a positive trend in general, although it may cause damage to the environment.

Imported products could benefit consumers by improving their standard of living. Imported goods are normally from countries that have comparative advantages such as natural endowment, more advanced technologies or more skilled and cheaper labor. These drive down their prime cost and selling prices. These products could fill the unmet demands of products that local producers don’t have technologies or expertise to guarantee sufficient output. In addition, imported products could intensify the competitions in the markets, which will force manufacturers to cut prices. Customers can benefit from the greater variety of products and meanwhile enjoy the lower prices. For example, many countries have been importing textile products from china, and their people could purchase products, such as clothes, bed linen and blankets, in lower prices.

The downside of importing products from overseas is that it may have a harmful effect on environment. Importing products most probably require long-haul transportation that mainly relies on tools such as airplanes and trains. These vehicles will cause much greenhouse-gases emission. The too-high concentration of greenhouse gases will raise the global temperature, which can cause many dire consequences such as rising sea level and storms. These consequences have a long-term impact on people’s life.

In conclusion, importing products has a beneficial effect on consumers although it also has environmental cost.