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Issues No. 4. Import Surges: What are the contributing domestic factors?

Surges in imports are often thought of as being caused primarily by factors outside national boundaries, including those deriving from various types of unfair trade practices. (However, case studies and detailed analysis indicate that some of the factors operating within countries may be far more important and widespread in determining the onset of import surges. In order to ensure appropriate policy responses, developing countries need to carefully assess whether factors operating within the domestic market, rather than external factors, are responsible for surges in imports.