Net Importer

A net importer is a country or territory whose value of imported goods and services is higher than its exported goods and services over a given period of time. A net importer, by definition, runs a current account deficit in the aggregate; however, it may run deficits or surpluses with individual countries or territories depending on the types of goods and services traded, competitiveness of these goods and services, exchange rates, levels of government spending, trade barriers, etc.