Import Cover Definition
Question
Which of the following best describes the term 'import cover', sometimes seen in the news?
Options
It is the ratio of value of imports to the Gross Domestic Product of a country
It is the total value of imports of a country in a year
It is the ratio between the value of exports and that of imports between two countries
It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country's international reserves
Explanation
Import cover is a measure of a country's external stability and economic health. It represents the number of months of imports that a country can finance with its current international reserves (foreign exchange reserves, gold, etc.) without earning any additional foreign exchange. For example, if import cover is 8 months, it means the country has sufficient reserves to cover 8 months of imports. This indicator is closely watched by economists and policymakers as it reflects the adequacy of a country's external liquidity position. Option a describes the import intensity ratio, option b is just total imports value, and option c describes the export-import ratio. > Import Cover = Months of Imports Coverable by Reserves. Answer: d.
Question details
Year
2016
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q18
Subject
Economy
Sub-topic
International Trade Terminology
Type
Factual single
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
Economic Terminology, Foreign Exchange Management
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