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Q18·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2016

Import Cover Definition

EconomyInternational Trade TerminologyFactual singleMediumStatic

Question

Which of the following best describes the term 'import cover', sometimes seen in the news?

Options

a

It is the ratio of value of imports to the Gross Domestic Product of a country

b

It is the total value of imports of a country in a year

c

It is the ratio between the value of exports and that of imports between two countries

d

It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country's international reserves

Answer

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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