Oct 19 IELTS Writing

• IELTS writing, speaking,wordlist
• water wave chapter 7 and part of chapter 8

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 not unusual for consumers to purchase products imported from overseas, including food and clothing. I personally think it is a positive development, although it may cause damage to the environment.

Imported products can benefit consumers by improving the standard of living. Imports are normally from countries which have comparative advantages, such as natural endowment, the availability of skilled labour and advanced technology, in the production of these products. These imports may fill unmet demands in the target market, where domestic businesses may not have technology or expertise to guarantee sufficient output, or intensify the competition in the market, which can drive down prices. Consumers can benefit from the greater variety of goods available on supermarket shelves and meanwhile enjoy a lower price, provided that the market is not distorted by high tariffs. A classic example is China-made textile products, which are now everywhere around the world and allow consumers worldwide to cut the spending on clothing, footwear, bed linens and blankets.

Importing can also promote economic growth of countries involved. Local producers can draw inspiration from foreign competitors about different aspects of business management, ranging from the design of a product, packaging and logistics to marketing. Small companies of less developed countries may innovate and optimise their own systems to upgrade their own offerings, which can help them grow the business. Meanwhile, importing and exporting go hand in hand, as it improves and strengthens the economic ties between countries. While importing commodities from abroad, merchants may also consider the possibility of exporting locally-produced products to other parts of the world. This can generate revenue for countries which struggle to grow the economy when the domestic market growth is stagnant.

The downside of importing products is that it may have its environmental cost. In most cases, it involves the long-haul transportation, which relies on the use of different models of transport, including air planes and road transport, all of which can emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The dramatic increase in carbon dioxide emissions can cause various environmental issues, such as rising world temperatures and frequent extreme weather events, which can have long-term impacts on the well-being of people.

In conclusion, I believe that importing products has a beneficial effect on consumers although it can cause damage to the environment.