The act or process of bringing goods, services, or ideas from another country or external source. The business of purchasing and bringing in foreign products.
From Latin 'importare' meaning 'to bring in,' composed of 'in-' (into) and 'portare' (to carry). The noun form with '-ation' suffix developed in English during the 16th century alongside expanding international trade.
Importation has shaped world history more than almost any other economic activity, from the Silk Road to modern global supply chains. The legal distinction between importation and smuggling has driven countless political conflicts and trade wars.
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