tuontisuhde

Tuontisuhde, often translated as import ratio, is an economic term that describes the proportion of a country's total consumption or gross domestic product that is met by imported goods and services. It is calculated by dividing the value of imports by the value of total domestic consumption or GDP. A higher tuontisuhde indicates a greater reliance on foreign products and services, while a lower tuontisuhde suggests a more self-sufficient economy.

This metric can be used to analyze a country's trade balance, its vulnerability to external economic shocks, and the competitiveness of its domestic industries. For instance, a rapidly increasing import ratio might signal a decline in domestic production or a surge in consumer demand that cannot be met locally. Conversely, a decreasing import ratio could indicate a strengthening of domestic manufacturing or a slowdown in economic activity.

The tuontisuhde is influenced by various factors, including trade policies, exchange rates, global commodity prices, and the availability of domestic resources. Policymakers often monitor this ratio to assess the health of their economy and to inform decisions related to trade agreements, industrial policy, and currency management. It provides a valuable snapshot of a nation's integration into the global economy and its internal economic structure.