Import Vs. Export Substitution.

Describe import substitution (Inward looking) developmental strategy, clearly outlining the differences between the first and second stage. Assess its effectiveness in promoting economic development. Compare inward looking and outward looking strategies and discuss the assertion that the latter is superior.

The First Stage of Import Substitution:

All present day industrial and developing countries protect their manufacturing industries for the domestic markets. While the industrial countries of today rely primarily upon the usage of relatively low tariffs, developing countries apply high tariffs or quantitative restrictions which either limit or completely exclude competition from their imports. Protection like that - high protection - discriminates against exports through the explicit/implicit taxation of the export activities.

Explicit taxation can take the form of export taxes whereas implicit taxation occurs as a result of the effects of protection on the exchange rate. As your protection level increases, your exchange rate level will decrease in order to ensure the necessary equilibrium of the balance of payments and the lower the amount of domestic currency exporters receive per unit of foreign exchange earned.

Developing countries excluding Least Developed Cou...

List of countries by leading trade partners

Developing 8 Countries

There is no need for high protection at the first stage of import substitution in the replacement of the imports of non-durable consumer goods (clothing, shoes, household goods, textile fabrics, leather, wood and other types of inputs) since these commodities exist in the developing countries that are at the initial frontier of industrialization.

The commodities I mentioned are intensive in unskilled labor, the scale of output is relatively low, and costs do not rise substantially at lower output levels. The production of the commodities do not involve the use of sophisticated technology or highly educated workers and suppliers for parts, components, materials and accessories are not necessary for highly efficient operations.

An argument for infant industry protection and promotion is made for the...