The agency assessed the ratio of import value to GDP for the 25 countries with the highest nominal economic output. On average, import dependence among these major economies stood at 25.3%.
Russia’s import-to-GDP ratio came in at just 13%, nearly half the global average. Only three countries were less dependent: Argentina (9.6%), the United States (11.2%), and Brazil (12.6%). China rounded out the top five with 13.8%. Notably, all five are major food producers—a strategic sector often linked to lower external reliance.
Other countries with relatively low import dependence include Indonesia (16.2%), Australia (16.5%), Japan (18.5%), India (18.6%), and Saudi Arabia (20.1%), all ranking in the top ten.
On the opposite end, Belgium leads in import dependence, with foreign goods equaling more than half its GDP. The Netherlands follows closely at 50.2%. Both countries serve as major trade hubs within the EU and often act as intermediaries in global commerce.