It can be observed that many nations frequently choose import significant amounts of national food from other countries. Although this tendency could create certain positive impacts, I believe these are far outweighed by the harms of doing so.
Admittedly, importing food from other parts of the world may bring certain benefits. One of the primary advantages is the diversity of food sources. Individuals can have access to foreign products that are not available in the country. For example, Vietnam is a country that does not have blueberries, cherries, and kiwis, but thanks to imports from other nations, people have the opportunity to experience and enjoy these fruits. Moreover, this trend may boost the economy. This means that some countries can profit from exported products, contributing to national development. For instance, Vietnam often imports rice, which help the population sell a large amounts of agricultural products, contributing to national developments.
Nevertheless, the drawbacks of importing are more significant and long-term. One major concern is that such a policy can create a competitive markoet WHERE local products must compete with foreign food, making it difficult for native farmers. Individuals may think that imported foods are better than local ones, leading them to opt for the former. Additionally, this trend may contribute to overdependence on foreign sources. If the supply chain is interrupted due to natural disasters, some countries that rely on imports may deal with food shortages. Take YEMEN as an example, due to importing around 90% of its food during the COVID-19 pandemic, people were on the brink of starvation.
In conclusion, while importing food from other countries may provide certain conveniences to a nation, the disadvantages of this practice are more impactful. Based on the aforementioned arguments, I contend that the import of large amounts of food is an overall negative trend.