An importer is an entity that buys goods or services from a foreign country for sale in their own country.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Person or company importing goods from abroad.
- Connects foreign markets to domestic ones.
- Essential in international trade operations.
Overview
进口商（Jìnkǒu shāng）是一个在国际贸易中至关重要的词汇，指的是那些从国外购买商品或服务，并将其运入本国销售的个人或企业。他们扮演着连接不同国家经济体、满足国内市场需求、引入新产品和技术的重要角色。进口商需要具备对国际市场、物流、海关法规以及目标市场消费者偏好的深刻理解。
“进口商”一词通常用作名词，指代从事进口业务的实体。在句子中，它常与“公司”、“企业”、“个人”等词搭配，描述其身份或角色。例如，“这家公司是一家大型的汽车进口商。” “作为一名进口商，他需要了解最新的贸易政策。” 此外，它也可以作为动词“进口”的施事者出现，如“他是我们产品的进口商。”
这个词最常出现在与国际贸易、商业、经济、物流和市场营销相关的语境中。例如，在新闻报道中，可能会讨论某个国家的进口商对经济的影响；在商业合同中，会明确进口商的权利和义务；在行业展会上，进口商是参展商重点关注的对象；在讨论消费品时，也会提及主要的进口商。
与“进口商”相似的词汇包括“代理商”（Dàilǐ shāng）和“经销商”（Jīngxiāo shāng）。“代理商”通常代表外国公司在本国进行销售，但可能不直接拥有货物所有权，其收入主要来自佣金。而“经销商”则可能从进口商或制造商处购买商品，然后转售给最终消费者，他们通常拥有库存并承担更大的销售风险。“进口商”的核心在于“进口”这一行为，即从国外购入商品。
Examples
这家公司是日本高端电子产品的进口商。
everydayThis company is an importer of high-end Japanese electronics.
作为主要的葡萄酒进口商，我们需要确保所有产品符合中国的食品安全标准。
formalAs a major wine importer, we need to ensure all products comply with China's food safety standards.
他靠做服装进口商发了财。
informalHe got rich by being a clothing importer.
该研究旨在分析本地进口商在促进技术转移中的作用。
academicThis study aims to analyze the role of local importers in facilitating technology transfer.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
成为一名进口商
to become an importer
服装进口商
clothing importer
进口商的责任
importer's responsibilities
Often Confused With
An 'exporter' (出口商) sells goods from their own country to other countries, whereas an 'importer' (进口商) buys goods from other countries to sell in their own country. They represent opposite directions of trade.
An 'agent' (代理商) often acts on behalf of a foreign company, facilitating sales without necessarily taking ownership of the goods. An 'importer' (进口商) typically buys goods outright and assumes ownership.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term 'importer' is primarily used in business and trade contexts. It is a neutral term and can refer to individuals or large corporations. When discussing specific types of goods, you might hear more specific terms like 'food importer' or 'tech importer'.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 'importer' with 'exporter' or 'agent'. Remember that an importer brings goods *into* a country, an exporter sends them *out*, and an agent may facilitate sales without owning the goods.
Tips
Understand Market Demand
Before becoming an importer, thoroughly research the demand for the products you plan to import in your domestic market.
Beware of Tariffs
Import duties and tariffs can significantly increase the cost of imported goods. Always factor these into your pricing strategy.
Cultural Nuances Matter
Understanding cultural differences in business practices and consumer preferences is crucial for successful importing and sales.
Word Origin
The word 'importer' comes from the verb 'import', which originates from the Latin 'importare', meaning 'to bring in'. The suffix '-er' denotes the person or thing that performs the action.
Cultural Context
In many cultures, importers play a vital role in diversifying the consumer market and making global products accessible. Their success often reflects the openness of a country's economy to international trade.
Memory Tip
Think of 'import' as bringing something 'in'. An 'importer' is the person or company doing the bringing in of goods from another country.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions进口商是从国外购买商品并引入本国销售，而出口商则是将本国商品销售到国外。他们是国际贸易中方向相反的参与者。
成为进口商通常需要了解国际贸易规则、熟悉目标市场、具备一定的资金实力、建立可靠的物流和供应链，并可能需要注册相关的营业执照。
进口商的主要职责包括寻找和采购外国商品、处理国际运输和清关手续、确保商品符合本国法规、进行市场推广和销售，以及管理库存和售后服务。
在中国，进口商通常就直接称为“进口商”。有时根据具体业务，也可能被称为“进口贸易公司”或“进口代理商”等。
Test Yourself
这家公司是欧洲高端汽车在中国的唯一 ______。
句子描述的是从欧洲进口汽车到中国销售的角色，因此“进口商”最符合语境。
以下哪个选项最能描述进口商的主要活动？
进口商的核心业务是从国外购买商品，然后带入本国进行销售。
请用“进口商”、“服装”、“寻找”、“新的”和“潜在”来构建一个句子。
这个句子结构完整，意思清晰，表明进口商正在寻找新的服装产品。
Score: /3
Summary
An importer is an entity that buys goods or services from a foreign country for sale in their own country.
- Person or company importing goods from abroad.
- Connects foreign markets to domestic ones.
- Essential in international trade operations.
Understand Market Demand
Before becoming an importer, thoroughly research the demand for the products you plan to import in your domestic market.
Beware of Tariffs
Import duties and tariffs can significantly increase the cost of imported goods. Always factor these into your pricing strategy.
Cultural Nuances Matter
Understanding cultural differences in business practices and consumer preferences is crucial for successful importing and sales.
Examples
4 of 4这家公司是日本高端电子产品的进口商。
This company is an importer of high-end Japanese electronics.
作为主要的葡萄酒进口商，我们需要确保所有产品符合中国的食品安全标准。
As a major wine importer, we need to ensure all products comply with China's food safety standards.
他靠做服装进口商发了财。
He got rich by being a clothing importer.
该研究旨在分析本地进口商在促进技术转移中的作用。
This study aims to analyze the role of local importers in facilitating technology transfer.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More business words
本事
A2Skill; ability; capability.
相应地
B1Correspondingly.
账号
A2account (e.g., bank, online)
会计
A2accounting, accountant
客户经理
A2account manager
账户
B1A record of financial transactions for an individual or business, usually at a bank; or a user profile for a digital service.
收购
B1To purchase; to acquire (a company).
商业活动
A2Business activity.
广告费
A2Advertising expenses.
调整
B1To change something slightly in order to make it more correct, effective, or suitable.
