Many of the country's biggest importers and roasters are based in the metropolitan area.

China is a big importer of American aircraft, agricultural products, machinery and textile technology.

But the Germans say they are already big importers.

India is the world's biggest importer of gold, buying a record 960 tonnes last year alone.

This has helped make it a big importer of garbage.

Now it is the world's biggest importer of soy oil, meal and beans.

Despite its concern, Europe is still the biggest importer of tropical timber.

South Africa was one of its big importers.

Japan is the biggest importer of American farm products, particularly grain.

The Community is one of the biggest importers of food in the world.