import
verb (used with object)
to bring in (merchandise, commodities, workers, etc.) from a foreign country for use, sale, processing, reexport, or services.
have been importing
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present perfect progressiveof import.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Henry Thompson, a former expert on the U.N.’s Yemen sanctions panel, said there is evidence that the Houthis have been importing components for solid-fuel ballistic missiles from China for at least two years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026
Other Indian steelmakers have been importing bulk quantities of coal from Russia, trade data reviewed by Reuters showed.
From Reuters ● Jun. 21, 2022
Germany and other countries have been importing an excess of gas to fill storage facilities.
From New York Times ● Jun. 15, 2022
Although U.S. networks have been importing and “translating” British shows since the days of All in the Family and Sanford and Son, contemporary viewers have more access to both original inspirations and subsequent interpretations.
From Slate ● Aug. 24, 2012
There have been rumors that wealthy people in the Philippines who own private estates in the rain forest have been importing African animals illegally, releasing them into the Philippine jungle, and hunting them.
From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston
