In an effort to boost the local textile industry, Country Y intends to decrease the import of finished textile products and instead start importing raw cotton. Although this shift may incur slightly higher costs due to tariffs, it is expected to support the struggling domestic textile sector, which is currently facing tough competition from cheaper imported textiles. Thus, increasing the import of raw cotton is deemed a more beneficial strategy for the economy of Country Y compared to importing finished textile products.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines this argument?