In an effort to boost the local textile industry, Country Y intends to decrease the import of finished clothing and instead start importing raw fabric. Although this new strategy will incur slightly higher costs due to tariffs, it is expected to alleviate the struggles of the domestic clothing manufacturers who are currently facing tough competition from cheaper imported garments. Thus, increasing the import of raw fabric is deemed a more beneficial choice for the economy of Country Y compared to importing finished clothing.

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

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

Country Y has consistently encountered a lack of raw fabric suitable for producing various types of clothing that are commercially viable.

Sourcing natural fibers in Country Y is challenging and constitutes a significant portion of the overall production costs for clothing.

Even with increased imports of raw fabric, Country Y may still need to import a considerable amount of finished clothing to meet the rising demand from its growing population, supplementing local production.

Correct

With the influx of imported raw fabric, local textile manufacturers may increase their prices, placing a financial strain on domestic clothing producers.

In a decade, investing in local fiber production is expected to be a more economical option than importing fabric from abroad.

See the full step-by-step explanation

You can see the correct answer above. Sign in for free to unlock the complete worked solution.

Track your performance and improve

Get detailed analytics, unlock full explanations, and move up difficulty tiers as you practice.

Start for free Sign in

Explanation

Preview

Official Explanation

Official

The argument suggests that importing raw fabric will help the local textile industry by reducing competition from cheaper finished clothing. However, if Country Y still needs to import a significant amount of finished clothing to satisfy the demand of its growing…

Read the full explanation

Create free account Sign in

Comments

PatrickJan 27, 2025

thanks for posting

HassanDec 25, 2024

can you explain more?

KabitaOct 28, 2024

thanks

What this question tests

What it tests

Whether you can identify the option that most undermines an argument's conclusion.

Common trap

Choosing an irrelevant objection or one that attacks the premise rather than the reasoning.