'import-dependent' originates from the combination of 'import' and 'dependent', where 'import' is derived from Latin 'importare', meaning 'to bring in', and 'dependent' from Latin 'dependere', meaning 'to hang from'.

'importare' transformed into the Old French 'importer', and eventually became the modern English word 'import'. 'Dependere' transformed into the Old French 'depondre', and eventually became the modern English word 'dependent'.

Initially, 'import' meant 'to bring in goods', and 'dependent' meant 'relying on something'. The combined term 'import-dependent' evolved to mean 'relying heavily on imports'.