'import-driven' originates from the combination of 'import' and 'driven,' where 'import' refers to bringing goods into a country, and 'driven' implies being motivated or propelled by something.

'Import' comes from the Latin word 'importare,' meaning 'to bring in,' and 'driven' is the past participle of 'drive,' from Old English 'drīfan.'

Initially, 'import-driven' simply described economies or activities propelled by imports, and this meaning has remained consistent.