1.   Thus the larger is n, the lower the effective price of intermediate inputs.

2.   Depreciation of the ringgit and rising interest rates have increased the cost of production, especially where raw materials and intermediate inputs are imported.

3.   However, it appears that a large part of such trade involves intermediate inputs, implying it will not help much with a U.S. slowdown, it added.

4.   In its report on national productivity, NPC warned that continued dependence on imported intermediate inputs will adversely affect productivity and competitiveness.

5.   This would be an advantage as long as the gains in export prices exceed the rise in import prices of intermediate inputs.