The downstream change in the composition of imports: for example, if the importation of copper ore is restricted, through either voluntary restraints or quotas, producing countries may opt to shift their production systems and produce copper wire instead, which they can export. As a result, initially narrowly defined protectionistic measures may snowball in order to protect one downstream industry after another.
Import control may provide the industry with a level of safety and a cushion of increased income, subsequently causing it to lag behind in technological advancements.