It's often superficial similarities that get called out. Like crude oil. People talk about crude oil like it's all the same, when in fact it's very different based on where it's coming from: Not all countries have the capability to refine all oil.

So, it might make sense to import oil from a source that your country can refine and export your domestic-derived oil to other countries that can refine it, perhaps at a higher price or for geo-political reasons.