For items generally available without import markings, yes, the mark is a negative.
However, some items are essentially Only available with import markings- so these would be an
exception to me.
In the world of lugers, Vopo and Russian captures come to mind- though some don't collect them at all, most would be import marked.
In the Japanese world, several rare items are only in this country because they were imported from China in the 80s-90s and bear that import mark. Mukden produced T 99s come to mind,
they were only a "rumor" until about 20 came in via import. If you want one, it will have an
import marking for sure.
So like most things, the answer is a definite "maybe"!
