32 Import Statistics - Information by Field (Information Research)
Description
This article is from the Information Research FAQ, by David Novak david@spireproject.com with numerous contributions by others.
32 Import Statistics - Information by Field (Information Research)
Once you have decided to reach for trade statistics, reach for the
best. All the general statistics and trade links are of limited
relevance compared to knowing the volume of tuna exported to Japan. We
can try to identify specific exporting firms, potential markets and
existing trade patterns. We list here statistics prepared by the
national statistical agencies, certain directories of possible
interest, and a database of port traffic.
Trade Data Online
Trade Data Online
(strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mrkti/tdst/engdoc/tr_homep.html) is a service by
Industry Canada, presenting trade information from Statistics Canada
and the US Bureau of the Census. This free database presents trade data
for both the US and Canada. Results either list imports and exports by
product (down to the level of "pulp of wood and the like", or
"footwear", or imports and exports by industry ("fruit farms" or
"contract logging industry").
In every way, this is a brilliant tool, except the depth of categories.
Results can be as specific as exports from British Columbia to
Afghanistan, divided by month in CA$ or US$. For more detail, we need
to reach for the paid services below.
Directories
Kompass directories list manufacturing firms by product. If you are
looking for the manufacturer of plastic disk slips - here is where you
go. They are a bit tricky to use, so read our simple guide first.
Kompass directories list manufacturing companies, which may suggest
potential exporters.
Kompass is produced by Kompass [US] or Kompass International. Print
directories exist for most countries while Kompass databases cover
regions (i.e. Kompass Asia/Pacific). Large libraries will have some of
the print directories. Further descriptions can be found from Dialog,
Australian Exports by Austrade, gives the names of major firms divided
by product and service. Volume of trade is not provided, but this
directory, and directories like this, provide the names responsible for
the trade numbers you can determine using other resources (like export
statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics). The American
Export Register provides similar information.
Commercial Databases
US Trade Statistics
The US Customs Service collects import and export information, but the
information is developed by the US Census Bureau and Stat-USA (a
commercial wing of the Dept of Commerce). The Trade Data Online listed
above is a free version of this information but at a shallow level.
The National Trade Data Bank (NTDB) is a subscription service to US
import and export statistics offered through Stat-USA. Costs are
US$50/quarter or US$150/yr. This data is accessed through the Stat-USA
website. The database extends down to the level of "0105190020 Turkeys,
Live, Weighing Not Over 185 G Each (SIC0259)".
The subscription price also entitles you to a range of further economic
data, so you will want to investigate this a little further.
The US Census Burea, also sells trade data collected by the US Customs
Service. Start at USA Trade Statistics.
Canadian Trade Statistics
Canadian customs information is either available through The Trade Data
Online (a free but at a shallow trade database), or through the
Canadian International Merchandise Trade Database, also by Statistics
Canada.
The Canadian International Merchandise Trade Database delivers specific
imports and exports from Canada - and provides you with a quote for the
cost. Works like a shopping trolley, and Statistics Canada accepts
payment by credit card.
All the Australian Trade Statistics are prepared by the Australian
Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Import and Export statistics are collected
by the customs authority, then released as a paid service directly from
the ABS prepared to the level of classification you need. Prices are
arranged by quote.
Due to privacy concerns you will not be able to pinpoint who is
exporting/importing but you will get totals, by state if you wish, for
commodities. This is a paid service. To start, contact the ABS by
phone.
PIERS - Port traffic database.
PIERS (www.piers.com) is a database of port traffic. Based upon the
port documents (manifest & bill of lading), the complete database
compiles this information into specific categories, countries and the
like. The PIERS database covers imports and exports from the US, Mexico
and a collection of south and Latin American countries. Of particular
interest, summary data is also available through the website (sample).
A report detailing the top importers of olives from Italy costs US$87
when I looked. Databases are organized as US or Mexico, Import or
Export.
Conclusion
As each national statistical bureau records and monitors imports and
exports, read the National Statistical Agencies article for directions
to other country statistics. For those tempted to trawl for internet
resources, consider International Trade Web Resources by the Federation
of International Trade Associations
(http://www.fita.org/webindex.html), a site recommended by Argus.
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