Structural changes, and also new forms of delivery, in international trade require new and also different data. OECD is responding to these new challenges by further developing and expanding its trade databases. OECD is conducting this activity in close co-operation with user Directorates , Inter-Agency Task Forces and an Electronic Discussion Group (merchandise trade), managed jointly with the WTO

A great variety of internal and external users rely on complete and up-to-date trade statistics. OECD governments, International Organisations, Central Banks and private institutions, economic research institutes, universities and private businesses are amongst the many users of OECD trade data.

Six databases can be distinguished. The first two concern merchandise trade, the third and fourth trade in services, the fifth balance of payments and the sixth trade indicators, pulling together data from these sources.

1. The International Trade by Commodities Statistics (ITCS) database is OECD's largest database covering world trade for OECD countries by commodity and partner country.

2. The database Monthly Statistics on International Trade (MSIT) provides provides monthly and quarterly aggregated trade data, also by detailed partner countries.

3. and 4.  One of the two databases for Trade in Services (TIS), covers detailed data by category of services, while the second one provides data by partner country.

5. The database Balance of Payments (BOP)  provides a systematic summary of economic transactions of an economy with the rest of the world.

6. The database of Trade Indicators (TI)  contains ready-to-use statistical indicators for the analysis of international economic integration (trade aspects). The database combines data from different sources thus providing cross-disciplinary information. The indicators are available both on macro and micro (chapter/section) levels.

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