OECD maintains two merchandise trade databases for analytical use:

a) Monthly data of exports and imports for all OECD countries at current prices by partner countries and main categories of commodities, and volume and average value indices for selected countries and main categories;

(b) detailed annual data of exports and imports by commodities and by partner countries using three classifications (SITC, HS, ISIC). An analytical database  (based on the HS classification) dedicated to ICT goods (information, communications & technology) is also available.

The analysis of trade flows and trade policy needs require internationally comparable and detailed data. Harmonised yearly trade data for OECD countries by product and partner country respond to this need. More aggregated quarterly and monthly trade data play a key role for studying and forecasting how developments in countries affect other countries (e.g. export performance indicators).

Trade flows concern and interest many public and private economic actors.
The work is co-ordinated with the Inter-agency Trade Task Force, which meets every year and maintains permanent contact. Methodological issues are discussed with OECD member countries at the annual OECD meeting on international trade (ITS) .

OECD collects and publishes two sets of merchandise trade statistics:

1. International Trade by Commodities Statistics (ITCS), containing full commodity detail by partner country for 30 OECD Member countries.

2. Monthly Statistics of International Trade (MSIT), containing aggregate trade indicators, volume and price indices trade by partner country and by SITC sections.

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