Statistical Databases: Monthly Statistics of International Trade

Monthly Statistics of International Trade OECD Online Database

This online database presents an up-to-date source of data on the foreign trade of all OECD Member countries. The data covered here are less detailed than the much larger set of data available on International Trade by Commodity CD-ROMs.

Part 1 - AGGREGATE TRADE INDICATORS

This section gives values of trade for the OECD as a whole, for each Member country and for selected groups of countries. The series in this part are shown both before and after adjustment for seasonal variations. These adjustments are made by the OECD using the X-12 method developed by the US Bureau of Census. Values for groups of countries are adjusted directly and are not therefore equal to the sum of the adjusted series for constituent countries. Added series feature calculated net trade and coverage ratios.

Part 2 - VOLUME AND AVERAGE VALUE INDICES

There is considerable variation between countries in the amount of detail provided and in the classifications used. For some countries there are long delays in the publication of these indices. Average value indices reflect changes in the commodity composition of trade as well as pure price movement. A few countries publish prices indices which eliminate the effect of change in trade composition. Unless otherwise stated, volume and price indices are base-weighted (Laspeyre); average value indices are current weighted (Paasche). Recent improvements in this section allow comparisons between countries since titles of series are now in line with the SNA nomenclature. In addition, a consistent methodology has been applied to link indices: the first value of the latest available time series is used to derive the coefficient applied to chain the latest series with the previous one.

Part 3 - TRADE BY SITC SECTIONS

This part provides data on each country's trade classified by five major groups of commodities, based on the sections of the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC):

1. Food,live animals, beverages and tobacco (SITC Sections 0 + 1)
2. Crude materials, inedible, animal and vegetable oils and fats (SITC Sections 2 + 4)
3. Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials (SITC Section 3)
4. Chemicals, manufactured goods classified broadly by material, miscellaneous manufactured articles (SITC Sections 5 + 6 + 8 + 9)
5. Machinery and transport equipment (SITC Section 7)

Part 4 - TRADE BY PARTNER COUNTRIES

The fourth part provides data on trade of OECD Member countries and groups of Member countries with partner countries and groups of partner countries. Economic groupings have been added to geographical groupings.

Part 5 - EXCHANGE RATES

The exchange rates are supplied to assist converting national currency to US-dollars.

Each part consists of three table files corresponding to the frequency (months, quarters and years). Monthly rates for years and quarters. This facilitates calculation functions. Value data are presented in million US-dollars.

The database is accompanied by a 70-page PDF guide providing information on structure of the tables, listing of variables, definitions and sources.

Visit the Trade web site for more information.