The OECD Balanced International Merchandise Trade Dataset (BIMTS)

The BIMTS dataset is a complete, consistent and balanced merchandise trade matrix, covering around 200 reporters and partners and over 5 500 products at the HS 6-digit level, disseminated both according to the HS 2017 and the CPA v.2 classifications. This technical paper describes the transparent and modular approach used to address the possible causes of trade asymmetries. Building on and improving on previous efforts by the OECD as well as other initiatives, BIMTS leverages a number of algorithms to convert data to the most current HS version, correct for product misclassifications, map confidential trade flows by product and by partner to the most likely explicit codes, and ensure the same valuation of exports and imports. Importantly, the latest edition of BIMTS also introduces a novel algorithm which identifies re-export flows and reallocates them to producer countries to better reflect the origin of value added. The sequential application of these adjustments substantially reduces the observed trade asymmetries before a mechanical balancing procedure, based on a measure of quality of reporting, is applied.