Statistical database from UNCTAD, based in part on Comtrade data (see separate entry). Intended to increase transparency in international trading conditions. and for use as a tool for analysis by those looking for export markets for their products and as a policy tool (e.g. in trade negotiations or for monitoring integration process). Allows users to extract (for selected products and markets) information on trade control measures, combined with trade flows. Can be used to display a cross country comparison of basic trade control measures and of import values. Can identify major [national] suppliers of a product and bilateral trade flows between countries selected as markets and suppliers.
Provides market data for some113 countries (August 00). Data comprises:
(a) UNCTAD Database on Trade Control Measures: covering: tariff, para-tariff and non-tariff measures; elaborated information on the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) (including quantitative restrictions and rules of origin associated with GSP rates). Version 7 covers 113 countries. Data is for most recent year only
(b) Trade Data on Imports: by supplying country at 6 digit level of the Harmonized System (HS) of classification. Commodities can also be aggregated into wider groupings. Data is for 5 year period based around latest available data (not all years for all countries)
(c) Product descriptions of the national tariff items beyond the 6 digit level of the HS
(d) Alphabetical index commodities according to the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) revision 3 [and ISIC?]
(e) Names and addresses of importers, with products they import. Developed by the International Trade Center: current edition of disc (version 3) only contains data for the republic of Korea.
(f) general documentation on the various data elements, including import regimes, GSP and other preferential schemes, bibliographical references to published market research studies and reports.
Data can be displayed in tabular format or extracted for spreadsheet analysis
Database is available in online formats to national focal points providing data, on CDROM to GSP focal points, and on CDROM for those paying a “minimum voluntary contribution”.
The WWW version is free of charge. Limited to access to the database on trade control measures (tariff, para-tariff and non-tariff measures) and on import flows. (at Harmonized System 6-digit level)
The data is also available as part of the World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS) internet service