This edition provides a comprehensive methodological framework for collection and compilation of international merchandise trade statistics in all countries, irrespective of the level of development of their statistical system. The conceptual framework reflects both the multipurpose nature of these statistics and concern for availability of the adequate data sources and data compilation procedures. It is intended primarily for the producers of international trade statistics, particularly the staff of national statistical offices and/or customs involved in the collection and compilation of merchandise trade statistics, but may be also useful to researchers and other users interested in better understanding the nature of trade statistics.

This publication contains updated recommendations on methodology for compiling international merchandise trade statistics adopted by the United Nations Statistical Commission in March 1997. These recommendations are an essential references for trade statistics analysis and understanding. They take into account new developments in international trade, national practices of data compilation, new international agreements regarding customs procedures, and previously adopted revisions of methodology of national accounting and balance of payments statistics. They address basic issues such as coverage of statistics and time of recording, trade system, commodity classifications, valuation, quantity measurement, partner country, and reporting and dissemination. The publication also contains detailed lists of goods to be included and excluded from imports and exports; two tables which make it possible to determine, at a glance, how various categories of goods are treated in both the general and the special trade systems; and linkages between statistical concepts and international conventions regarding trade matters.

International Trade Statistics 2015 provides a detailed overview of the latest developments in world trade, covering both merchandise and services trade as well as trade measured in value-added terms. A key developments section at the start of each chapter uses charts and maps to illustrate the most important trends. More detailed data are provided in a variety of tables covering specific aspects of world trade up to the end of 2014. A chapter on methodology explains how the data are compiled. International Trade Statistics 2015 serves as an invaluable reference tool for researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in international trade.

A comprehensive overview of the latest developments in world trade, covering the details of merchandise trade by product and trade in commercial services World Trade Statistical Review 2017 looks into the latest developments in world trade, with a detailed analysis of the most recent trends for trade in goods and services. The publication also looks into trade in value-added terms and the latest trade policy developments, highlighting recent trends in WTO members' use of trade-restrictive and trade-facilitating measures. In addition, it provides information on the participation of developing economies in world trade, Aid-for-Trade financial commitments and implementation of the WTO's landmark Trade Facilitation Agreement. The analytical chapters are complemented by a statistical appendix of over 60 tables providing comprehensive data on various facets of world trade in goods and services.

First launched in 1967 this handbook has evolved to incorporate new statistics to ensure that readers have access to the best possible information available. This edition continues in this tradition and introduces 'nowcasted' estimates for total merchandised trade, total services trade and GDP on a worldwide basis.