Results of the OECD Quality Reviews for OECDs trade databases ITCS and MSIT and reaction of CSTAT

1. Results of the OECD Quality Reviews for OECDs trade databases ITCS and MSIT and reaction of CSTAT Agenda Item 6a OECD report

2. Summary • Two quality reviews carried out (ITCS and MSIT) • ITCS and MSIT were completely migrated • ITCS: UN/OECD joint Trade Data Collection and Processing System • Both were beneficial to data quality • Trade statistics are, along with NA and STES the most demanded statistics • Broad consultation: Data Quality judged good to very good • Several avenues have been identified to further enhance relevance and usefulness • Foster synergies and raise authority: Merging of 2 Experts Group into 1 Working Party

3. 1. The detailed yearly trade database ITCS • OECDs largest database • A system of databases • Extensively used within OECD • Amongst the top downloads from external users and regularly accessed from OECD • Web-based interactive Trade Indicators are analytical addition and very popular for both internal and external users

4. OECD Trade Analysis and databases (STAN,BTD, etc.) Non – OECD countries Joint UN/OECD System UNSD Main Economic MSIT ITCS Database Indicators OECD countries FATS OECD Trade Indicators AFA Trade in Services BoP National Accounts Wide range of OECD Trade Products and links to other Databases Input Trade Databases Links

5. ITCS content • Import and export data for 30 OECD countries + BRICS, TWN • Each by 260 partner countries in values (in USD) and quantities • From 1961 onwards in 7 classifications • up to 6-digit level commodity • By HS 88, 96 & 02 • By SITC 2 & 3 • By activity ISIC 2 & 3 • Plus analytical classifications (ICT etc.)

6. ITCS dissemination • 5 printed annual publications every 2 or 3 months. • 4 CD ROMs are released approximately every 3 months containing various classifications down to 6-digit level for longer time series. OECD replaced in 2007 the set of CD-ROMS by DVDs • On-line, “live” ITCS trade data are availability using the following media: • OECD.Stat for free • SourceOECD – the commercial service with all classifications and detail. • OLIS – the non-commercial OECD government service containing official documents and data. Please note that the WBC application is housed in OLIS. • the Statistics portal – the central entry gate to OECD statistics. • The Trade Indicators Database (TIP) is accessible for free and based upon a coherent, fully documented analytical framework (elaborated by OECD and external experts) • summary country profiles • detailed 2-digit –level commodity analysis, such as Revealed Comparative Advantage, the role of ICT sectors, export performance, Herfindahl Concentration Indices, etc.

7. Trade ranks very high in total downloads of STD databases from SourceOECD

8. ITCS improvements • Fully migrated from Oracle to OECD Data Warehouse (= quality reviewed) • Successful but at high resource costs, 2007 will be the year of “stabilisation” • More systematic addition of activity-based ISIC Rev 2 and Rev 3, incl. BRICS • Work underway to develop consistent trade quantities, and unit value indices • Addition of BRIC countries

9. ITCS development options: • In addition to full ISIC coverage and ICT breakdowns, High-tech products, energy, transport and the like would be useful • Further expand trade and globalisation indicators (TIP, EGI), and in particular • Trade – Business Statistics linkages • Re-exports and re-imports • Bilateral trade

10. 2. Monthly International Trade Statistics (MSIT) - content • 4 categories of import and export data • Aggregate trade indicators (like MEI) • Volumes and unit value trade indices • Trade values by SITC Sections • Trade values by detailed partner countries • Long time series (> 40 years)

11. MSIT dissemination • Printed monthly publication containing data for the four sections cited above for the last 8 months, 3 quarters, and 2 years • In 2006 several aspects of the analytical usefulness of MSIT were improved • Inter alia, the indicators part has been extended and chain linking routines reviewed and improved • The new standard OECD 2006 geographical nomenclature has been implemented • Metadata part has been reorganised and completed; • MSIT is made available for free on OLISNext and is also included in SourceOECD for paying subscribers. • Both ITCS and MSIT generate substantialrevenues: 415 000 € combined in 2005.

12. MSIT development options • Separate trade data collection of MEI and MSIT is to be reviewed with the aim of increasing efficiency and enhancing data consistency • Consideration should be given to use MSIT as input onto MEI for aggregate trade data • MSIT s.a. volume data series to be expanded to all OECD countries, not only G7 • Metadata to be further completed

13. 3. The proposed Working Party on International Trade in Goods and Trade in Services • Recognition of different methodological frameworks and manuals applying to merchandise trade and trade in services • Continuation of successful modus operandi of annual meetings • Merchandise Trade • Joint Session Trade in Goods and Services and Globalisation issues • Trade in Services

14. Justification of the proposal • Success: OECD Trade statistics are amongst the top database downloads (similar to NA and STES) • Historical record: : • International Merchandise Trade Statistics Expert Group since 1999 • International Trade-in-Services Statistics Expert Group since 1990 • Both became a reference for good governance and pertinence over the years and attract over 100 experts • Sole body where statistical issues on trade are embodied in larger analytical globalisation context • Transformation into one WP would reinforce authority of and synergy between both groups • Proposal is budget neutral

15. In particular the WP will: • Facilitate development and improvement of internationally comparable methodologies • Promote comparable, sound, consistent and coherent trade and trade-related statistics • Coordinate work with the two Inter-Secretariat Task Forces • to encourage implementation of guidelines and manuals • …to increase relevance and international comparability of trade statistics and related indicators

16. In particular the WP will (cont’d): • Address new trends and resulting analytical needs in the field of trade and globalisation-related indicators • Act as forum of exchange and springboard for methodological developments • Oversee collection and dissemination of OECDs trade statistics ad indicators • Oversee OECDs work on BoP statistics (outside OECDs investment statistics) • Oversee OECDs work on linking Trade and Business Statistics as part of globalisation • Ensure very close co-operation with NSOs and IOs

17. In addition, the WP will • Seek synergies and conformity with relevant analytical and statistical work undertaken by other parts of OECD • The WP will act as forum where member countries can exchange experiences and information, new concepts and best practices to meet new challenges in the field of trade statistics and related indicators • The mandate expires on 31 December 2008

18. Thank you for your attention Questions to andreas.lindner@oecd.org