Data Extraction using Comtrade Web Service

Markie.Muryawan — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:08:00 GMT

Abstract:

Data Extraction using Comtrade Web Service

General Information

Comtrade Web Service is a REST Web Service (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Representational_State_Transfer) so that data extraction requests need the right URL to be submitted.

Data, metadata (such as explanatory notes) and data availability can be accessible within web service framework.

Data FormatAccess Points and Parameters for Web Services

Summary

UN Comtrade Web Services site is http://comtrade.un.org/ws. To construct a proper web service request, append web services site with access points and combine them with (query string) parameters. See example section below.

Table 1. UN Comtrade Web Services Access Points and its Parameters

Customizing the download format. You'll be able to select and change the order of the columns of your result file.

Subscribing to monthly reports on organizatio

Workshop Materials

Markie.Muryawan — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:11:00 GMT

Abstract:

Workshop Materials

Information for past and current workshops is available on IMTS International Cooperation and Workshops

latest update: March 2009

Reported and Converted Data / Conversion Issues

Markie.Muryawan — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 06:50:00 GMT

Abstract:

Reported and Converted Data / Conversion Issues

Background

In general, countries report their detailed merchandise trade data in the latest version of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). Yet, some countries report their data in earlier HS versions. As a consequence, when querying the data for the latest version of the HS, UN Comtrade is not showing data for all available reporters; and when querying the data for an earlier version of the HS users will obtain data reported in this HS version together with data converted to this HS version.

As of 04/02/2009

India 2007 was processed using calendar year. Now, since 2007, all of them use calendar year.

As of 30/08/2007:

The following refers to the currently available data on UN Comtrade from the reporting year 2000 onwards:

- Bangladesh has been re-processed last year and the available data is now following the calendar year.

- India - the available data is following the fiscal year from April to March - the reporting year 2000 in UN Comtrade refers to data covering the period from April 2000 to March 2001 - the equivalent is the case for the later years.

- Pakistan data follows the calendar year except for 2003 which is fiscal year data. We will re-process Pakistan 2003 shortly to replace

Comtrade Tools

Markie.Muryawan — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:35:00 GMT

Abstract:

ComtradeTools (BETA)

ComtradeTools is a command line program that can be used to obtain data via UN Web Services and to convert it from SDMX Cross-Sectional into CSV format (user can select which attributes to be converted) and import it into SQL Server Database.

Revision History

 11-07-2008: Added compression parameter. If set to false, compression is not used during data exchange. Note: Error may occur during large data exchange (>300MB), if compression set to true. In this case, please set compression to false.
 15-08-2005: Added resume parameter. The program will be resumed automatically for n times.

Areas NES codes redefined

Markie.Muryawan — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:44:00 GMT

Abstract:

Question: I could not find anything in the knowledge base about reporters such as
Other Europe, nes
Other Africa, nes

Answer:
If you combine both lists there shouldn't be any duplication.The new 7 Areas NES defined in KB article 10256 were planned for the datasets starting in the year 2000. However, not all the datasets from 2000 onwards have been reprocessed. As our new processing system (Copra) was only implemented in 2006 all the datasets beginning with year 2005 should be referring to the 7 new Areas Nes.

Since you need 2005 datasets, it is useful to map the old Areas NES groups into the new NES. Please note these are not new codes but codes which are redefined.

Below is the mapping between old NES to new NES:

899 - Areas, not elsewhere specified

473 - South America, not elsewhere specified - includes 129 (Caribbean, nes) (old)

637 - North and Central America, nes - includes 636+471(Rest of America, nes + CACM)

527 - Oceania, nes

577 - Africa nes - includes 472+290 (Central African Monetary and Economic Union region, nes +
North Africa, nes)

490- Asia, nes - includes 879 (Western Asia, nes)

568- Europe, nes - includes 492 + 697 + 221 (Europe EU, nes + European Free Trade Association,nes + Eastern Europe, nes)

Using a predefined group for ''world'' as reporter

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:26:00 GMT

Abstract:

Q	How can I get world aggregate as a reporter?
A	Use predefined country grouping 12398 in the reporter tab in the 'Data Query --> Express Selection'.

UN Comtrade SDMX

Markie.Muryawan — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:19:00 GMT

Abstract:

UN Comtrade SDMX

What is SDMX?

The name stands for “Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange” refers to an international cooperation initiative aimed at developing and employing more efficient processes for exchange and sharing of statistical data and metadata among international organizations and their member countries.

Please refer to Brief Introduction to SDMX for the full introduction document.

For further information, please visit SDMX web site.

UN Comtrade Reference Tables

Markie.Muryawan — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:51:00 GMT
Abstract:
UN Comtrade Reference Tables

Commodity and Country

You can download the references for commodities (HS or SITC versions) and countries in Microsoft Excel , TXT , M

Areas not elsewhere specified (Areas, NES)

Markie.Muryawan — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:53:00 GMT
Abstract:
Areas not elsewhere specified (Areas, NES)

Before new processing system was implemented, there were 16 areas not elsewhere specified (NES). As of 1 January 2006, there are only 7 Areas, NES. Therefore some of the old Areas, NES are now discontinued or merged together to form a new Areas, NES. The groupings for Areas, NES are now associated with continents whereas previously they were associated with regions.

Areas, NES (for those datasets processed before January 2006)
Values on different levels of HS Classification

Question
We have noticed that, in the Comtrade HS database, total values for a particular chapter do not always correspond to sum of values at HS level 6 or 4 within that chapter. Differences are sometimes considerable. You will find below 2 examples.
We have also noticed that, at least in the examples we have looked at, the following computations give the same results:
- sum of values of all products at HS level 6
Q I did not find Taiwan trade flow in COMTRADE database. Would it be possible for me to obtain the Taiwan import and export to these partner Hong Kong and Mainland China data from COMTRADE ?

A
For political reasons the UN is not allowed to show trade statistics referring to Taiwan, Province of China.
Yes, in the partner breakdown Taiwan, Province of China, is included under "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified" (code 490). Data for "Other Asia, nes" is available only to international organizations.
In principle, trade data for territories belonging to Asia, but not specified by country, could end up in code 490. In practice, only trade of Taiwan, Province of China is included under this code.
Data for Taiwan, Province of China are not included within China's trade.

HS Classification by Section

Markie.Muryawan — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:04:00 GMT
Abstract:
HS 2002 Sections
General Rules for the interpretation of the Harmonized System.
SECTION I
LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS
Section Notes.
01 Live animals.
02 Meat and edible meat of

Change in Statistical Territory of Italy

Markie.Muryawan — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:03:00 GMT
Abstract:
Change in Statistical Territory of Italy

As of April 2008, Statistical Territory of Italy in UN Comtrade included Holy See (Vatican City State) and San Marino, however, definition of the Statistical Territory of Italy, as confirmed by ISTAT in April 2008, is:

"Statistics of foreign trade are compiled with regard to the customs
territory, which differs from the territory of the Italian Republic on
Netweight / Quantity Estimation - Estimation Flag

In order to increase comparability of netweight / quantity, incomplete and extreme netweight and/or quantity might be estimated during data processing. Those estimated records are clearly identified by estimation flag and are shown in italics. Footnotes are also generated to better describe estimation procedure.

The estimation flag possible values are:
0 = no estimation
2 = quantity estimation only
4 = netweight estimation only
6 = both quantity and netweight are estimated

Distinction between Exports and Re-exports / Imports and Re-imports

B.Amdemariam — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 06:44:00 GMT
Abstract:
Distinction between Exports and Re-exports / Imports and Re-imports

Exports of a country can be distinguished as exports of domestic goods and exports of foreign goods. The second class is generally referred to as re-exports. The exports shown in our database contain both the exports of domestic and foreign goods.

As a help to our users we show the exports of foreign goods also separately under the heading re-exports. Exports figures always include Re-exports.

It is true that re-exported goods were imported by the country in the first place. However, at the time of imports it is not necessarily clear if a good will stay in the country or will be re-exported. UN Comtrade does not have information that would link re-exports of goods to the imports of these goods.

UN Comtrade specifications for Internet Access

Anuradha.Vempaty — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 05:54:00 GMT
Abstract:
Internet Resource

1. Can you let us know which (if any) viewers are needed for this product? I.e. Acrobat, Flash, Shockwave, and the version numbers please?
To view and download data, it does not need additional components. UN Comtrade database is designed to work for IE version 6.0 and above.
To view graph, java virtual machine must be installed (http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp).
UN Comtrade References (via Comtrade Web Services)

Note: This is advanced topic. For file based reference tables, please go to UN Comtrade Reference Tables

Commodity References

Query string parameters: px (classification) and cc (commodity codes).

Available classifications: HS2002 (H2), HS1996 (H1), HS1988 (H0), SITC Rev.3 (S3), SITC Rev.2 (S2), SITC Rev.1 (S1), BEC (BE)
Wildcards can be used to query commodity codes.

Example:

Get all commodities HS1996
Explanatory Notes Via Web Service

Explanatory notes are metadata attached to country-period-flow level. Comtrade SDMX also contains explanatory notes.

Query string parameters

px (classification), r (reporter codes), y (years), lowT (start date), highT (end date), so (sort order), isOri (original flag).

Possible Parameter Values

Available classifications (px): HS2002 (H2), HS1996 (H1), HS1988 (H0), SITC Rev.3 (S3), SITC Rev.2 (S2), SITC Rev.1 (S1), BEC (BE)
lowT and high T format is YYYY-MM-DD (ex. 2006-06-15). Time can be added using ‘T’ (2006-06-15T17:44:01)

Publication Notes Via Web Service

B.Amdemariam — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 06:39:00 GMT
Abstract:
Publication Notes Via Web Service

General Information

Every time, a new data is published to internet, a short text describing the background information (such as new or revision, when it was acquired, etc) will be also published.

Query string parameters

px (classification), r (reporter codes), y (years), lowT (start date), highT (end date), so (sort order)

Possible Parameter Values
UN Comtrade Data Query & Extraction Manual

General Information

Data can be extracted via Web Application or via Web Service.

For extraction via web application interface (taken from complete manual), please refer to attachment (WBC_MUT001CEn)

For extraction via web service, please refer to Data Extraction using Comtrade Web Service

Asynchronous Web Service

B.Amdemariam — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 11:26:00 GMT
Abstract:
Asynchronous Web Service

General Information

If web service request is equal with direct download, then asynchronous web service is equal to batch submission. It handles complex queries that are submitted to web service by executing it asynchronously, thus avoiding time out.

Asynchronous web service is only available for element-based-XML format.

How does it work?
Comtrade SDMX, Web Services and Data Exchange

General Information

Please refer to these articles for general information about Comtrade SDMX, Web Services and Data Exchange:
http://comtrade.un.org/kb/article.aspx?id=10050
http://comtrade.un.org/kb/article.aspx?id=10051
http://comtrade.un.org/kb/article.aspx?id=10052

You can get the SDMX format by clicking the SDMX download in any of query result pages (for an example at http://comtrade.un.org/db/dqBasicQueryResults.aspx?cc=62&px=BE&r=251&p=705&rg=2&so=6)

The

Greece CF 2001-2004 / Eurozone members reporting to CT in old national currency

Matthias.Reister — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:21:00 GMT
Abstract:
Issue 1: TTrade does not provide trade weighted conversion factors in cases where the national data is already in USD.
In such cases we need to calculate trade weighted CF manually by
1. converting monthly values from USD into national currency (Euro for 2001 to 2004) using USD/Euro conversion factor
2. using the values in national currency as weights for the calculation of the trade weighted CF
Please see enclosed calculation:
Issue 2: Eurozone members reporting to CT in old national currency
Greece adopted Euro starting 1. January 2001 as their national currency. From that date onwards any data provided in Greek drachmas can be converted into Euro by using the fixed euro conversion rates - for Greek drachmas Euro 1 = GRD 340.750.
Please see enclosed note on adoption of the Euro, including the fixed conversion rates:

India totals 2006

Matthias.Reister — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:24:00 GMT
Abstract:
The website of the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics provides summary tables by partner and HS Chapter
Please note 1 Lakh=100000.
http://www.dgciskol.nic.in/

CARICOM Transmission Rules

Matthias.Reister — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:10:00 GMT
Abstract:
This article contains a CARICOMS document regarding its program on IMTS - please see below original email.

I attached the full document but also separately the draft for the CARICOM transmission rules which CARICOM countries might or might not follow currently/in the future.

Statistics <stats1@caricom.org>http://comtrade.un.org/db/mr/daPubNoteDetail.aspx?nom=0

Sweden 2003

Swe.Mar — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:53:00 GMT
Abstract:
Processing Notes- Sweden 2003

The original data has Two data sets:
1. Oecd_un_rev2003.txt
2. Oecd_un_rev2003_HS2.txt

-Compared partners total of both data sets for High Level data.
-Made necessary adjustments.

Pls. see attached worksheeet, "SWEDEN 03 High Level Data calculations" for details.

Use of Weight and Quantity in UN Comtrade database

Anuradha.Vempaty — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 08:54:00 GMT
Abstract:
Q
The ratio (import or export in dollars / import or export in net weight) is the same for 2005 and 2006 in trade data, although the price in 2006 was much higher for the specific commodity. Why is that? Is the net weight a fixed proportion of the sum in dollars?

A

Whenever quantity or weight information is missing, it was either not reported or in the case of quantity not provided in a quantity unit recommended by WCO for this specific commodity. We are estimating missing quantity or weight information whenever possible by using the country's own data for this period or by using standard unit values derived from data for all countries. If quantity or weight are entirely out of a pre-defined range we will apply this estimation procedure as well.
The standard unit values are updated in certain intervals and the unit value applied can be the same for certain consecutive years. A fixed schedule for updating the unit values will be implemented starting next year. Obviously, any estimations based on previous data have to be used with caution in particular in the case of fast price movements. Onscreen please click "View Footnotes" to see if estimation has been applied.
Weight and quantity information is only available for the 4 and 6 digit data. Hence, any world totals need to be derived from this detailed data.
Explanatory notes for individual codes of the HS classifications are available at WCO.

Philippines 2000-2005

Matthias.Reister — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:17:00 GMT
Abstract: See enclosed note detailing reasons for re-processing.

Saudi Arabia 2006

Swe.Mar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:43:00 GMT
Abstract: Export petroleum data taken from OPEC 2006 Annual Statistical Bulletin totalling 193,663 m$ (table 4 of OPEC Bulletin). The petroleum data was split in two commodities, Crude oil-270900 and Refined product-271000. The % of breakdown based on Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency 43rd Annual Report. The partner breakdown based on OPEC Member's crude oil/Refined product exports by destination (tabel 51 of OPEC Bulletin).

Downloading data greater than 150000 records

Anuradha.Vempaty — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:18:00 GMT
Abstract:
Q How can I download data greater than 150,000 records from Comtrade?
A
Excel can only handle up to 67,000 records. You need to feed the output into Access for data sets larger than the above.
You need to 'Submit to Batch Processing' when you complete
your selection procedure instead of using 'Submit Query'.
Using UN Comtrade Batch (unattended down load) for down loads greater than 150,000 records. Your request will be run in the server and the system will send you an e-mail after the completion. You just need to click the hyperlink included in the e-mail (the result is compressed using ZIP format).

Correlation between ISIC and SITC codes

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:30:00 GMT
Abstract:
Q I would like to know the conversion of the SITC codes into their corresponding SIC Codes. On the other hand, I am also involved in a market sutdy to find the foreign trade among several geographic regions. The point is that I do not know how to obtain import´s information between two countries by commodity. For instance, I would like to know the breakdown by type of commodity of the global imports of Germany from China.
A
From the UNSD classification registry (see http://unstats.un.org/unsd/cr/registry/regdnld.asp?Lg=1) you can download several correlation tables to make the link between commodity and industry.
The trade by commodity can be found on the UN Comtrade website (see http://comtrade.un.org).

Exchange Rates used in UN Comtrade database

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:22:00 GMT
Abstract:
Q I need to double check about exchange rates so I interpret the statistics correctly. When extracting trade data over a long period of time (in my case export figures over 10 years), is the exchange fixed or year-on-year? If fixed, where can I find the exchange rate used? However, as I understand it from the explanatory notes the exchange rates are year-on-year based on the rates stated for each country each year. If so, I notice that the exchange rates of EUR to USD is different for example Netherlands and Austria in 2003. Is this the result of the exchange rate being calculated by weighting the monthly exchange rate with the monthly volume of trade?
A
We use the rh US dollar series of the IFS, which is based on the monthly average of the official daily exchange rates.
The average annual exchange rates are obtained separately for imports and for exports by taking into account the monthly value of imports (or exports) and the monthly average of the official daily exchange rates.
For more detailed information on the IFS exchange rate calculation please see the attached document.

Creating 'world total' as reporter in UN Comtrade

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 13:38:00 GMT
Abstract:
Q If I wanted to add up the imports from Venezuela (to come up with Venezuela´s exports according to the rest of the world) as reported by third countries, would there be an easier way than doing it country by country and then adding it up?
A
You can create a "Country Group" in your Favorites which is an addition of all available reporting countries or areas. Thereafter, when constructing your Data Query, you grab this World Aggregate (You can name it anything) from the My Country List in the Lookup (next to the text box of the Reporters).
To help you construct your country group "World Aggregate" here's something to cut and paste:
4 +8 +12 +20 +24 +660 +28 +32 +51 +533 +36 +40 +31 +44 +48 +50 +52 +112 +56 +58 +84 +204 +60 +64 +68 +70 +72 +92 +76 +96 +100 +854 +108 +116 +120 +124 +132 +136 +140 +148 +152 +156 +344 +446 +170 +174 +178 +184 +188 +191 +192 +196 +203 +200 +384 +408 +180 +208 +262 +212 +214 +588 +218 +818 +222 +226 +232 +233 +231 +583 +234 +238 +242 +246 +886 +278 +866 +720 +230 +280 +582 +590 +592 +868 +717 +835 +810 +890 +836 +251 +254 +258 +266 +270 +268 +276 +288 +292 +300 +304 +308 +312 +320 +324 +624 +328 +332 +340 +348 +352 +699 +356 +360 +364 +368 +372 +376 +381 +388 +392 +400 +398 +404 +296 +414 +417 +418 +428 +422 +426 +430 +434 +440 +442 +450 +454 +458 +462 +466 +470 +584 +474 +478 +480 +175 +484 +496 +500 +504 +508 +104 +580 +516 +524 +530 +532 +528 +540 +554 +558 +562 +566 +579 +275 +512 +490 +586 +585 +591 +598 +600 +459 +604 +608 +616 +620 +634 +410 +498 +642 +643 +646 +647 +638 +461 +654 +659 +658 +662 +666 +670 +882 +678 +457 +682 +686 +891 +690 +694 +698 +702 +703 +705 +711 +90 +706 +710 +724 +144 +736 +740 +748 +752 +757 +760 +807 +762 +764 +626

Taiwan data

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 08:30:00 GMT
Abstract:
Q I read on your Q&A-site that you are not allowed to show Taiwan as a reporter country in terms of trade data. However, is there any possible way to get hold of this data for the specified years anyway?
Moreover, is the Taiwanese trade data not included what so ever when it comes to its exports? Or those the country's exports fall under the Chinese trade statistics.
Moreover, which other regions are included in the term "Other Asian countries", for the partner country?
A
In general Taiwan is only available for other International Organizations.
Taiwanese export and import are not part of Chinese trade statistics. It is simply not available. You can check taiwan data from other organizations such as OECD.
As a partner, code 490 (Other Asia, nes) contains Taiwan and other unknown countries in Asia. In practice, Code 490 can be assumed for Taiwan, except for several countries (such as Saudi Arabia which report all of their exports to unknown countries).

Venezuela trade

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 08:24:00 GMT
Abstract:
Q Could you please explain why Venezuelan exports to the U.S., for example in 2005, are USD23,887,136,426, while U.S. imports from Venezuela are USD35,292,199,893? Do those differences arise simply because each country supplies its own data?
Also, I have noticed that the figure for Venezuelan exports to the U.S.(USD2,834,013,313) is wrong (it doesn´t fit in with the historical time series, nor does this quirk coincide with series from other data bases, such as WTO and U.S. Census Bureau). Is there any way to have this corrected?
A
Your question about trade data in WITS (coming from the UN Comtrde database, see http://comtrade.un.org) was forwarded to me for response.
The problem that we face when processing the data of Venezuela is that Venezuela does not give us any details about its exports of crude oil. We always try to solve that problem, but need sometimes to use a rest basket for the partner country attribution, if it is unknown where the exports went to.
The table below illustates the issue, where we show only the World, the USA and the un-allocated partner portion as "partner". In 2004, we had no breakdown of the crude oil trading partners. In general we do not make estimates, but in special cases such as this we make an exception. I will ask my staff to adjust these figures, since USA consistently has a share of about 50% of the exports, which amounts to about 16 billion USD for 2004.

What are the wildcards for Commodity codes (in Express Selection)?

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:23:00 GMT
Abstract:
Q What are the wildcards for Commodity codes (in Express Selection)?
A 1. Options AG1, AG2, AG3, AG4, AG5 and AG6. These options will give you respectively all 1-digit codes (AG1), all 2-digit codes (AG2) , etcetera. Therefore, Option AG2 is equivalent to option DD of the Comtrade For Windows application.
2. Option LF. LF stands for Leaf. This option will give you in case of the SITC classification all the basic 4- or 5-digit commodity codes.
3. Option ?. You can use the question mark as a position holder. This means that if you ask ?? this would equivalent to AG2 and ??? is equivalent to AG3. Furthermore, you have the possibility of requesting, for instance, 27?? which is equivalent to asking 2701, 2702, 2703, 2704 to 2799 (if those commodity codes would all exist). Therefore, the question mark gives you a lot of flexibility in requesting commodity codes. Moreover, please note that you can ask as many codes with question marks as you like (in CFW you could only use one wildcard at a time).
4. Option *. The star means "all possible codes". For instance, 27* means all codes starting with 27, which would be 27, 2701, 270111, 2702, 270211, etcetera.

Which classification system is appropriate to use?

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:22:00 GMT
Abstract:
Q
How do I select the type of classification? I'd like to know for example when to use the HS2002 or SITC Rev. 1?
A
In general, the rule of thumb in using the classifications is : use older classifications (SITC, Rev.1 and SITC,Rev.2) to obtain long time-series and use recent classifications (HS-2002 and HS-1996) for more detailed information.

The drawback of use of SITC, Revision 1, is that a lot of modern technology was not available at the time of the introduction of this classification (around 1960), which means for instance that it is difficult to find the classification for PCs, fax machines, color printers or mobile telephones (to name a few).

The newer classifications (like HS-2002) will have more clearly defined commodities for those mentioned items, but have been in use only recently, which means that only a few years of data can be found for that classification.

How do I get world exports to various groups of countries, i.e. how do I aggregate partners?

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 07:01:00 GMT
Abstract:
Q How do I get world exports to and from various groups of countries, i.e. how do I aggregate partners and reporters?
A
There is no reporter entity called “World” (although “World” is available as a partner), since it would require using estimated values for missing reporters, which so far is not done. Currently, one can aggregate all available reporters (for any given year and classification) by creating a favorite Country Group (you could call it “World aggregate”, for instance).

The easiest way to create your favorite Country Groups is starting from the pre-defined country groups, copying these to your own set of country groups, and then changing these groups as necessary.

When making the Query, use “My Favorite Country Groups” under Reporters to obtain your “World aggregate” data. Similarly, you can use “My favorite Country Groups” under Partners to find any other country groups of your choice.

The C

Normal View in UN Comtrade database

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 06:58:00 GMT
Abstract:
What the Normal View means in UN Comtrade database.
Normal View pertains to the exclusion of trade data of Taiwan, Province of China. The data is excluded from view for political reasons. Please see related article for further explanation.
Sample of query result

Eligible Favored Country List for UN Comtrade database

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 06:49:00 GMT
Abstract:
Countries eligible for 50% discount for subscriptions to Comtrade Internet Web site
Note: The cut off criterion is based on the lowest GDP per capita among Developed Economies in 2000 (Malta - US$ 9142). Consequently, current cut off criterion is US$ 9142.00
A
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Anguilla
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Azerbaijan
B
Belarus
Belize
Bolivia
Bosnia Herzegovina
Botswana
Br. Virgin Is
Brazil
Bulgaria
C
Cameroon
Chile
China
Colombia
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Cote d'Ivoire
Croatia
Cuba
Czech Rep
D
Dominica
Dominican Republic
E
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Estonia
F
Fiji
G
Gabon
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
H
Honduras
Hungary
I
India
Indonesia
Iran (Islamic Rep. of)
Iraq
J
Jamaica
Jordan
K
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Korea, D P Rp
Kyrgyzstan
L
Latvia
Lebanon
Libyan Arab Jamah.
Lithuania M
Malaysia
Marshall Is
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova, Republic of
Mongolia
Montserrat
Morocco
N
N.Mariana Is
Namibia

Help for Comtrade Explorer

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 06:43:00 GMT
Abstract:

Explore Comtrade - Help
NOTICE
Please be very careful in drawing conclusions based on your selection, since the calculation based on available data. Please refer to Data Availability.

Description
Comtrade Explorer will aggregate trade data based on your selection. However, be careful with "All" value as a selection, since in the background the system will process "All" value with special care.

"All" value handling
- If you select all for partner codes, it will be translated as partner World since the trade value in World has been pre-aggregated.
Special note: for the calculation of Top Import Partners or Top Export Partners, all value means all available partners.
- If you select All for commodity codes, it will be translated to commodity code 'TOTAL' since 'TOTAL' has been pre-aggregated.
Special note: for the calculation of Top Export Commodities or Top Import Commodities, Commodity Code all value will be translated to 2 digit codes. By doing this, we could show graphical representation of Top Export Commodities or Top Import Commodities in 2 digit codes.
- For years and reporters, all value means all available data. Please refer to Data Availability.

Limitation
Comtrade Explorer won't handle custom country groups nor custom commodity groups. If you have custom country or commodity groups in the selections, the system will ignore it.
Due to response time limitation, Comtrade Explorer won

UN Comtrade database front page manual

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 06:40:00 GMT
Abstract:
Q UN Comtrade database Front Page
A
Taken from Complete Manual (WBC_MUT001CEn). Please see attachment.

Shortcut Query - Manual

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 06:38:00 GMT
Abstract:
Shortcut Query - Manual

Taken from Complete Manual (WBC_MUT001CEn). Please see attachment.

First Time User

Anuradha.Vempaty — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 06:35:00 GMT
Abstract:
First Time User

What is UN Comtrade?

UN COMTRADE is the pseudonym for United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database. Over 140 reporter countries provide the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) with their annual international trade statistics data detailed by commodities and partner countries. These data are subsequently transformed into the United Nations Statistics Division standard format with consistent coding and valuation using the UN/OECD Copr^A internal processing system.

The UN COMTRADE is the largest depository of international trade data. It contains well over 1.1 billion data records and is available on the internet!

Basic Selection - Help

B.Amdemariam — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:52:00 GMT
Abstract:
Basic Selection - HELP

Introduction

‘Basic Selection’ is a sub-menu of ‘Data Query’ in the UN Comtrade database.

Comtrade Knowledge Base

UN Comtrade and UNData

Data Extraction using Comtrade Web Service

Workshop Materials

Reported and Converted Data / Conversion Issues

Comtrade Tools

Areas NES codes redefined

Using a predefined group for ''world'' as reporter

UN Comtrade SDMX

UN Comtrade Reference Tables

Areas not elsewhere specified (Areas, NES)

HS Classification by Section

Change in Statistical Territory of Italy

Distinction between Exports and Re-exports / Imports and Re-imports

UN Comtrade specifications for Internet Access

Publication Notes Via Web Service

Asynchronous Web Service

Greece CF 2001-2004 / Eurozone members reporting to CT in old national currency

India totals 2006

CARICOM Transmission Rules

Sweden 2003

Use of Weight and Quantity in UN Comtrade database

Philippines 2000-2005

Saudi Arabia 2006

Downloading data greater than 150000 records

Correlation between ISIC and SITC codes

Exchange Rates used in UN Comtrade database

Creating 'world total' as reporter in UN Comtrade

Taiwan data

Venezuela trade

What are the wildcards for Commodity codes (in Express Selection)?

Which classification system is appropriate to use?

How do I get world exports to various groups of countries, i.e. how do I aggregate partners?

Normal View in UN Comtrade database

Eligible Favored Country List for UN Comtrade database

Help for Comtrade Explorer

Explore Comtrade - Help

UN Comtrade database front page manual

Shortcut Query - Manual

First Time User

Basic Selection - Help

Basic Selection - HELP Introduction

Basic Selection - HELP

Introduction