Sources of International Economic and Trade Data
A number of international organizations make economic, trade, and gender data available online and provide in-depth qualitative assessments of economic and commercial conditions in country reports.
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The World Trade Organization (WTO)
Statistics Databases, Publications and Tools The WTO has several powerful statistical databases on trade that are easily accessible and do not require registration. The interactive International Trade and Market Access Data database is a good starting point. This database provides an excellent visual representation of trade in commercial services flows as well as merchandise trade. The scope and quality of the databases makes exploration worthwhile for investment information. The World Bank
World DataBank The World DataBank provides economic and trade statistics that are easily comparable by country and across time. For example, it is easy to assemble tables to compare trade in services as a % of GDP for different countries or regions for the last 5 years. This is also true for GDP growth, foreign direct investment, lending interest rates, and numerous other indicators. The scope of indicators is vast and enables firms to analyze and compare several factors important to their sector. Registration is required and there is a moderate learning curve to effectively use the database. European Commission
Eurostat Eurostat is the statistical office of the European Union and provides a broad range of statistics that service enterprises can use for market research. Registration is required and there is a significant learning curve to effectively use the databases. A wide range of statistical publications are also available on the site. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Statistical Extracts The OECD provides disaggregated trade data for OECD country members at a detailed level useful for examining trade in particular products and services. The country statistical profiles are valuable in identifying specific data for select service industries such as education and health. Not all data is publicly available and there is a moderate learning curve for effectively using the databases. |
International Monetary Fund
Country Reports The IMF produces valuable country reports useful for investment analysis as part of its "Article IV Consultation" with IMF members. The reports generally cover recent economic developments, fiscal developments, external sector developments as well as monetary and financial sector developments. The extensive use of graphs makes the data easy to absorb and analyze for investment purposes. Registration is not required. United Nations Statistics Division
Trade Statistics Branch The Trade Statistics Branch maintains goods and services trade statistics. Service enterprises can use the UN Service Trade database to find information on services trade flows. The database requires registration. There is a moderate learning curve to use the database effectively. This database is particularly useful for quickly identifying trade in services flows between economies according to the Extended Balance of Payments Services Classification (EBOPS). United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
UNCTADSTAT UNCTAD maintains a wide range of statistics on international trade, economic trends, and foreign direct investment. UNCTAD's annual World Investment Report provides insight into foreign direct investment at the global, regional and national level. UNCTADSTAT also offers import and export flows of services by country. |