Federated States of Micronesia International Merchandise Trade Statistics Compilation and Exports & Imports Value Indices Federated States of Micronesia
Outline User Friendly Data Source Coverage and Scope System Used Classifications Used Value of Exports and Imports Procedures used to clean data Dissemination Trade Indices
Are Users Happy? Yes! Users are very happy with the data for the Imports Statistics. No! However, the Exports Statistics, is always complained about being too underestimated. One contributing factor is due to the reporting of Exports.
Where is Data Sourced From? Imports – Customs administrative records Exports – Individual Enterprises thru requests and surveys. Customs does not collect because they are not taxed even though laws states that it should be collected for Statistical Use. Re-exports – Individual Enterprises thru requests.
What is the coverage and scope? Imports – Most are covered. Recently found that exempted or donated imports are not covered. Exports – Only the reported exports are covered. Anything not reported (ex: thru airlines and postal services) are not included. Re-Exports – Only Fuel is being reported, whereas the others are not because no way to know which are re-exports without the help of Customs.
What is the Processing System Used? Imports – PC Trade is used by both the Customs and NSO. It is transferred thru a flash drive from Customs to NSO. Edited thru Access and Excel. Final Version comes out in Excel. Challenges faced: PC Trade often breaks down in the states Customs offices, therefore data is often late. Late submission of Data by Customs. Exports – Excel is Used. Collection is done at the state level, entered into excel and emailed to NSO. Challenges faced: Having to depend on Enterprises for submission of Data on their schedules. Re-Exports – Access is used and then transferred to Excel
What Classification is being Used? HS 2002. Customs is working to upgrade to HS 2012. BEC Rev3. SITC no longer being used.
How FSM values their IMTS? Imports – CIF Exports & Re exports – FOB
What procedures are used to clean Data? We use both Unit Value Checks and Trend Analysis.
Dissemination: What and How? What? We recently updated the recommended tables in the 2012 workshop with the assistance of Nilima. How? Tables are then disseminated in a Press Release with highlights of that year. It is also published on our website and disseminated by email to our regular users. Frequency? Our tables are updated on an Annual Basis.
Do we construct Trade Indices? No! FSM NSO will need assistance on this.
Kalangan, Kammagar, Kinisou, and Kulo!!