Sub-Regional Workshop on International Merchandise Trade Statistics Compilation and Export and Import Unit Value Indices 21 – 25 November 2016. Guam Reef & Olive Spa Resort, Tamuning, Guam DOING IMTS RELEASES FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION Presentation by Nilima Lal Economic Statisticians, Pacific Community Email: NilimaL@spc.int

Prepare the tables 1. Pacific commodity trade data base 2. Pacific IMTS Release Tables Table 1 BALANCE OF TRADE - ALL ITEMS Table 2 IMPORTS BY HS Table 3 EXPORTS BY HS Table 4 RE-EXPORTS BY HS Table5 TOTAL EXPORTS BY HS Table 6 PRINCIPAL EXPORTS Table 7 PRINCIPAL IMPORTS Table 8 BALANCE OF TRADE BY MAJOR PARTNER COUNTRIES Table 9 TRADE BY REGION Table 10 TRADE BY MODE OF TRANSPORT Table 11 TRADE BY TRADE AGREEMENTS Table 12 EXPORTS BY SITC Table 13 IMPORTS BY SITC Table 14 RETAINED IMPORTS CLASSIFIED BY BEC

Analyse the data Appropriate checks need to be made. Begin by doing: Trend analysis Unit value checks Look for reasons on abnormalities found. They could be due to: Coverage issues Illegal trade Duty free goods Goods falling within the threshold value Shuttle Trade Container statistics Valuation Issues FOB CIF Customs Value Missing data Classification Country of Origin Country of Destination Address abnormalities found

Prepare commentary Goal: The goal of the commentary should be to turn data contained in the 14 Pacific IMTS Release Tables into information. Format: Decide on the length of the entire commentary. The language style – casual/formal with one/more paragraphs per release table. Use of bullet points and graphs. Use of percentage change over previous period or previous corresponding period. Placement of logo, NSO address and date of the current and the next release. Include a note on who to contact for assistance. Inclusion of appendices and notes. Outline: Introduction about the context of the work on IMTS. Follow the order of the IMTS Release Tables i.e. start with balance of trade and follow through to commodities responsible for that balance etc. Pacific IMTS Dissemination Tables _ commentary on each table.docx Write clearly: Use simple words. In the notes explain technical terms.

Finalise the public release and disseminate Checks to be made prior to dissemination 1. Editing The commentary contains correct interpretation of the release tables. Ad hoc checks of all calculations and graphs ETC 2. Proof reading By the compiler By the senior staff/supervisor 3. Internal presentation Do a presentation to the NSOs Head and Senior Management + Ministry Endorsement for release HOD signs the release 5. Disseminate via electronic and hard copy: on the day of the release Media – Radio, TV, Newspaper Ministries Priority users At a later date to all subscribers

Recommendation for PICTs IMTS is compiled because there is a demand for it. This demand can only be met if quality and timely statistics are disseminated, so therefore - Countries are encouraged to prepare releases containing the 14 IMTS release tables with commentary and release it as per their advance release calendar. Countries are also encouraged to publish their commodity trade database.