5489.0 - International Merchandise Trade, Australia, Concepts, Sources and Methods, 2001

ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 30/05/2001

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Contents >> Chapter 6. Data Confidentiality >> Application of confidentiality restrictions

6.34 During output processing, four different types of output record are created to protect confidential trade data and to ensure the maximum release of data. The four types of record are:

records providing information on trade not subject to confidentiality restrictions (type i);

records enabling the release of the greatest possible level of information on commodities subject to confidentiality restrictions (type ii);

records enabling the release of the greatest possible level of information on trade with countries, relating to Australian states, or passing through overseas or Australian ports, where confidentiality restrictions apply to these items (type iii); and

records derived from record types ii and iii above, which serve as balancing items, so that totals can be easily and accurately calculated for items which are subject to confidentiality restrictions (type iv). These records have negative values.

6.35 For records involving commodities not subject to confidentiality restrictions, only one output record is created (type i). This record is identical to the record received in input.

6.36 For records involving commodities which are subject to confidentiality restrictions, two different output records (types ii and iii) are created, to replace a single input record. In this way only the confidential data are suppressed.

6.37 Replacing a single input record with two output records means that, if no further action were taken, there would be some double counting in reports which list trade in all commodities with all countries. The type iv record overcomes this problem by offsetting the double counting that would otherwise occur.

6.38 To illustrate by an example, with a No Country Details restriction, only the country (and port) data should be concealed. By creating a type ii record, the value and quantity of the confidential commodity is included with the commodity, in output that does not include country or port data. However, in output with a country or port dimension, the type iii record effectively suppresses the value and quantity of the confidential commodity, by including it with other confidential items in the dump item combined confidential items of trade. The type iv record is created to avoid double counting in totals.