OTHER DATA SOURCES

4.55 There are only a small number of non-DIBP data sources used in the compilation of international merchandise trade statistics. These data sources are:

• RBA exchange rates - these are used to convert export FOB values to Australian dollars using the exchange rate applicable on the date of departure from Australia (or in some cases the expected date of export), see paragraph 4.34 in ABS Compilation Methods
• public information - newspapers and websites are used to verify unusual transactions
• other ABS surveys or compilation areas - more up to date or additional information about goods being exported or imported might be provided by another ABS survey, e.g. the quarterly Survey of New Capital Expenditure.

4.56 Export declarations are not required for fuel provided to foreign airlines and ships in Australia. The value of these transactions is estimated and included in Australia's international merchandise export statistics using price and historical quantity data while alternative data sources are explored. In addition, because exports are recorded on a date of departure basis, occasionally research shows that a significant export has occurred for which no details have yet been received from the DIBP. These transactions are added to the IDW (input data file) towards the end of the processing month and processed in the same way as customs records, i.e. once added the transaction is passed through the edit process, subject to output editing and included in the final results.