• Summary
• Downloads
• Explanatory Notes
• Related Information
• Past Releases

DATA DIMENSIONS

10.20 The ABS recognises the importance of international merchandise trade statistics to a wide variety of statistical users. Except where data are protected by confidentiality restrictions, aggregated data are made available at a very detailed level. The output dimensions are included in Table 10.1 below. Lower level data can be disseminated on request (for more details see paragraphs 10.34-10.39 in Customised Data). Users should be aware that such requests attract a fee and are considered on a case-by-case basis which takes into account quality assurance and any confidentiality restrictions on the data.

10.21 International merchandise trade statistics are compiled by the ABS on a monthly basis and can be extracted for any combination or level of aggregation, e.g. quarters, six month periods, calendar or financial years. Time series generally date back to January 1988, and in some cases earlier. These data are available on the ABS website (see Appendix 10 in the 'Downloads' tab). Detailed data on microfiche are available from selected libraries including the National Library of Australia, State libraries and Parliamentary libraries. Earlier time periods (particularly for those prior to 1988), may not be comparable with current data due to changes in concepts and coverage over time.

10.22 Statistics are available for exports, imports and import clearances:

• Exports reflect goods that leave Australia. They include:
  • goods that have been produced or manufactured in Australia
  • goods in separately identifiable form, re-exports of imported goods.
    
• Imports reflect goods that arrive in Australia. They include:
  • goods brought into Australia directly for home consumption following the payment of duty (Customs Nature 10 entries)
  • goods which are entered into DIBP (bonded) warehouses (Customs Nature 20 entries).

• Import clearances reflect goods that are cleared into the Australian market for home consumption (following the payment of duty). They include:
  • goods brought into Australia directly for home consumption (Customs Nature 10 entries)
  • goods cleared from a bonded warehouse (Customs Nature 30 entries).

• whether data are required for exports and/or imports
• the level of detail required, i.e. data may be required for the total trade in alcohol, or something more specific, such as imports of vodka
• whether only value of trade, or both value and quantity data, are required. Quantity information for SITC and broad level HS items is not standard in output as it is not always meaningful. However, it can be made available on request.