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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.