Trade data provides valuable insights into import and export trends on a global, national, and local level. Whether you’re an economist analyzing the overall performance of international trade or a small business considering expanding into new overseas markets, access to accurate trade statistics is crucial. But with so much data available from a wide variety of sources, where should you look to find the trade information you need?

This comprehensive guide will explore the top sources for trade data worldwide and within key economies. We’ll outline the types of commercial intelligence available, how to access it, and what each source’s relative strengths and limitations are. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of where to turn to research import/export volumes, pricing trends, trade policies and more. Let’s get started!

1. United Nations COMTRADE Database

The United Nations COMTRADE database is one of the most extensive collections of international trade statistics globally. It provides bilateral trade data for over 170 reporter countries/areas, including thousands of commodities classified according to the Harmonized System. Data is available as far back as the 1960s for some countries.

Some key features of COMTRADE include:

• Trade values and quantities – Access statistics on the value (in USD) and quantity of goods traded between any two reporting countries.
• Harmonized System classifications – Commodities are organized into over 5,000 categories according to the detailed HS structure.
• Multiple data sources – Trade figures are compiled directly from customs declarations made to national statistical authorities.
• Free public access – Basic downloadable trade data is available for any countries/periods without cost restrictions.

While COMTRADE contains an immense wealth of historical trade intel, a few limitations to be aware of include occasional data gaps, inconsistencies between countries, and a lack of recent monthly/quarterly figures for some nations. It’s also not the best source for trade services numbers. Nonetheless, it remains the premier starting point for high-level global trade analyses.

2. Country-Level Trade Agencies and Customs Offices

Individual countries and trade blocs also publish comprehensive trade statistics through dedicated government departments and agencies. Here are some of the leading authorities:

• U.S. Census Bureau (USA) – Provides detailed import/export data for over 5,000 commodity groups. Includes value, quantity and trade balance info dating back decades.
• Eurostat (European Union) – A one-stop-shop for EU trade figures classified under Harmonized System rules. Data is available monthly, quarterly and annually.
• Statistics Canada (Canada) – Publishes trade in goods and services figures along with related economic indicators for Canadian trade partners.
• China Customs Statistics (China) – Offers trade in goods values and quantities between China and its top trading partners annually and by custom districts.
• UK HM Revenue & Customs (UK) – Delivers UK trade statistics down to 8-digit commodity code level with trade partner breakdowns.

Country-level sources allow for deeper dives into individual economies and offer the most up-to-date snapshots of the latest monthly trade performances. They may also provide more customized data visualizations and tools compared to multinational databases.

3. International Trade Centers

International organizations centered around trade facilitation also aggregate and disseminate trade statistics. Some notable examples include:

• World Trade Organization (WTO) – As a leading global trade body, the WTO maintains comprehensive datasets on merchandise and service trade flows between its members.
• International Trade Centre (ITC) – A joint agency of the WTO and UN provides trade statistics, market research and trade development tools for developing countries in particular.
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) – In addition to economic indicators, the OECD publishes regular trade in goods and services reports for its member countries.
• United Nations Regional Commissions – Entities like UNECE, UNESCAP and ECLA collate intra- and inter-regional trade statistics spanning Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas.

International centers tend to have a macro policy perspective on trade trends and impacts. Their data presentations aim to inform discussions on regional trading agreements, non-tariff measures and development trade issues. Coverage frequently extends beyond top trading partners too.

4. Industry and Market Research Databases

Moving to commercial sources, several fee-based industry databases curate vast repositories of import and export trade data:

• Trade Map (ITC) – Arguably the most comprehensive database, with global monthly trade flows by over 5,300 products and 200+ trading partners since 1989.
• PIERS – Long considered an authority for sea/ocean freight trade news, PIERS provides waterborne import/export data at the bill of lading level in near real-time.
• ImportGenius – Specializes in detailed air/sea/land U.S. import records with HS10 product classifications and shipment finance terms.
• Panjiva – Focuses specifically on global ocean and air freight transactions, tracking movements of goods at the shipment level.
• Trade Data Monitor – Offers monthly international trade statistics and market analyses for major commodity sectors.

Commercial databases excel at granular data not found elsewhere, along with powerful analytics and visualization tools. Pricing can be steep but often worthwhile for in-depth trade research and benchmarking purposes. Many also offer limited “guest” accounts.

5. Company and Port Authority Sources

When researching import/export patterns involving specific companies, industries or transportation hubs, the following sources provide unique trade insights:

• Company Annual Reports – Publicly traded companies disclose import/export sales figures and key trading partners/regions in mandatory financial statements.
• Port Authority Websites – Major seaports globally publish detailed trade statistics on volumes and commodities passing through their facilities each year.
• Airport Authority Databases – Air cargo hubs track air waybill level trade information on tonnages and values of goods flown internationally via their airports.
• Industry Association Reports – Trade bodies representing sectors from agriculture to technology release periodic updates on the international sales and sourcing trends impacting their members.

On a micro level, these sources contextualize the role individual firms, logistic chains and localized industry clusters play within broader trade networks. They are most effectively coupled with macro-level trade data for a complete picture.

6. Using Trade Data – Some Helpful Tips

As you access trade statistics from varied sources, keep the following tips in mind:

• Compare datasets – Cross-check numbers across sources to identify inconsistencies requiring further explanation.
• Consider data availability lags – Most recent trade stats are 2-6 months old due to reporting/compilation times.
• Watch for methodology changes – Definitions and classifications are periodically revised, impacting historical consistency.
• Validate with qualitative sources – Triangulate quantitative trade figures with qualitative industry reports where possible.
• Analyze year-on-year percentage changes – Absolute numbers alone don’t reveal relative trade growth or decline patterns over time.
• Disaggregate trade partners and products – drill down to uncover micro trends obscured at an aggregate level.

With care taken to acknowledge limitations and contextualize findings, trade data opens a wealth of insights to inform strategic trade decisions globally and within targeted nations or industries.