Steve Doig, Arizona State U.

Paul Overberg, USA TODAY

Philadelphia

Jan. 31, 2011

Reynolds CenterBusinessJournalism.org

Foreign TradeCensus Bureau is official source for U.S. import

and export dataMandatory reporting of all commodities shipped

to or from the U.S. by individuals and organizations

Reported monthly within 40-45 days of tradeData is used to calculate U.S. balance of

payment, trade policy analysis, overseas market analysis, et al.

ExportsExports valued at $2,500 or more must be reportedTracks more than 8,000 commodities through 400

U.S. ports to 240 U.S. trading partnersMany data “products”: Tables by commodity category,

port, et al.

ImportsImports valued at $2,000 or more per commodity must

be reportedTracks more than 16,000 commodities through 400

U.S. ports to 240 U.S. trading partnersMany data “products”:

Monthly “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services” report

Tables by commodity category, port,

ServicesSeven categories

Travel: Purchases by Americans abroad and visitors here

Passenger faresOther transportationRoyalties and License FeesTransfers Under U.S. Military Sales Contracts

(Exports)Direct Defense Expenditures (Imports)U.S. Government Miscellaneous Services

USA Trade Online

USA Trade OnlineAccess to all import and export dataPrepare custom reports on interactive

websiteSubscriptions:

One day: $25One month: $75Annual: $300

Free demo

Other subscriptionsWorld Trade Atlas® — U.S. State Export

Edition Online (monthly data $3,600) U.S. Exports of Merchandise – Monthly DVD-

ROM (monthly data $2,400)U.S. Exports of Merchandise – History DVD-

ROM (5 years for $200)U.S. Imports of Merchandise – Monthly DVD-

ROM (monthly data $2,400)U.S. Imports of Merchandise – History DVD-

ROM (5 years for $200)

www.census.gov/foreign-trade/data/