Sources and terms

Understand the source.
Use the data with context.

Sources, coverage, definitions, and download terms can differ between files. Start with the information on the individual dataset page.

Named statistical providers

Sources behind the collection.

A provider listed here is not necessarily used in every dataset.

OECD

Balanced international merchandise trade statistics (BIMTS) - HS2017-6D

Historical merchandise import-export observations support country, product, and corridor downloads. Many files cover available annual observations from 1995 to 2024; use each file’s stated coverage.

Yugalinks datasets include both reported values and derived summaries or indicators. Check the field definitions to distinguish them.

OECD Data Explorer OECD Terms & Conditions

CEPII

BACI bilateral product data and selected research context

Selected downloads use BACI values and quantities for historical unit-value comparisons. Other files may identify additional CEPII contextual indicators.

BACI release 202601 is referenced in the collection. Source releases and years differ between datasets; consult the source citation on the page you use.

BACI documentation Etalab 2.0 Open Licence

Download terms

Free to download.
Check the terms for reuse.

The library’s CSV downloads are available without a download fee. There is no single licence that replaces the terms shown on each dataset page.

For OECD-based files, review the linked OECD Terms & Conditions. For BACI-based files, review the source citation and the applicable Etalab 2.0 Open Licence. Other identified sources may have different terms.

Before reproducing, adapting, or sharing a file, consult its source and licence information. Include the original provider and relevant dataset citation when required.

Yugalinks terms Ask about a source or citation

Reading a dataset

Check these details before comparing files.

Countries and direction: Check which country exports, which country imports, and whether a value describes exports, imports, or a balance. Country identifiers commonly use three-letter ISO codes.
Products and HS codes: The Harmonized System groups products by code: HS2 is a broad sector, HS4 a product group, and HS6 a more detailed product. Preserve leading zeros and compare the same classification.
Years and missing observations: Use a common period for comparisons. A missing year or value means information is unavailable; it should not automatically be treated as zero.
Values, quantities, and unit values: Check the currency and unit named in the fields. A unit value is value divided by quantity, not a quoted selling price for a particular company or shipment.
Calculated measures: Growth, market share, concentration, and other indicators are calculations. Fields described as scores or projections should not be read as directly reported observations.

Source citations

Keep the original provider in your references.

Use the citation, dataset title, period, and source links supplied on the page you download from. Note the date you accessed the file.

Gaulier, G. and Zignago, S. (2010), BACI: International Trade Database at the Product-Level. The 1994-2007 Version, CEPII Working Paper No. 2010-23.
CEPII BACI reference

The dataset page’s source information is the most specific guide to the file you are using.

Find a dataset and its documentation

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