Cross border movements of goods

Reasons why differences in the statistics on cross border movements of goods are formed can be seen in multiple factors.

Detailed explanation of reasons for difference can be found in the document of Eurostat called (Chapter 6.2.5.) Statistics on the trading of goods – User guide.

Users interested in the flow of trade from country A to country B may examine exports from A to B (as reported by A) or imports into B from A (as reported by B) or both. They may use national figures, Eurostat data or those of other international organisations. Each source is likely to give to some extent different data. This causes uncertainty and difficulties for the user.

In theory, intra-EU statistics of Member States are easily compared – in particular if the COMEXT source is used rather than national figures, since:

·         the data to be compared are drawn up on the basis of a broadly common methodology and common definitions;

·         the problem of the FOB and CIF valuations generally plays a smaller role in view of the geographical context and the structure of intra-Community trade;

·         given the rules for determining reference periods, time delays should not have a such a large impact - at least on annual results;

·         the trading partner for arrivals is always the Member State of consignment, not the country of origin of the goods.