This manual sets out an internationally agreed framework for the compilation and reporting of statistics of international trade in service. While it is primarily a guide for statistical compilers, it is also a useful tool for governments and international organizations that use statistical information in connection with international negotiations on trade in services. Furthermore, it can help enterprises and others that need to monitor developments in international services markets. The annex presenting the nature and purpose of the Tourism Satellite Account has been updated.

The Guide provides practical support on the compilation of service transactions between residents--non-residents transactions utilizing the EBOPS classification with special emphasis on the partner country break-down, the foreign affiliates statistics (FATS) and also on flows by modes of supply. The overarching aim is to increase the availability and quality of SITS in order to fulfil the urgent needs and demands for such data by policy makers, researchers, market analysts and the public in general. While the international standards in economic statistics are in the process of being implemented, this Guide comes timely, providing the statistical community with guidelines, best practices, case studies, and practical advice on the compilation of SITS.

The Manual sets out an internationally agreed framework for the compilation and reporting of statistics on international trade in services in the broad sense. It addresses the growing need, including in international trade negotiations and agreements, for more detailed, comparable, and comprehensive statistics on this type of trade in its various forms. The recommendations will enable countries to progressively expand and structure the information they compile in an internationally comparable way. The Manual conforms with and explicitly relates to the System of National Accounts 1993 and the fifth edition of the IMF’s Balance of Payments Manual. It is published jointly by the United Nations, European Union, IMF, OECD, UNCTAD, and World Trade Organization.

The Manual sets out an internationally agreed framework for the compilation and reporting of statistics on international trade in services in the broad sense. It addresses the growing need, including in international trade negotiations and agreements, for more detailed, comparable, and comprehensive statistics on this type of trade in its various forms. The recommendations will enable countries to progressively expand and structure the information they compile in an internationally comparable way. The Manual conforms with and explicitly relates to the System of National Accounts 1993 and the fifth edition of the IMF’s Balance of Payments Manual. It is published jointly by the United Nations, European Union, IMF, OECD, UNCTAD, and World Trade Organization.

The International Merchandise Trade Statistics: Compilers Manual, Revision 1 (IMTS 2010-CM) supports statisticians in countries in the implementation of the new and updated recommendations contained in International Merchandise Trade Statistics: Concepts and Definitions, Revision 3 (IMTS 2010). The Manual contains further and more detailed explanation of certain recommendations and provides practical guidance for trade statistics compilers by describing good or best practices applicable under different circumstances. However, the Manual is also a very valuable source of information for all users and analysts of trade statistics as it highlights critical issues of trade statistics and its compilation and describes existing country practises in numerous examples. Readers will gain an inside look in trade statistics, allowing an in depth understanding of issues and practises.

The International Merchandise Trade Statistics: Compilers Manual, Revision 1 (IMTS 2010-CM) supports statisticians in countries in the implementation of the new and updated recommendations contained in International Merchandise Trade Statistics: Concepts and Definitions, Revision 3 (IMTS 2010). The Manual contains further and more detailed explanation of certain recommendations and provides practical guidance for trade statistics compilers by describing good or best practices applicable under different circumstances. However, the Manual is also a very valuable source of information for all users and analysts of trade statistics as it highlights critical issues of trade statistics and its compilation and describes existing country practises in numerous examples. Readers will gain an inside look in trade statistics, allowing an in depth understanding of issues and practises.

This edition provides a comprehensive methodological framework for collection and compilation of international merchandise trade statistics in all countries, irrespective of the level of development of their statistical system. The conceptual framework reflects both the multipurpose nature of these statistics and concern for availability of the adequate data sources and data compilation procedures. It is intended primarily for the producers of international trade statistics, particularly the staff of national statistical offices and/or customs involved in the collection and compilation of merchandise trade statistics, but may be also useful to researchers and other users interested in better understanding the nature of trade statistics.