1. Trade Data Basics1. Trade Data Basics

The official U.S. import and export statistics reflect government and non-government shipments of merchandise between foreign countries and the U.S. Customs Territory (i.e. the 50 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico), U.S. Foreign Trade Zones, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, without regard to whether or not a commercial transaction is involved.

Use the links below to navigate to specific topics regarding U.S. trade data collection and presentation:

• Trade in Goods
  • - Exports
  • - Imports
  • - Trade Balance
  • - Measuring Goods Trade
  • - Industry Classification Systems
• Trade in Services
• Data Releases and Revisions
• State Data Methodology
• Metropolitan Data Methodology