Remember: trade by commodity by country = SourceOECD. There are other resources, but this one is our best/most comprehensive/most up-to-date, so start there. If any one of the countries the patron wants the data for is a member of the OECD, then you should be able to get the statistics from SourceOECD.
If only one country is a member and, for example, the patron says, "I want Guatemalan banana exports to the UK" you can still use SourceOECD: just turn it around to "UK imports of Guatemalan bananas".
Overall, data is available from 1961-present. To get into the Statistics section, click on the Statistics tab at the top of the home page. Then put your mouse over the "OECD Databases" link on the menu at the left. The database is called ITCS International Trade by Commodity. SITC Revision 2 is 1961-1990; SITC Revision 3 is 1991-. Historical data for new members may not be available.
OECD members & dates they joined can be found here: OECD Members. -- Amy
Posted by bgi at February 15, 2005 01:09 PM | Email This EntryI was frustrated by trying to help a patron use the OECD publication International Trade by Commodity who wanted to find wool exports in Australia. Good to know there is a database that will give more details on commodities. The books do not have product level information, just categories.
Posted by: Van at February 15, 2005 09:40 PM