We are releasing some exciting new data at the U.S Department of Commerce and I know Depository Librarians will be very interested in it. A popular data request for many, many years has been for more detailed import/export data, BY PORT.
In February, we will be able to provide this as part of USATradeOnline. This data base also contains value of shipments by air, vessel, land, pipeline and about 10 other methods by 6 digit commodity codes. This means, for example, we can find out the value of shipments (by commodity) crossing the border at El Paso. To my knowledge this detailed data has never been publically available before. (This is the OFFICIAL data, compiled by the U.S. Bureau of the Census. It is the only data used by Federal officials in conducting the business of the government.)
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As an illustration--
The recent storms on the Gulf Coast have illustrated the significance of this data. The Census Bureau compiled special Gulf region statistics (released in preliminary reports) to allow data users to monitor trade fluctuations that could be attributed to the two major storms.
According to a recent Census article based on this data, total export trade for the Gulf Region was down $1.4 billion from August to September 2005. The port of Houston showed a decrease in exports by $624 million and a decrease in imports by $430 million. Exports of chemicals through the district of Houston, TX were down $284 million from the previous month.
Total import trade for the Gulf Region was down $1.8 billion from August to September 2005. The port of New Orleans showed a decrease in exports by $578 million and a decrease in imports by $685 million. Imports of oil and gas through the district of Mobile, AL were down $518 million from the previous month.
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In February, statistics for over 450 U.S. ports will be added to the current USATradeOnline Web site. The port data will include imports by port of unlading and exports by port of export. Data will be available on a detailed product level by country and will include values and shipping weights by method of transportation-air and vessel. Port statistics will be available from 2003 through the present on a monthly, year-to-date, and annual basis. The expected launch date of the port addition to USA Trade Online is February 10, 2006.
THIS IS A FANTASTIC DATA BASE, AND IT IS NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE., NOT EVEN ON THE CENSUS DVD! IT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL FDLS THROUGH THE ACCOUNTS ISSUED BY STAT-USA/GPO AND AVAILABLE TO ALL PAID SUBSCRIPTIONS AT CURRENT PRICES. HELP US TALK IT UP AND EXPLAIN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF IT TO YOUR USERS.
Thanks.
Forrest Williams
Director
STAT-USA
(202) 482-3429