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Social Statistics and Data

US Finance Statistics

Most of the US statistical compilations have extensive economic and financial data. Be sure to look through those first before diving into the more detailed data sources below.

US Foreign Trade Statistics

The most detailed online foreign trade data sets from the government are not free. However, before paying subscription fees be sure to check with the Library. As a federal depository we often receive the same data in CD or DVD sets, or have insitutional accounts to access the online subscription sources.

International Trade and Finance Statistics

Most international statistical compilations have extensive economic and financial data. Be sure to look through those first before diving into the more detailed data sources below.

For more detail, consult the following guide...

US Import and Export Product Codes

In the United States, all imports are classified by a system of 10-digit product codes called the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Exports are classified by a different system of 10-digit codes called Schedule B. Both systems are based on the international Harmonized System (HS), a 6-digit code in which each pair of digits represents a level of hierarchical classification. For example:

  • 01 = Live animals
  • 0105 = Poultry
  • 0105.11 = Chickens

So for any given product, the first six digits of the Harmonized Schedule code will be the same as the first six digits of the Schedule B code. Only the last four digits, which break products down into even more detailed categories, will be different. Because of this, many databases that combine imports and exports will use only the first six digits. Others will convert one system to the other using concordance files.

Alternatively, some data products use Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) codes, an older 5-digit product-coding system created by the United Nations. (The SITC and the Harmonized System are inter-related, but the actual codes are quite different.)

Canada, Mexico, and the United States have also developed a new set of product codes called the North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) which concentrate specifically on "service products" not covered by the Harmonized System. A separate US system of Advanced Technology Product codes is updated annually.

Finally, because some people just can't get enough code systems, some foreign trade data sources categorize products by the industries which produce them, using SIC or NAICS codes.