Trade Data

Trade data is another part of understanding the industry. Internationally the Harmonized System (HS) External and the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) External are both necessary. Here are just a few that you will need to know but there are others.

Standard International Trade Classification (SITC)

Group: 553 - Perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations (excluding soaps)
553.1 Perfumes and toilet waters
553.2 Beauty or make-up preparations for the care of the skin (other than medicaments), including sunscreen or suntan preparations; manicure or pedicure preparations
553.3 Preparations for use on the hair
553.4 Preparations for oral or dental hygiene, including denture fixative pastes and powders
553.5 Pre-shave, shaving or aftershave preparations, personal deodorants, bath preparations, depilatories and other perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations, n.e. s.; prepared room deodorizers, whether or not perfumed or having disinfectant properties

Harmonized Code

3303 Perfumes and toilet waters
3304 Beauty, make-up & skin-care prep, manicure etc.
3305 Preparations for use on the hair
3306 Preparations for oral or dental hygiene,
3307 Personal toilet etc prep nesoi, shaving, bath etc.

Electronic Resources for Trade Data

The subscription resources marked with a padlock

are available to researchers on-site at the Library of Congress. If you are unable to visit the Library, you may be able to access these resources through your local public or academic library.

TradeStats Express (ITA)
This is from the Office of Trade and Economic Analysis (OTEA), Industry and Analysis, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce and includes US and by state import and export data.

UN Comtrade External This link opens in a new window

The United Nations Commodity Statistics Trade Database provides data for over 140 reporting countries, in some cases, spanning the last 40 years. The database is the UN official source for imports, exports and re-exports, for 90% of world trade. Users can select countries, products, years and measurements (values are in US dollars and quantities in net weight). Commodities are arranged by both Harmonized System (HS) and Standard International Trade Classification (SITC). Also includes textual information on countries and customs areas. Updated monthly and annually.
This site also offers:
International Trade Statistics Yearbook, current and historical - http://unstats.un.org/unsd/trade/imts/historical_data.htm

U.S. International Trade Data (Census)
The export statistics consist of goods valued at more than $2,500 per commodity shipped by individuals and organizations (including exporters, freight forwarders, and carriers) from the U.S. to other countries.

Business of Beauty: A Resource Guide

Trade Data

Standard International Trade Classification (SITC)

Harmonized Code

Electronic Resources for Trade Data