Random Samplings

Visualizing Foreign Trade Data

Recently, the U.S. Census Bureau added interactive graphs to the U.S. international trade data released each month. For example, these two graphs help you better understand international trade in petroleum.

The first graph shows the effect of prices on petroleum imports. The orange line shows the “nominal value” of petroleum imports for the month. The blue line shows the “real dollar” value, adjusted for 2005 prices. While the nominal value has a range of over $40 billion, the real dollar value range is less than $8 billion. To see the values for a month, just hover over the data point. (Visit the Foreign Trade website to interact with the graph). You can also turn either data series on-and-off by clicking it in the ledger.

You may have already heard of the U.S.’s significant imports of petroleum, but are you aware of the role petroleum plays in the U.S. trade deficit? Since 2006, petroleum has accounted for between 32% and 65% of the U.S. trade deficit in a given month. This interactive graph shows petroleum as a percent of the U.S. deficit for each month. You can hover over a data point to see the exact figure for that month.

All of the graphs we’ve added so far can be found here. We plan to add many more interactive graphs in the coming weeks and months. If there are any suggestions for data series you’d like to see included, please leave a comment below.

For more information on the U.S. Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade division, click here.

To read the Foreign Trade blog, click here.

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The Fruit of the Sea

By: Terri

The 1994 classic "Forrest Gump" taught you all the different ways to cook shrimp. USA Trade Online, on the other hand can provide detailed U.S. shrimp trade statistics. For example, did you know that from 2005 through 2009, Louisiana had consistently ranked in the top 5 states exporting frozen shrimp by dollar value, averaging $5.5 million each year?

Or that over that same period, Florida moved from #3 to #1 in value of frozen shrimp exports with a 95% growth rate and an annual average of $9.6 million each year?

You can also use USA Trade Online to demonstrate the impact of current events on the trade of a geographic region. In the aftermath of the 2010 oil spill, exports of frozen shrimp from the gulf sharply decreased. Louisiana frozen shrimp exports dropped 75% from April to June 2010, while Florida exports dropped 16%.

Download Data Shrimp Exports

Despite those losses, both markets have rebounded and shrimp exports are back to pre-oil spill levels. You can continue to track the recovery progress at USA Trade Online.

In the meantime ..."there's shrimp Creole, shrimp gumbo, pan fried, deep fried, stir fried..." and many more delicious choices for the proclaimed "Fruit of the Sea"!

This blog was re-posted from the Census Bureau's Global Reach blog.

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What is required for me to ship charity goods to Japan?

By: Omari for Global Reach, The official blog of the U.S. Census Bureau's Foreign Trade Division

Japan Aid On Friday, March 11, 2011, a major earthquake struck northern Japan, devastating the area and triggering a tsunami. Many U.S. residents and organizations are generously donating food, water, medicines, and other supplies to aid in the relief efforts. In order to facilitate the movements of these goods, we offer the following guidance that applies to any goods not requiring a license, such as food, clothing, and medicines.

There are four Schedule B numbers that can be used when exporting humanitarian goods. Those numbers are found in Chapter 98 of the Schedule B book, under subheading 9802.

Schedule B Numbers

9802.10.0000 Food products

9802.20.0000 Medicinal and pharmaceutical products

9802.30.0000 Wearing apparel (including footwear and headwear)

9802.40.0000 Donated articles, not elsewhere specified

Any shipment valued over $2,500 per Schedule B number or that requires a license must be filed in the AES. However, if the shipment is valued less than $2,500 per Schedule B number and does not require a license, then the low value exemption (NOEEI FTR 30.37(a)) can be used. In this case, food, clothing, and medicines do not require a license; however, medical equipment and tools may require an export license.

The Export Information Code to be reported is “CH” for shipments of goods donated for relief or charity. The value to be reported is the market value. If that value is not known, estimate how much you would receive if you sold the goods. The value should be consistent with the goods being exported, to avoid confusion and possible delays with U.S. Customs & Border Protection officers at the port of export.

There are different ways to file your export information. The most common is to report through the Census Bureau’s free Internet based filing system called AESDirect. We have provided training videos to help you get started with AESDirect. Another option is to file with a forwarder or agent who may be more familiar with export licensing and regulations.

With so many individuals and first time exporters shipping donated goods to Japan, the exporting process may seem overwhelming. However, we at the Census Bureau are available to help make the process as smooth as possible.

If you need more information, we are available at 800-549-0595. Select menu Option 1 for help with the AES, Option 2 for Classifications, and Option 3 for Regulations. You can also send us an email at askaes@census.gov or askregs@census.gov.

Please continue to support those during times of tragedy. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

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