Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

2026/07/09

Statistical Presentation

Data description

The International Trade In Goods Statistics present data on export and import statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The International Trade in Goods Statistics is based on administrative records data that is collected, processed, and classified according to the following main characteristics:

• Goods code and goods description.
• Value of goods, quantity of goods, and weight of goods.
• Country of origin for imports, and country of destination for exports.

Data is also used to display: 

• Exports of Saudi Arabia.
• Imports of Saudi Arabia.
• Trade exchange between Saudi Arabia and its partners.
• rade size and trade balance.
• Re-export.
• Top origin and destination countries.
• Top exported and imported goods.
• Top customs ports.

Classifications

The following classifications are used in the International Trade in Goods Statistics:
Harmonized System (HS 2022)
The statistics of merchandise exports and imports of Saudi Arabia are compiled and classified in accordance with international standards. For classification purposes, these statistics rely on the Harmonized System (HS 2022) issued by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is a nomenclature for the description and classification of goods that includes subheadings and their numerical codes, as well as sections and chapters. This is in accordance with the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, signed in Brussels.
Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature 2022 Edition
Other classifications: 
Standard International Trade Classification (SITC):
It is a classification of goods used to classify exports and imports in a country in order to compare different countries and years. It is currently in the fourth revision, issued in 2006, and is issued by the United Nations.
Standard International Trade Classification (SITC), United Nations Statistics Division
Broad Economic Categories Classification (BEC):
The Broad Economic Categories (BEC) classification is a high-level aggregation of existing product classifications. It provides a framework for the presentation and analysis of international trade based on detailed classifications of goods and products, such as the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC), the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS), and the Central Product Classification (CPC). Its analytical focus is on classifying goods and products according to their end-use categories
Classification by Broad Economic Categories (BEC)
International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC, Rev. 4)
It is a standard international reference classification for economic activities, issued by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).
The fourth revision (Rev. 4) of the classification aims to provide a comprehensive and consistent framework for classifying statistical data related to economic activities and establishments, thereby enabling international comparisons and analyzing the performance of various sectors such as industry, trade, and services.
This classification is characterized by its precise hierarchical structure, which reflects the contemporary global economic reality. It serves as a vital tool for standardizing concepts and facilitating the collection and tabulation of economic indicators. This ensures support for national accounts, enhances the accuracy of developmental policies, and achieves the highest levels of statistical harmonization among the countries of the world.
International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC, Rev. 4) Manual – (UNSD)
Classification of countries into groups by continents and geographical regions, as follows: 

• Africa:
  -    North Africa.
  -    Sub-Saharan Africa.
  -    East Africa.
  -    Central Africa.
  -    Southern Africa.
  -    West Africa.
• America:
  -    North America.
  -    Latin America and the Caribbean.
  -    The Caribbean
  -    Central America.
  -    South America.
• Asia:
  -    Central Asia.
  -    East Asia.
  -    Southeast Asia.
  -    South Asia.
  -    West Asia.
• Europe:
  -    Eastern Europe.
  -    Northern Europe.
  -    Southern Europe.
  -    Western Europe.
• Oceania
• Other regions.

Classification of countries into general groups:

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
• League of Arab States.
• Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
• Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
• Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC).
• Group of Twenty (G20).
• European Union (EU).

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terminologies and concepts of international trade in goods statistics:

• Exports (Total):
  Exports consist of exports of domestic goods (national exports) and exports of foreign goods (re-exports) and the valuation is based on the basis of delivery on board (FOB).
• National exports:
  According to the international trade in goods system, it refers to all goods intended for export outside the Kingdom, which have been entirely produced or manufactured locally, or have undergone an industrial process that changed their form and value.
• Re-export:
  Goods that were previously imported and subjected to all customs procedures and re-exported without any significant modification.
• Oil exports:
  Exports of goods classified under Chapter 27 (mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation, bituminous substances, mineral waxes) of the Harmonized System (HS).
• Non-oil exports:
  Total exports excluding exports of goods classified under Chapter 27 (mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation, bituminous substances, mineral waxes) of the Harmonized System (HS).
• Imports of goods:
  All goods entering the country to meet local needs after undergoing customs procedures, with valuation based on cost, insurance, and freight (CIF).
• Trade volume:
  The sum of the value of exports and imports over a given period.
• Trade balance:
  The difference between the value of exports and imports over a given period.
• Countries:
  It is the origin of goods for import statistics and the final destination for export statistics.
• Country groups:
  Countries are classified geographically according to continents or according to international organizations, federations and associations.
• Partner country:
  It is the country that engages in economic transactions with the Kingdom, from which exports are made and imports are received. Based on these transactions, the value of exports and imports, the volume of trade between the two countries, the trade balance, and the most important exported and imported goods are estimated.
• Port of Entry:
  It refers to the port through which goods and commodities pass for customs clearance.
• Means of transportation:
  Used to determine the mode of transport, whether by air, land, or sea.
• Country of origin of goods:
  It refers to the country of origin for agricultural and animal products, the country where the final stage of production occurred for manufactured goods, and for raw materials, the country that extracted these materials from its mines.
• Net weight:
  Means the full weight of the goods excluding the weight of the packaging materials.
• Gross weight:
  Means the full weight of the goods including the weight of the packaging materials.
• Monthly change:
  Change from the previous month.
• Quarterly change:
  Change from the previous quarter.
• Annual change:
  Change from the previous year. 

Data sources

The main source of data for the International Trade in Goods Statistics is administrative records data, used to obtain the essential data required for merchandise exports and imports statistics from government entities.
The data is collected from the following government entities: 

• Ministry of Energy: A main source of oil exports.
• Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority: It is a major source of exports and imports of non-oil goods.
  The main published variables from the administrative data source are:
• Code of Goods
• Description of Goods
• Oil exports (value, weight, quantity).
• Non-oil exports (value, weight, quantity).
• Re-exports (value, weight, quantity).
• Imports (value, weight, quantity).
• Country of origin
• Country of final destination.
• Port name

Designing the data collection tool

Data is collected using standardized data request forms sent to data-owning entities to obtain periodic, harmonized, and well-documented data derived from administrative records related to International Trade in Goods indicators.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

Not applicable; since International Trade in Goods Statistics are based on administrative records and rely on available register-based data from relevant authorities.

Statistical population

The statistical population for International Trade in Goods Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia consists of all physical goods that enter the geographical territory of the Kingdom (imports) or leave it (exports). It includes all goods subject to customs procedures that affect the stock of the country’s material resources. These units are classified based on their common characteristics, such as the commodity code (HS code), country of origin or destination, and value and quantity or weight.
It covers all trade transactions conducted through customs ports (sea, air, and land) during the reference period (year). It excludes goods that do not result in a change in the stock of material resources of Saudi Arabia in accordance with international standards, such as transit goods, temporary goods, goods for repair, monetary gold, circulating banknotes, and goods leased for less than one year, as specified in the International Merchandise Trade Statistics Manual (IMTS 2010).

Sample Design

Not applicable, as the product is registry-based and relies on registry data available from the relevant authorities.

Statistical unit

The statistical unit in the International Trade in Goods Statistics is defined as follows:

• Basic statistical unit:
  The statistical unit is the good crossing the customs border, for which its technical and economic characteristics are recorded.
• Observation (reporting) unit:
  Given that International Trade in Goods Statistics are based on administrative records, the trade transaction recorded in the customs declaration is considered the basic observation unit from which statistical data are derived for each export or import operation.
• Measured characteristics of the unit:
  Data for each statistical unit is compiled based on the following variables:
  -    Classification: Goods code according to the Harmonized System (HS Code).
  -    Value: Monetary value in Saudi Riyals ( ), based on FOB for exports and CIF for imports.
  -    Quantity: Net weight in kilograms, or number of units for specific goods (such as cars and watches).
  -    Trading partner: Country of origin for imports and country of destination for exports.

Data collection

Data collection from administrative records:
Administrative data for the International Trade in Goods Statistics publication are obtained from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, which includes the values and weights of non-oil exports and imports. Oil export data are provided by the Ministry of Energy. 
These data are stored in the GASTAT's databases after undergoing validation and review processes in accordance with approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. The data source is also consulted in cases where errors are identified or where there are data-related observations. In addition, the data are checked to ensure completeness and consistency, as well as to eliminate any duplication.

Data collection frequency 

The data collection process for International Trade in Goods Statistics is conducted on an annual basis.

Reference area

International Trade in Goods Statistics cover exports and imports through customs ports (sea, air, and land) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are linked to trade exchanges with the rest of the world.

Reference period (time reference)

References period for the data is as follows:
The data obtained for International Trade in Goods Statistics are attributed to the current year, 2026.

Base period

Not applicable, as the International Trade in Goods Statistics provides data and indicators on a periodic basis to measure changes over time and is not compared to a fixed base period.

Measurement unit

Any quantity of a commodity is expressed in net weight. In addition, for certain commodities, quantities are expressed in several units, as required by their nature. (such as sheep, cars, and watches). In addition to their weight in tons, the value is expressed in Saudi riyals.

Time coverage

Data are available from 2000 to 2026.

Publication frequency

The results of the International Trade in Goods Statistics are published on an annual basis in accordance with the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

Careful procedures are implemented to detect errors in administrative record data obtained from the relevant government entities, with supportive methods applied to measure quality indicators, following systematic procedures that ensure data accuracy and consistency.
These included the following:

• Identifying illogical or out-of-range values, such as quantities and weights of goods, and other indicators.
• Classifying the data and verifying its accuracy, with reference to the primary data source whenever any errors or data quality issues are identified.
• Reviewing internal consistency between variables to ensure the logical relationships among values and indicators.
• Comparing current data with previous data to ensure the integrity of time series before processing the data and producing the final results.
• Reviewing data published by other official sources as supporting data, for comparison and verification of the accuracy of values and statistical trends.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

The International Trade in Goods Statistics rely on integrating data received from multiple sources in the calculation of their indicators to achieve data integration and enhance accuracy and comprehensiveness. 
This is achieved by integrating administrative records data received from the Ministry of Energy with data received from the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, and linking them automatically to ensure the alignment of customs codes with the Harmonized System (HS) classification. This enables the extraction of comprehensive statistical indicators that reflect patterns of international trade in goods, their geographical distribution, and their classification by economic groupings.

Imputation and calibration

Handling missing values (Imputation):
Imputation or statistical calibration methods are not used in the International Trade in Goods Statistics, as they rely on complete administrative records data. In case of any data gaps or inconsistencies, the data-providing entity is contacted directly to complete the data and ensure its consistency before inclusion in the publication.
Calibration procedures:
The totals of values and quantities derived from administrative sources (such as the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority and the Ministry of Energy) are verified against historical totals to ensure temporal and internal consistency of the data. 
Procedures for calculating variables: 
Procedures for calculating variables and annual aggregates:
Annual oil exports:
To calculate total oil exports during the current year, the values of goods classified under Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System (HS) and exported during the current year are aggregated.

• Calculation method:
  Total oil exports for the year = the sum of oil export values for all months of the current year.
  Annual non-oil exports:
  To calculate total non-oil exports during the reference year, the values of all nationally produced goods exported during the year are aggregated, excluding oil products (i.e., excluding goods classified under HS Chapter 27) that crossed the customs border during the year.
• Calculation method:
  Total non-oil exports for the year = the sum of non-oil national export values for all months of the current year. 
  Annual total national exports
  To calculate total national exports during the current year, the values of all goods that were wholly produced or manufactured locally, or that underwent substantial transformation within the Kingdom, are aggregated. This variable includes both oil and non-oil exports recorded during the year.
• Calculation method:
  Total national exports for the year = Total oil exports for the year + Total non-oil exports for the year.
  Annual re-exports
  To calculate the total value of re-exports during the current year, the values of foreign goods that were previously imported, completed all customs procedures, and were subsequently re-exported without undergoing any modification or substantial transformation during the year are aggregated.
• Calculation method:
  Total re-exports for the year = the sum of re-export values for all months of the year.
  Annual total exports
  To calculate total goods exports during the current year, the monetary values of all goods exported abroad are aggregated. This variable includes total national exports (oil and non-oil) in addition to the value of re-exported goods during the year.
• Calculation method:
  Total Exports for the Year=Total National Exports for the Year+Total Re-exports for the Year
  Annual total imports
  To calculate the total value of goods imports during the current year, the monetary values of all foreign goods entering the Kingdom through various customs ports during the year are aggregated. These goods are valued on a Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) basis.
• Calculation method:
  Total imports for the year = the sum of import values for all months of the year.
  Annual trade volume
  To calculate total trade volume during the current year, the monetary values of all goods trade flows are aggregated. This is obtained by adding total exports to total imports recorded during the year to measure the country's overall trade activity with the rest of the world.
• Calculation method:
  Trade Volume for the Year=Total Exports for the Year +Total Imports for the Year
  Annual trade balance:
  To calculate the trade balance during the current year, the difference between outward and inward trade flows is measured by subtracting the total annual value of imports from the total annual value of exports. This indicates the country's trade position and whether the year recorded a surplus (when exports exceed imports) or a deficit (when imports exceed exports).
• Calculation method:
  Trade Balance for the Year=Total Exports for the Year−Total Imports for the Year
  Year-on-year change (annual growth rate)
  To calculate the percentage change in International Trade in Goods values on an annual basis, the value of the variable in the previous year is subtracted from its value in the current year. The result is then divided by the value of the previous year and multiplied by 100 to measure growth in trade activity compared with the same period of the previous year.
• Calculation method:
  Year-on-year change= (current year value − previous year value) ÷ previous year value × 100
  Percentage of non-oil exports (including re-exports) to imports
  To calculate this ratio during the current year, the total value of non-oil exports (which includes non-oil national exports plus re-export values) is divided by the total value of imports for the same year, and the result is multiplied by 100. This measures the extent to which non-oil exports cover the import bill during the reference period.
• Calculation method:
  Percentage of non-oil exports to imports = (Total non-oil exports, including re-exports) ÷ 
  (total imports) × 100
  Annual total exports by section
  To calculate export values for each major commodity section during the current year, goods are classified and aggregated based on their HS codes and distributed across the 21 main sections that crossed the border during the months of the year.
• Calculation method:
  Total exports for a section in the year = sum of export values for that section across all months of the current year.

Annual total imports by section
To calculate import values for each major commodity section during the current year, goods are classified and aggregated based on their HS codes and distributed across the 21 main sections that crossed the border during the months of the year.

•  Calculation method:
  Total imports for a section in the year = sum of import values for that section across all months of the current year.
  Year-on-year change (annual growth) of exports or imports by sections
  To calculate the growth or decline rate in International Trade in Goods values for a specific commodity section on an annual basis, the value of the section in the previous year is subtracted from its value in the current year. The result is then divided by the value of the previous year and multiplied by 100.
• Calculation method:
  Year-on-year change = (current year section value − previous year section value) ÷ previous year section value × 100
  Total trade (exports/imports) by groups of countries
  To calculate International Trade in Goods statistics for each country group during the current year, the monetary values of all exported or imported goods are aggregated based on the geographical classification of the partner country and its affiliation with approved economic and political groupings over the year.
• Calculation method:
  Total trade value (exports/imports) for a country group for the year = sum of the monthly values of trade (exports or imports) for that country group during the year.
  Year-on-year change (annual growth rate) of exports or imports by groups of countries
  To calculate the growth or decline rate in International Trade in Goods values (exports or imports) for a specific country group, the value of exports or imports for that group in the previous year is subtracted from its value in the current year. The result is then divided by the value of the previous year and multiplied by 100.
• Calculation method:
  Year-on-year change = (current year group value − previous year group value) ÷ previous year group value × 100
  Total trade (exports/imports) by country
  To calculate trade values (exports/imports) with each partner country during the current year, the monetary values of all goods exported to the country of final destination or imported from the country of origin are aggregated based on recorded data for the year, in order to analyze bilateral trade flows.
• Calculation method:
  Total trade value (exports/imports) with a specific country for the year = sum of monthly trade values with that country
  Year-on-year change (annual growth rate) of exports or imports by country
  To calculate the growth or decline rate in International Trade in Goods values (exports or imports) for a specific country, the value of exports or imports for that country in the previous year is subtracted from its value in the current year. The result is then divided by the value of the previous year and multiplied by 100.
• Calculation method:
  Year-on-year change = (current year country value − previous year country value) ÷ previous year country value × 100
  Total non-oil exports (including re-exports) by mode of transport
  To calculate the total value of non-oil exports for each mode of transport (sea, air, and land) during the current year, the monetary values of non-oil national goods and re-exported goods are aggregated based on the mode through which they exited the Kingdom’s ports during the year.
• Calculation method
  Total non-oil exports for a specific mode of transport for the year = sum of non-oil export values for that mode during the year.
  Total non-oil exports (including re-exports) by customs port 
  To calculate the total value of non-oil exports for each customs port during the current year, the monetary values of non-oil national goods and re-exported goods cleared and exported through that specific port are aggregated, in order to reflect the export capacity of each border outlet.
• Calculation method:
  Total non-oil exports for a specific port for the year = sum of non-oil export values for that port during the year.
  Total imports by mode of transport
  To calculate the total value of imports for each mode of transport (sea, air, and land) during the current year, imported goods are classified and aggregated based on the mode through which they entered the Kingdom, in order to analyze the efficiency of different logistics routes.
• Calculation method:
  Total imports for a specific mode of transport for the year = sum of import values for that mode during the year.
  Total imports by customs port
  To calculate the total value of imports for each customs port (such as Jeddah Islamic Port, King Khalid International Airport, or Al Batha Border Crossing) during the year, the monetary values of goods cleared through that specific port are aggregated to measure trade flow through each entry point.
• Calculation method:
  Total imports for a specific port for the year = sum of import values for that port during the year.
  Year-on-year change (annual growth) in non-oil exports or imports by mode of transport or port
  To calculate the growth or decline rate in International Trade in Goods values (non-oil exports or imports) for a specific mode of transport or customs port, the value in the previous year is subtracted from the value in the current year. The result is then divided by the previous year’s value and multiplied by 100.
• Calculation method:
  Year-on-year change = (current year (port or mode) value − previous year (port or mode) value) ÷ previous year (port or mode) value × 100
  Annual total export quantities
  To calculate the total quantities of exported goods during the current year, the net weights of all exported goods that crossed customs borders are aggregated. These quantities are measured in net weight and then converted into thousand tons for ease of presentation and comparison.
• Calculation method:
  Total export quantities for the year (in thousand tons) = (sum of export goods weights for the year in tons) ÷ 1,000.
  Annual total imports quantities
  To calculate the total quantities of imported goods during the current year, the net weights of all foreign goods entering the Kingdom through various customs ports during the year are aggregated. These quantities are expressed in thousand tons to ensure a standardized statistical measure for trade balances.
• Calculation method:
  Total import quantities for the year (in thousand tons) = (sum of import goods weights for the year in tons) ÷ 1,000.
  Year-on-year change (annual growth) in export and import quantities
  To calculate the percentage change in International Trade in Goods quantities on an annual basis, the quantity of the variable (export quantities or import quantities) in the previous year is subtracted from its quantity in the current year. The result is then divided by the quantity of the previous year and multiplied by 100. This measures growth and changes in the volume of goods flows, in terms of weight, between two consecutive years.
  •    Calculation method:
  Year-on-year change = (current year quantity − previous year quantity) ÷ previous year quantity × 100
  Total exports or imports by sections of the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC, Rev. 4):
  To calculate the value of exports or imports for each section of the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC, Rev. 4) during the current year, the monetary values of goods are aggregated and classified according to the ten major commodity groups defined by this international classification. This ensures consistency with international standards and facilitates analysis of the structure of international trade by commodity type.
• Calculation method:
  Total value of exports or imports for a section for the year = sum of values for the specified section across all months of the current year.
  Quarterly Total Exports or Imports by Standard International Trade Classification (SITC, Rev. 4):
  To calculate the value of exports or imports for each section of the Standard International Trade Classification (Rev. 4) during the target quarter, the monetary values of goods are aggregated and classified according to the ten main commodity sections specified by this international classification. This ensures data consistency with international standards and enables analysis of the international trade structure based on commodity type across the three months constituting the quarter.
• Calculation method:
  Total value of exports or imports for the section per quarter = Sum of the specific section's values for the first + second + third month of the target quarter.
  Total exports or imports by Broad Economic Categories (BEC, Rev.  4):
  To calculate the value of exports or imports according to the Broad Economic Categories (BEC, Rev. 4) classification during the current year, the monetary values of goods are aggregated and classified based on their end economic use. This provides a detailed analysis of the allocation of trade resources and supports decision-makers in understanding supply chains and domestic demand.
• Calculation method:
  Total value of exports or imports for a BEC category for the year = Sum of values for the specified category across all months of the current year.
  Quarterly Total Exports or Imports by Broad Economic Categories (BEC, Rev. 4):
  To calculate the value of exports or imports according to the Broad Economic Categories (Rev. 4) during the target quarter, the monetary values of goods are aggregated and classified based on their final economic use across the three months constituting the quarter. This provides an accurate analysis of how trade resources are allocated and supports decision-makers in understanding supply chains and domestic demand during the reference period.
• Calculation method:
  Total value of exports or imports for the BEC category per quarter = Sum of the specific category's values for the first + second + third month of the target quarter.
  Annual Total Exports or Imports by International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC, Rev. 4):
  To calculate the value of exports or imports according to the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (Rev. 4) during the current year, the monetary values of goods are aggregated and classified based on the economic activity that produced them. This provides an accurate analysis of the production structure of commercially traded goods and supports decision-makers in understanding the contribution of various economic sectors and activities to international trade.
• Calculation method:
  Total value of exports or imports for the economic activity (ISIC) per year = Sum of the specific activity's values for all months of the current year.
  Quarterly Total Exports or Imports by International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC, Rev. 4):
  To calculate the value of exports or imports according to the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (Rev. 4) during the target quarter, the monetary values of goods are aggregated and classified based on the economic activity that produced them across the three months constituting the quarter. This provides an accurate analysis of the production structure of commercially traded goods and supports decision-makers in understanding the contribution of various economic sectors and activities to international trade during the reference period.
• Calculation method:
  Total value of exports or imports for the economic activity (ISIC) per quarter = Sum of the specific activity's values for the first + second + third month of the target quarter.
  Total exports or imports by Nature of Items
  To calculate the value of exports or imports by the Nature of Items during the current year, the monetary values of traded goods are classified and aggregated into three main groups: raw materials, semi-manufactured goods, and manufactured goods, for all months of the current year.
• Calculation method: 
  Total value of exports or imports for a specific nature of goods per year = Sum of the values for the specific nature of goods for the current year.
  Total exports or imports by end-use
  To calculate the value of exports or imports according to their economic end use during the current year, the monetary values of goods are distributed and aggregated into three categories: intermediate consumption, gross fixed capital formation (including capital goods) final consumption.
• Calculation method:
  Total value of exports or imports for a specific end-use category for the year = Sum of values for the specified end-use category across all months of the current year.

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, as the final results for each year are published based on administrative data from official sources.

Adjustment of preliminary results 

The annual International Trade in Goods Statistics results are released and published as preliminary data upon completion of the initial processing and validation of the complete administrative records.
These preliminary results are subject to continuous periodic revisions based on updates received from the main administrative sources (the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority and the Ministry of Energy). The preliminary results are revised to bring them closer to the final accurate values.
The results are published in their final form after the end of the calendar year, following the completion of final validations and ensuring the completeness and consistency of all annual trade transactions.

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A criterion that indicates the extent to which the product meets users’ needs.

User needs 

Internal users of International Trade in Goods Statistics at GASTAT:

• National accounts.
• Prices.
  There are a number of external users who make extensive use of and benefit significantly from International Trade in Goods Statistics data, including:
• Government entities.
• Regional and international organizations.
• Research institutions.
• Media.
• ndividuals.
  Key variables used by external users:

Completeness 

International Trade in Goods data is based on two main sources to obtain the essential data required for merchandise exports and imports statistics from government entities.
As follows: 

• Data obtained from the Ministry of Energy:
  A main source of oil exports.
• Data obtained from the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority:
  It is a major source of exports and imports of non-oil goods.
  Accordingly, the International Trade in Goods Statistics data are considered complete.

 Accuracy and reliability 

A measure of the extent to which calculations or estimates are close to the true values that reflect reality.

Overall accuracy 

• Data quality is enhanced through the selection of researchers based on a set of practical and objective criteria related to the nature of the work, as well as their qualification and training.
• Alert, prevention, and correction rules are applied during the processing of administrative records for the International Trade in Goods Statistics to enhance data quality.
• The data is examined against previous years to identify any significant changes.
• The internal consistency of the data is checked before it is finalized.
• The links between variables are checked and coherence between different data series is confirmed.

Timeliness and punctuality 

Timeliness A standard that indicates the length of time between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
Punctuality It reflects the time lag between the data publication date and the target date when publication actually occurs.

Timeliness 

GASTAT uses the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) issued by the International Monetary Fund. According to this Standard, all statistics agencies are required to publish data on an annual basis, and with a delay of no more than mid of year (180 days) after the end of the reference period. If the data are from different source, they may be published in a different frequency.

Punctuality

 The results are published in accordance with the release dates specified in the Statistical Calendar for the International Trade in Goods Statistics on GASTAT’s website.
The data are available at the expected time, as scheduled in the statistical release calendar, If the publication is delayed, reasons shall be provided.

Coherence and comparability

A standard that refers to the necessity of internal and temporal consistency of statistics, their logical coherence, and their comparability and integration across different regions and sources.

Comparability - geographical

Statistical data related to the International Trade in Goods Statistics is fully comparable geographically within Saudi Arabia, as well as at the regional and international levels.

Comparability - over time 

The indicators are comparable over time, and the reference year for the data is updated annually according to what is received from the main data sources to ensure comparability with previous years.

Coherence- Cross domain

The data are consistent, as their coherence is verified against all other statistics containing similar indicators. These procedures ensure integration and coherence across statistics, thereby enhancing data reliability and the quality of analyses based on them, and ensuring that the results are free from any unjustified inconsistencies.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Full methodological consistency is maintained between the monthly and quarterly reports and the final annual results of the International Trade in Goods Statistics. This is achieved through continuous temporal alignment, whereby sub-annual data is compiled and processed and periodically reconciled with annual totals to ensure consistency in trends and values. As the monthly data is published as “preliminary,” it is methodologically reviewed and updated upon the release of the final revisions of the administrative records received from the source.
These procedures aim to analyze any discrepancies arising from the timing of administrative recording and to address them statistically, thereby ensuring a consistent and reliable time series in which the sum of short-term periods aligns with the final annual output.  

Coherence- National Accounts 

International Trade in Goods Statistics is aligned with the frameworks of the national accounts and the balance of payments. This consistency is achieved through the harmonization of the concepts, definitions, and classifications used in recording exports and imports, ensuring that trade data flows as accurate and reliable inputs within macroeconomic variables.

Coherence- Internal 

Full internal consistency is maintained across all outputs of the International Trade in Goods Statistics. This is achieved by ensuring arithmetic and logical consistency across all components of the data, whereby the totals of values and quantities at the level of chapters and commodity items fully correspond to the overall published totals in the same publication. The validation process also includes ensuring consistency across different measures, such as aligning geographical distributions and economic group classifications with total trade volume and the trade balance. These procedures aim to eliminate any illogical discrepancies or inconsistencies, thereby ensuring coherent and reliable data that accurately reflects the reality of exports and imports movements.

Accessibility and clarity

It refers to the extent to which users can access data, the availability of detailed and aggregate data, and the availability of the Methodology and Quality Report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 9.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT on the link: 
Press release

Publications

GASTAT regularly publishes International Trade in Goods Statistics publications and reports in accordance with a pre-established dissemination plan, and they are published on GASTAT’s website.  GASTAT is keen to publish its results in a manner that serves all types of users, including publications in various formats containing dissemination tables, data and indicator charts, the Methodology and Quality Report, and the questionnaires used, in both Arabic and English.
The results of the International Trade in Goods Statistics are available on:
International Trade in Goods 

Online database

The data is published on the statistical database:
GASTAT (stats.gov.sa)

 Microdata accessibility

Not available.

References and standards

International Trade in Goods Statistics Framework
GASTAT carries out all its statistical activities in accordance with a unified methodology that is consistent with the nature of each statistical product. In doing so, it relies on the Statistical Business Process Manual, which is aligned with the procedures adopted by international organizations in coordination with the relevant entities.

• For more details, you can refer to the link below.
  Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)
  Concepts, definitions, issues, and classifications based on the international recommendations for International Trade in Goods Statistics adopted by the United Nations Statistics Division.
  International Merchandise Trade Statistics: Concepts and Definitions (IMTS 2010)  

Quality assurance

GASTAT is committed to adhering to the following principles: Impartiality; user-oriented statistical products; quality of processes and outputs; effectiveness of statistical operations; and reduced respondent burden. 
Data are validated through quality assurance procedures and controls implemented at various stages of the statistical process, including: data entry, data collection, and other final controls.

Quality assessment

GASTAT conducts all statistical activities in accordance with the National Version of the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM). During the comprehensive evaluation phase, which is the final phase of the GSBPM, information collected throughout each phase and sub-process is used to prepare an evaluation report that summarizes all quality-related challenges associated with each statistical process. The report serves as an input for continuous improvement and development initiatives.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality - Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data were displayed in appropriate tables to facilitate their summarization, comprehension, and results extraction. Also, to compare data with other data and extract statistical meanings for the study community. It is also easier to check tables without the need to see any sensitive or confidential data, which violates the confidentiality of statistical data.

Publishing policy

Statistical calendar

International Trade in Goods Statistics has been included in the Statistical Calendar.
Statistical Calendar

User access

One of GASTAT’s objectives is to better meet its clients’ needs; therefore, it provides them with the results of the International Trade in Goods Statistics Publication immediately upon release.
GASTAT also receives users’ questions and inquiries regarding the publication and its results through various communication channels, such as:

• GASTAT’s official website: www.stats.gov.sa
• GASTAT’s official email address:  info@stats.gov.sa
• Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
• Official letters.
• Statistical telephone: (199009).