Introduction

The 2012 International Trade Statistics Yearbook (2012 ITSY) is being issued in two volumes which were prepared at different points in time during 2013.1 Volume I has been compiled early in 2013 (in May 2013) to allow for an advanced release of an overview of international merchandise trade in 2012 and for a much earlier publication of the available 2012 country (area) data. Volume II which contains detailed tables showing international trade for individual commodities (3-digit SITC groups) and eleven world trade tables covering trade values and indices has been compiled approximately six months after the submission of Volume I (in November 2013) as the preparation of these tables requires and benefits from the additional country data which, normally, become available later in the year. Volume II contains updated versions of the two world trade tables A and D published in Volume I.

Related Subject(s): International Trade and Finance