Integration of foreign trade and maritime transport statistics in Spain

This article aims to contribute to improving maritime trade data by analysing the possibility of integrating in a single enlarged databank two different databases: the Spanish foreign trade and maritime transport datasets. The methodology adopted consisted of studying the primary sources providing data compiled in the foreign trade and maritime traffic databases, analysing the electronic processes used by informants and data collectors and examining the linkages between the different electronic messages involved. Once the links between the trade and sea transport documents and electronic messages were found, a solution for integrating both databases was envisaged. The main outcome is a new proposed database including information on all export and import operations transported by sea. Compiled data for each record would include variables describing the trade operation (commodity, weight and value of the traded goods amongst other fields) as well as information on the transport route followed by each specific export or import flow. The new database would allow port planners to analyse traffic to and from ports' hinterlands without resorting to estimations, Customs could correct errors affecting the Spanish foreign trade statistics and transport policy-makers, academics and practitioners would benefit from wider-ranging higher quality statistics.