Review of ITC's "Trade Map" Online Research Tool and Case Studies for Exporters

Review of Trade Map Online Research Instruments and Instructions for Use

Overview of Trade Map Trade Map (https://www.trademap.org) is a powerful online research tool developed by the International Trade Centre (ITC) to provide trade statistics and market intelligence for businesses, policymakers, and trade analysts. It offers access to international trade flows, market trends, and product-specific trade performance, making it an essential instrument for export strategy development and market research.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Trade Statistics: Trade Map provides detailed trade flow data for over 220 countries and territories, covering imports, exports, and re-exports.

2. Product-Level Analysis: Users can analyze trade performance based on the Harmonized System (HS) classification, down to six-digit codes.

3. Market Trends: The platform offers historical data and growth trends, helping businesses identify emerging opportunities and declining markets.

4. Competitor and Partner Identification: Trade Map enables users to assess the competitive landscape and find potential trade partners by analyzing market shares.

5. Tariff Information: In combination with other ITC tools, users can access tariff data to understand market access conditions.

6. User-Friendly Interface: The platform allows easy navigation through customizable tables, graphs, and downloadable reports.

Comparison to Other Online Research Tools Several other trade intelligence platforms offer similar functionalities. Below is a comparison of Trade Map with some of the leading alternatives:

• UN Comtrade (https://comtradeplus.un.org/): A vast database of trade statistics, but lacks built-in analytical tools and tariff data.

• Market Access Map (https://www.macmap.org/): Focuses on tariff and trade agreement data but lacks detailed trade flow statistics.

• Export Potential Map (https://exportpotential.intracen.org/en/) : Ideal for identifying new export opportunities but does not provide detailed historical trade data.

• World Bank WITS (https://wits.worldbank.org/): Comprehensive data but has a steeper learning curve and a less user-friendly interface.

ITC Trade Map stands out for its combination of trade flow statistics, competitor analysis, and ease of use, making it a strong choice for exporters and policymakers.

Instructions for Use

1. Accessing the Platform: Visit Trade Map and log in or create a free account for limited access. Full access may require a subscription or institutional login.

2. Searching for Trade Data: Use the search bar to enter a product name or HS code, select the country of interest from the drop-down list, click ‘View’ to generate trade data.

3. Analyzing Trade Flows: Choose between ‘Exports’ or ‘Imports’ for a specific product, customize the time range and trade indicators (e.g., value in USD, quantity, growth rates), compare trade flows across different countries.

4. Interpreting Market Trends: Use historical data to assess market stability and growth potential, then identify major exporting and importing countries for a selected product.

5. Export Potential Assessment: Utilize filters to find high-demand regions with low competition, then analyze key players and entry barriers, such as tariffs and regulations.

6. Export Data and Reports: Download data tables and graphs for presentation or further analysis. Use the ‘Advanced Query’ tool for in-depth market research.

Case Study 1. Exporting Agrifood Products from Kenya to Germany An agripreneur in Kenya producing organic dried mangoes aims to expand into the German market. Using Trade Map, the exporter:

• Identifies Market Demand: Searches for HS code 080450 (mangoes, dried) and finds Germany’s import trends, identifying a steady rise in demand for organic dried fruits.

• Analyzes Competitors: Reviews Germany’s key suppliers, noting Thailand and Burkina Faso as major exporters, but identifies a niche for premium organic products.

• Assesses Tariffs and Regulations: Cross-references Trade Map with Market Access Map to confirm that organic dried mangoes from Kenya benefit from preferential tariffs under the EU’s GSP program.

• Finds Potential Buyers: Uses Trade Map’s company database to locate German importers specializing in organic products.

• Plans Entry Strategy: Based on data, the exporter decides to partner with a distributor and attend trade fairs in Germany to establish business relationships.

By leveraging Trade Map’s insights, the Kenyan agripreneur formulates a data-driven export strategy, minimizing risks and maximizing market opportunities.

Case Study 2. Exporting Oilseeds from Kazakhstan to the EU, China, and Russia A large oilseed exporter in Kazakhstan aims to expand sales into the EU, China, and Russia. Using Trade Map, the exporter:

• Identifies Market Demand: Searches for HS code 120600 (sunflower seeds) and finds that these markets have strong and growing demand.

• Analyzes Trade Flows: Assesses import volumes and growth rates for each target market, identifying China’s rising imports and the EU’s stable demand.

• Evaluates Competitors: Reviews major suppliers like Ukraine and Russia and determines Kazakhstan’s comparative advantage.

• Assesses Tariffs and Regulations: Uses Trade Map and Market Access Map to confirm reduced tariffs in Russia and specific EU trade conditions.

• Finds Potential Buyers: Leverages Trade Map’s importer database to locate key oilseed processors and distributors.

• Optimizes Logistics: Identifies cost-effective transportation routes to the target markets.

• Develops a Market Entry Strategy: Establishes direct trade agreements in China, partners with EU distributors, and expands within Russia using regional trade agreements.

By leveraging Trade Map, the Kazakh oilseed exporter refines its expansion strategy, ensuring targeted market entry and optimizing profitability.

Additional Tips for Effective Use

• Regular Updates: Trade data is updated frequently; ensure you are working with the latest available statistics.

• Cross-Verification: Compare Trade Map data with other ITC tools such as Market Access Map and Export Potential Map for a comprehensive analysis.

• Sector-Specific Analysis: Use filters to focus on industry-specific insights and refine trade strategies accordingly.

• Leverage Custom Reports: Create tailored reports for stakeholders, investors, or internal decision-making processes.

Conclusion Trade Map is an indispensable tool for businesses and policymakers seeking data-driven trade insights. With its vast database and analytical features, it facilitates strategic decision-making, market identification, and export planning. By leveraging Trade Map, users can enhance their competitive edge and capitalize on global trade opportunities effectively. For those looking to refine their market entry strategies or optimize trade flows, integrating Trade Map into their research process is highly recommended.

For more expert insights and practical strategies on expanding your agrifood export business, bookmark this page (Ctrl+D / Cmd+D) and follow our regular updates on www.exportmentor.com/blog. Subscribe and stay updated on global trade trends, market opportunities, and best practices tailored for exporters worldwide.