Q: We are currently working on import and export unit-value indices and have some questions concerning the United Nations indices available at the UNDATA. Can you give me more information about your precise calculations?
A: The International Trade Statistics Section compiles price/unit value index numbers of manufactured goods exports, fuel imports, and total exports and imports.
The general methodology used by UNSD --with minor changes in the sample of countries used to calculate regional indices-- is available in the publication "Methods Used in Compiling the United Nations Price Indexes for External Trade." . A .pdf copy of this publication can be downloaded from the following web address:
http://unstats.un.org/unsd/publication/SeriesM/SeriesM_82vol2E.pdf
The specific methodology used by UNSD on compiling standard unit values (SUV) is explained on in the attached Report on Standard Unit Values, 2007. These SUVs are being used in the processing of data to estimate non-match/missing quantity information.
