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Only in case (a) are the transactions within the scope of international merchandise trade statistics, and they would usually be included in the customs recording. Goods under (b) and (c) never cross the border of the reporting country. Compilers of balance of payments and national accounts would require additional to capture the required information regarding the transactions indicated in (b) and (c).[17]
20.17. Implications for users. The figures for imports and exports of “Total goods” in the BPM6 Goods and Services Account are expected, at least for some countries, to be significantly different from the figures for total imports and exports published in trade statistics, probably often reflecting the role of goods for processing without change of ownership but other differences as well. Similar differences are expected for the sub-item “Re-exports”. Further, the joint presentation of detailed data on trade in goods and trade in services will require explanations of why the detailed data do not add up to a total figure for trade. The agencies responsible for the dissemination on trade in goods on an IMTS and balance of payment/national accounts basis should agree on a uniform dissemination strategy which would entail uniform labeling and the provision of a reconciliation table.
[17] For an example, see Chan Ka-lin, “Development of trade in goods and services statistics in Hong Kong” (Census and Statistics Department, China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), presentation at the Global Forum on Trade Statistics, Geneva, 2-4 February 2011.