Successful companies concentrate on one
foreign market at a time, moving on to the next only after doing
well in the last. Market research helps in locating right markets
where your products should be introduced. Analysis of foreign trade
statistics is an extremely important part of market research that
determines which market you should concentrate first and potential
ones to focus subsequently. In other words, your marketing plan
will hinge a great deal on authentic foreign trade data.
We have discussed foreign trade statistics from Directorate General
of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) in last issue.
In this issue, we shall discuss a second source of foreign trade
statistics in India - Daily List of Export and Import from Customs.
DGCIS statistics provides a reliable macro picture of export or
import. However, it does not get into micro level, showing description
of products, quantity, price etc. Daily List of Export and Import
from Customs provides brief details of every shipment made from
a particular port.
What is Daily List of Export and Import ?
Govt of India, through various Notifications, has
authorized Customs to disclose brief details of every export and
import shipment for public access. Accordingly, Customs department
in every sea port and airport display brief details of every shipment
made through that port. This list is published daily - hence the
name 'Daily List of Export and Import'.
The format of this disclosure has recently undergone changes, omitting
name of exporter and importer. Interested readers may check latest
customs notification in this regard - 'Publication of Daily Lists
of Imports and Exports Rules' (Customs Notification No 128/2004
(NT) Date 19th November' 2004).
Example of Daily Lists of Imports and Exports
Black Pepper - Export |
ITC Code |
Name |
Description |
Destination |
Date |
Unit |
Quantity |
Value (Rs.) |
Port |
9041190 |
Al Juba Exporter |
E-43 Black Pepper (10 Bags X 50 Kgs) Packed
in cons |
Muscat |
Jan 31' 2004 |
Kgs |
500 |
57818.5 |
JNPT |
9041130 |
Indica International |
E-43 Black Pepper Powder Consumers Pkg 100 gms
agr |
Dubai |
Jan 31' 2004 |
CTN |
20 |
20126.31 |
JNPT |
7129090 |
ABC Export |
Black Pepper |
Sydney |
Jan 30' 2004 |
CTN |
3 |
2451.6 |
JNPT |
9041130 |
MMP Spices Ltd |
Black Pepper - Crushed |
Oakland |
Jan 30' 2004 |
Pack |
13 |
27857.42 |
JNPT |
73239390 |
Rama International |
C-832 Salt & Pepper Canister Shape Set |
Sydney |
Jan 29' 2004 |
Set |
480 |
8175.31 |
JNPT |
Notes on Customs Daily List
- Daily List of export import provides actual shipment data -
which is difficult to get otherwise. It is reliable and authentic.
Analysis of such data over a period can provide many marketing
insights.
- The value and quantity figure provides actual export or import
price. Unlike DGCIS data - these are not bundled into an ITC Code.
- Country-wise analysis can detect trends in usage pattern or
new markets emerging.
- This is an excellent tool for micro-level analysis
Limitations of Customs Data
- Customs daily list is a port-wise compilation, not comprehensive
India-wide data. One must take this specificity into account while
analysing this data.
- Huge amount of data may be difficult to handle.
- The 'Unit' could be confusing for packaged commodities.
- Description is extremely brief in many cases.
- Name of exporter or importer will not be available in future.
However, even in present form - it is extremely difficult to identify
the company as no address information is provided.
Conclusion
DGCIS statistics and Customs data can complement
each other in overseas market research. While the former provides
macro picture, the later can complement it with micro level data.
Ideally, one should use both the sources for a balanced view.
Happy and Productive Surfing
Dr. Amit K Chatterjee
Related Links:
Source: FAIDA
- Newsletter on Business Opportunties from India and Abroad
Vol: 5, Issue 15
; December 24' 2004
Author :
Dr. Amit K. Chatterjee
(Amit worked in blue-chip Indian and MNCs for 15 years in various
capacities like Research and Information Analysis, Market Development,
MIS, R&D Information Systems etc. before starting his e-commerce
venture in 1997. The views expressed in this columns are of
his own. He may be reached at amit@infobanc.com
) |
|