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Measuring Trade in Services — A training module

Statisticians often use complex concepts, methodologies and systems to produce reliable numbers. Translating them into simple and readily understandable information for non-specialists can be quite a challenge. This training module provides an accurate while simple overview on the newly defined statistical framework for measuring trade in services (Manual on Statistics on International Trade in Services).


It is primarily intended as reference material for government officials and trade negotiators, however, it should also be of benefit to other users such as business analysts, students, etc. Statisticians new to the domain may also find it useful to understand the more complex and accurate reference documents on the methodology for measuring trade in services.

The text starts with a general overview and contains six major Sections that can be read independently from each other. Each Section is introduced by a short paragraph describing in a few words what the reader will learn from it. References to further sources of information conclude each Section.

This module was first produced in 2003 by the Economic Research and Statistics Division of the World Trade Organization following a request from the World Bank. Following continuous developments in trade in services, balance of payments and foreign affiliates statistics, this document was revised on a regular basis. The 2010 edition takes into account the recent adoption of various statistical manuals, in particular the 2010 edition of the Manual on Statistics of International Trade in Services.

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