Improving the quality of Slovak intra-Union trade in goods statistics by using exchanged microdata

ended

Maintaining good data quality while substantially reducing the burden on reporting units, reflecting the ever-changing needs of users, including the reduction of asymmetries, dominates the modernisation of intra-EU trade in goods statistics. The exchange of microdata on intra-EU exports (MDE) as the most innovative modernisation element will provide Member States, and thus also the Slovak Republic, not only with a source of data for the compilation of intra-EU imports, but also with a tool for reducing asymmetries. The aim of the project is to examine the asymmetries in Slovak intra-EU trade statistics using this tool and in cooperation with partner Member States. Where possible, asymmetries will be eliminated. Where such correction will not be possible, the causes of asymmetries will be identified and a strategy for addressing them will be developed, including adjustments to the estimation procedures for unreported data. The timing of the project takes into account the availability of the exchanged microdata as well as the SOSR procedures for refining the final data, so an implementation period of March 2022 - May 2023 is proposed. As part of Work Package 1, the SOSR will investigate asymmetries in the collected data that have a major impact on the quality of the Slovak detailed intra-EU trade. Using the exchanged microdata, it will be possible to identify potential Slovak importers and to make data corrections. Asymmetries that cannot be eliminated will be identified and their causes will be communicated to users. The SOSR will cooperate with at least two partner Member States. The comparison of Slovak estimated intra-EU trade with microdata collected by partner Member States carried out in Work Package 2 will allow to identify weaknesses in the methods currently used by the SOSR. The SOSR will propose and test new methods for estimating missing intra-EU imports using the exchanged microdata. The new methods will be tested on real data.