ImportGenius
Commercial supplier of trade data for 23 countries. Paid service but journalists can ask for free access.
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Description
ImportGenius is an online database of trade data (imports and exports) for countries including the US, Russia and India. Data sources include government public records, customs agencies and trade databases. ImportGenius covers countries for which they can get data - see the pricing page (scroll down to 'Global trade data'). Note that journalists getting free access can email to request data for countries which they haven't yet added to their platform.
When logged in you can do custom searches:
In the search results, you can see details for a specific shipment by clicking on the 'Details' icon:
The HS code is a standardised, multi-digit code that classifies traded products. The first six digits are used by over 200 countries, but the subsequent ones are nationally defined. In the screenshot above, 300409 is for 'Pharmaceutical products, Other' (see the World Customs Organisation's search). ImportGenius covers different modes of transport for different countries, depending on what data they are able to source. In the picture above, the Indian port 'Delhi Air' means that the goods were airfreighted from New Delhi.
ImportGenius has a 'Visual Mapping' view that gives you a knowledge graph of shipments for importers and exporters:
The network diagram allows you to explore relationships between trading entities. In the diagram above, you can see the other companies to which the exporter (in blue) provided shipments.
You can export search results, save searches so it's easy to repeat them, and get email alerts when new shipments matching your search criteria clear Customs.
Fields provided include at least one of the parties involved in the transaction, a description of the goods involved and their weight, and the origin and destination of the shipment. There are additional fields that depend on the source data - report fields differ per country. Note that data for different countries is updated at different intervals.
All modes of transport (e.g. ship, road) are covered, except for the United States, which is maritime only.
A wide range of other sites provide a similar service, with different country coverage. Most do not offer free access to journalists. Free access to US trade data is available through ImportYeti.
Cost
See pricing here. Data pulls and temporary complimentary access are available to journalists and journalism students. The free access is usually limited to specific countries and/or periods of time. This is provided at ImportGenius' discretion, and the length of access will vary by project. They will work with students in other fields and universities on a case-by-case basis. Email media@importgenius.com to ask about free access.
Level of difficulty
Requirements
Pay a yearly or monthly fee or ask for free access if you are a journalist (see Cost).
Limitations
Data provided to ImportGenius varies in quality and completeness. They provide data for 24 countries and the Panama Canal. South and Central America have the best coverage.
Ethical Considerations
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Guides and articles
Watch the first 14 minutes of this video (by the Pulitzer Center) for an intro to trade data and tips for using it.
ImportGenius webinars and videos
ImportGenius can provide demos and training to journalists who have been given free access.
Tool provider
ImportGenius (United States)
Advertising Trackers
Katherine de Tolly
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