Querying and Downloading Data

SITC data can be queried. When creating a query, users can select different classification systems in Step 1. The options are HTS Items, SIC codes, SITC codes, and NAICS codes. Users do not have the ability to query end-use data in DataWeb.

Currently, the USITC does not maintain data in electronic format that goes back further than 1989. The U.S. Census Bureau has a Statistical Abstract Series that dates back to the 1870s, but you will have to read through the documents to search for the information you are looking for. 
https://www.census.gov/library/publications/time-series/statistical_abstracts.html

There is an API. To use the USITC API, you must have an account. Refer to the API documentation for more information on how to use this tool. 

The web browser interface can only render 10,000 rows or less. When downloading data into Excel, the data can include significantly more rows, but it is not unlimited. Downloaded data may be limited to 300,000 of fewer rows. Sometimes depending on system use that limit can be higher but the limit will never exceed Excel’s row limitations. For larger data pulls, users can use the API. To use the API, the users must have an account. Refer to the API documentation for more information on how to use this tool.

To use the Commission's DataWeb system to get U.S. trade data, go to: https://dataweb.usitc.gov/. Most queries can be performed without logging in. To save queries, share queries, or use the API, you must have an account. Loging into DataWeb requires multifactor authentication and DataWeb uses Login.gov for this purpose. The instructions to link your Login.gov account can be found at https://www.usitc.gov/dataweb_login_process. 

On the first page, select the type of trade you are interested in reporting under the "TRADE" heading. You can select domestic exports, foreign exports or re-exports, total exports, U.S. imports for consumption, general imports, or trade balance.

On the following page, make all selections you desire. In “STEP 1” you can change the Trade Flow or Classification System (e.g., HTS, NAICS). You can select the data measure and timeframe under the "STEP 2" heading. Under the "STEP 3" heading you can select data from all countries, select individual countries from a list, or select country groups. You can select all commodities, individual commodities, or commodity groups under the "STEP 4" heading. When you select individual commodities, you can scroll though the list of options and select the desired code or type the HTS code or NAICs code in the text box. If you are querying imports for consumption “STEP 5” allows you to choose specific import programs and “STEP 6” allows you to select different rate provision codes. “STEP 7” allows you to select different districts of entry or export. “STEP 8” and “STEP 9” provide you with the ability to change the sorting and formatting of the data output. “STEP 10” allows you to convert the units of quantity to another unit (e.g., kg to mt) if you selected First or Second Unit of Quantity in “STEP 2”. If you have logged in to an account, “STEP 11” provides the ability to save the query and has an option to send the query results in a monthly report to the email associated with your account (which is typically useful if you choose something other than “Annual” in “STEP 2: Timeframe Aggregation”.

Once you have made all your selections, select the "Download Data" or “View Results” button at the bottom of the page. The downloaded data will be in an Excel format, and the view results option provides the data in your web browser.

When querying, you can select Download Data at the bottom of the page. Alternatively, click Download Data at the top of the results page of any data request. You can also select Download Data from the Saved Query page.

In Step 4 on the New Data Request page, click on Select Individual Commodities in the top entry box. Enter or search for commodity codes or make selections from the provided list of commodities. Once all the commodities of interest have been entered or selected, choose the aggregation for the commodities, and then continue with any other steps in the data request.

You can only create saved groups after logging into a DataWeb account.

In Step 3: Countries, Step 4: Commodities, or Step 7: Districts, click the How would you like to choose… field and click Select Individual…

• A Select Individual… field appears. Select all the countries/commodities/districts to add to your custom group.
• If you have also manually entered country or commodity codes, click Add after each entry.
• Click Save Group
• A popup appears. Enter a group name and click Save … Group.
• The How would you like to choose… field now defaults to the Select … Groups.

Note:  In the steps above, “…” is used to represent Countries, Commodities, or Districts.

Product classification begins with finding the correct classification for your product in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS or HTSUS) maintained by the USITC. The HTS is accessible at https://hts.usitc.gov/. If you are new to using the HTS or want a refresher, the USITC developed this online tutorial to assist users in understanding how to use the HTS that you may find helpful: https://learning.usitc.gov/hts-guide/index.html. The HTS is maintained by the Office of Tariff Affairs and Trade Agreements https://www.usitc.gov/offices/tata.