Making services visible through better data
Services are at the core of the global economy. They account for over two-thirds of global output, more than half of foreign direct investment, and employ over half of all workers.
Services also play a crucial role in value chains, with activities such as logistics, finance, information and communication technology (ICT), and business services enhancing competitiveness in manufacturing and agriculture.
Despite their importance, services are often underrepresented in statistics, particularly in trade data. Only around 15 developing economies consistently publish bilateral services trade data, and about two-thirds report beyond the 12 main service categories, compared to 95% of developed economies.
This lack of data leaves many governments without the evidence needed to create effective policies for diversification, digital trade, and integration into global value chains. In response to a request from UNCTAD's informal working group on data for services, trade, and development policies, the "Primer on Data for Trade in Services and Development Policies" has been developed.
This primer outlines the services data ecosystem, clarifies what data is available and how to use it, and highlights areas where capacity building is needed.
The Primer is organized as follows
Chapter I: Measuring international trade in services
This chapter introduces how services trade is defined and measured, including modes of supply and digitally deliverable services. It explains why services are more challenging to capture than goods and discusses the importance of these distinctions for policy. It also covers "indirect" services that are embedded in goods.
Chapter II: Data on trade in services
This chapter presents more than 20 key datasets, detailing how to access and interpret them. It covers topics such as balance of payments data, foreign affiliates statistics, trade by mode of supply, digital trade in services, and trade in value added. Importantly, it explains the difference between balance of payments-based statistics and value-added statistics, both of which are essential for policy analysis.
Chapter III: Linking services trade data to other sources
This chapter goes beyond trade flow statistics to include additional information that enhances policy analysis, such as firm-level surveys and services trade policy indicators.
Why It Matters
The report offers accessible guidance on the available services trade data, where to find it, how it is produced, and its applications, while also addressing its strengths and limitations.
It helps users identify, connect, and apply datasets across national, regional, and international levels, emphasizing the role of national statistical systems while acknowledging contributions from research institutes and other stakeholders.
By consolidating scattered information into a single, practical resource, the Primer supports countries — especially developing economies — in strengthening the evidence base for policy formulation, negotiation, and monitoring.
The Primer on data for trade in services and development policies was prepared at the request of the UNCTAD informal working group on data for services, trade and development policies.