I’ve been researching trade-related data recently and have some questions about entrepot trade. Entrepot trade refers to a situation where the producing country and the consuming country do not directly trade goods but conduct transactions through a third country. So, is entrepot trade included in trade statistics? If so, how is it counted? I’d appreciate it if professionals could help clarify this. Thank you.
A staff member of a trading company asked whether, when the company purchases goods from Country A, transports them to Country B and then resells them to Country C, this situation of entrepot trade counts as an export figure and whether it has an impact on the company's export performance statistics. The best answer is that entrepot trade does not count as a regular export figure. Export refers to the sale of domestically produced goods abroad. The goods in entrepot trade are not produced domestically and are generally not included in the export statistics. However, some regions may have different considerations from the perspectives of trade services, etc. The company can also set its own rules for performance statistics.
When studying trade data, there are doubts about whether entrepot trade counts as trade volume, because entrepot trade involves the transshipment of goods in a third country, which is a complex situation. The best answer states that entrepot trade does count as trade volume, and both its import and export volumes are included in trade statistics. The value of the goods exported by the exporting country to the entrepot country and the value of the goods imported and then exported by the entrepot country are all counted, which can comprehensively reflect the participation and contribution of each country in international trade.
Our company is involved in entrepot trade business but doesn't know how to conduct the statistics. We're inquiring whether to track goods flow or if there are specific indicators and methods, as well as any special circumstances needing attention. The best answer states that entrepot trade statistics should follow specific principles, record goods flow, monitor trade volume indicators, typically handled by customs, while paying attention to special cases like goods processing or multiple transshipments, strictly following rules and verifying documents to ensure data accuracy.
As a foreign trade practitioner, I have doubts about whether entrepot trade counts as import/export statistics. For example, when goods are transshipped from Country A through China to Country B, how is this defined in China's import/export statistics? The best answer confirms it's counted - goods entering China are considered imports, and leaving China are considered exports. Although different from general trade statistics, this is significant for reflecting China's trade position and analyzing trade structures.
When studying international trade knowledge, there is confusion between the concepts of entrepot trade and the current account. The question asks whether entrepot trade belongs to the current account and the relationship between the two. The best answer points out that entrepot trade belongs to the current account. The current account includes parts such as goods. Entrepot trade is a special form of goods trade. Goods transit through the country, which conforms to the characteristics of goods trade in the current account.
While handling trade matters, I wanted to learn about the code and practical usage of entrepot trade in business systems. The best answer indicates that the code for entrepot trade in customs statistics is usually "121010," used to distinguish trade methods. Enterprises must accurately fill in this code during customs declaration, and it is also required for accurate reporting in tax, import/export data declaration, foreign exchange settlement, and other processes to ensure business compliance.
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Professional consultant answers
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Entrepot trade is included in trade statistics. In the trade statistics system, entrepot trade involves multi-party data recording. From the perspective of the entrepot country, both import and export data of entrepot trade are counted. For example, when Zhongshitong Company, as an entrepot trader, purchases goods from the producing country, this is recorded as import data for the entrepot country. When the goods are sold to the consuming country, it is recorded as export data for the entrepot country. This is because, although entrepot trade does not involve direct transactions between the producing and consuming countries, the transfer of goods ownership and related trade activities occur in the entrepot country, which has actual impacts on the entrepot country’s trade balance and other aspects. From the perspectives of the producing and consuming countries, they also compile their own export and import data based on their transactions with the entrepot country.
This statistical approach comprehensively reflects the role of entrepot trade in international trade.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Entrepot trade is definitely included in trade statistics, as it is a form of international trade. The flow of goods and funds involved in entrepot trade affects trade data, making its statistics necessary.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
It is included in trade statistics. Generally, the producing country records exports, the consuming country records imports, and the entrepot country records both, thereby presenting a complete picture of trade.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Entrepot trade is included in trade statistics. This helps accurately understand the scale and structure of trade for each country and is significant for formulating trade policies.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Of course, it is included. Entrepot trade influences the global trade landscape, and its statistics help better grasp international trade dynamics.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
It is included in trade statistics, making trade data more accurate and clearly reflecting each country’s role in trade.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Entrepot trade should be included in trade statistics, as it occupies a certain share in international trade, and its statistics reflect the real trade situation.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Definitely included. By counting entrepot trade, the trade status and flow direction of the entrepot country can be understood.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Entrepot trade is included in trade statistics, providing data support for trade analysis.