ITC launches new import monitoring tool

The U.S. International Trade Commission has released a new web-based interface that allows the public to more easily monitor changes in U.S. imports.    The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has released a new web-based interface that allows the public to more easily monitor changes in U.S. imports.
   The ITC was required by the 2015 Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act to make its website an import monitoring tool that provides public access to data on the volume and value of goods imported into the United States.
   The Import Monitoring Tool uses public monthly U.S. import data retrieved from the Commerce Department. Results are displayed in the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) by tariff line. “Data will be updated as soon as possible after each calendar quarter,” the ITC said.
   “When initially entering the tool, users will see U.S. imports by tariff line ranked in descending order based on the largest absolute change during the latest two quarters,” the ITC explained.
   Users of the site can adjust the ranking criteria to a percentage change basis; locate a group of tariff lines from a specific HTS chapter, heading or subheading; identify changes for a specific import; and view changes in import quantities.
   Import data for the past eight quarters is already available in the system.
   “The Import Monitoring Tool is a separate tool from the commission’s DataWeb system for accessing trade data, but it represents a first step in planned improvements to make the DataWeb system more accessible and easier to use,” the ITC said.