United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) - SITC Section 2: Crude Materials, Excluding Fuels Indicator

November 10, 2025

United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) - SITC Section 2: Crude Materials, Excluding Fuels

The Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) is a statistical classification of commodities used by the United Nations to track and analyze global trade data. The UN Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) compiles this detailed information from nearly 200 reporting countries.

SITC Section 2, titled "Crude materials, inedible, except fuels" (often referred to simply as "Crude materials, excluding fuels"), represents an important group of primary commodities in international trade. These are raw or semi-processed goods that are not intended for human consumption (like food) and do not include mineral fuels or related materials.

Purpose and Significance

The data on SITC Section 2 is crucial for several aspects of economic analysis:

Economic Indicators: It provides insights into a country's reliance on and capacity for exporting primary goods, which is often a key indicator for developing economies.
Commodity Price Analysis: Trade volumes and values within this section are vital for monitoring global commodity price trends and forecasting their impact on various industries.
Industrial Input Tracking: These materials are the essential inputs for manufacturing sectors globally (e.g., wood for paper and construction, textile fibers for clothing, ores for metals).
Trade Policy: Governments and international organizations use this data to inform trade negotiations, assess market access, and develop sustainable resource management policies.

Key Components of SITC Section 2 (Revision 2)

SITC Section 2 is broken down into various divisions, which classify the different types of crude materials traded internationally. The following table provides a breakdown of the 2-digit divisions for SITC Revision 2:

SITC Rev. 2 Code	Division Description	Examples of Materials Included
21	Hides, skins and furskins, raw	Raw cattle hides, calfskins, sheepskins, goat skins, raw furskins.
22	Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits	Soybeans, ground-nuts, copra, palm nuts, linseed. (Crude oils and fats derived from these are generally in SITC Section 4).
23	Crude rubber (including synthetic and reclaimed)	Natural rubber, synthetic and reclaimed rubber, rubber waste.
24	Cork and wood	Fuel wood, wood charcoal, cork, wood in the rough, wood simply worked.
25	Pulp and waste paper	Wood pulp, rag pulp, paper waste and scrap.
26	Textile fibres (other than wool tops and other combed wool) and their wastes (not manufactured into yarn or fabric)	Raw silk, raw cotton, jute, wool (greasy or scoured), synthetic and regenerated textile fibers suitable for spinning.
27	Crude fertilizers and crude minerals (excluding coal, petroleum and precious stones)	Natural phosphates, sand, gravel, stone, sulfur, asbestos, mica.
28	Metalliferous ores and metal scrap	Iron ore and concentrates, ferrous waste and scrap, copper ores, nickel ores, aluminum ores (including alumina).
29	Crude animal and vegetable materials, n.e.s. (not elsewhere specified)	Crude animal materials like natural sponges, ivory, bones; crude vegetable materials like natural gums, resins, vegetable saps, seeds, and flowers for perfumery.

Note: The specific composition of these sections can vary slightly between different revisions of the SITC (e.g., Rev. 2, Rev. 3, Rev. 4). UN Comtrade generally provides data across these revisions to allow for historical analysis.

Accessing and Using UN Comtrade Data

Data on the trade of these materials is made available through the UN Comtrade database. Users can typically search and extract data based on:

Reporter Country: The country reporting the export or import.
Partner Country: The country of destination (for exports) or origin (for imports).
Commodity Code: The specific SITC code (e.g., 2-digit for a division, 3-digit for a group, or 4-digit for a subgroup).
Trade Flow: Imports, Exports, or Re-exports.
Year: Annual or monthly data.
Value: Generally reported in current US dollars.

The compilation of this data, which often involves converting customs-reported data from the Harmonized System (HS) code to the SITC, allows researchers, policymakers, and businesses to gain a comprehensive global perspective on the trade of Crude materials, excluding fuels.

United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database SITC Division 21: Hides, Skins and Furskins, Raw Indicator

SITC Division 21 falls under SITC Section 2: Crude materials, inedible, except fuels. This division specifically tracks the international trade of raw hides, skins, and furskins. These commodities are essential primary inputs for the global leather, fur, and tanning industries, which produce finished goods like footwear, apparel, leather accessories, and upholstery.

Scope and Classification

The data compiled by the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) for SITC 21 covers animal hides and skins that are in their raw state. This means they have been freshly removed from the animal and are typically preserved (e.g., salted, dried, or chilled) but have not undergone the processes of tanning or further manufacturing that would classify them as leather or finished fur.

The classification is crucial for understanding the supply chain of the leather and fur industries, as it represents the initial, least-processed material stage.

Detailed Breakdown of SITC 21 (SITC Rev. 2)

SITC Division 21 is typically broken down into two main 3-digit groups and further into subgroups, based primarily on the type of animal and whether the material is considered a standard hide/skin or a furskin.

SITC Rev. 2 Code	Group Description	Included Commodities (Examples)	Trade Function & Use
211	Hides and skins (except furskins), raw	Bovine (cattle) hides, calfskins, sheepskins (excluding those with wool/hair for fur), goatskins, horse hides.	Primary raw material for the leather industry (footwear, garments, upholstery, bags).
211.1	Bovine or equine hides and skins (except of heading 211.2)	Heavy hides, raw, of bovine or equine animals (fresh, salted, dried, etc.).	Heavy-duty leather products, such as industrial belts and thick sole leather.
211.2	Whole bovine hides and skins (lightweight)	Whole hides and skins of a specified light weight per skin (dried, dry-salted, or wet-salted).	Finer leathers for clothing and accessories.
211.4	Goat and kid skins, raw	Raw skins of domestic goats and kids.	Production of fine glove leather and garment leather.
211.6	Sheep and lamb skins, raw	Raw skins of domestic sheep and lambs (excluding those with hair/wool on for fur).	Shoe linings, cheaper leather goods.
212	Furskins, raw	Furskins of mink, fox, beaver, chinchilla, rabbit, and other animals, with the hair or wool on.	Primary raw material for the fur industry (coats, trimmings, linings).

Note: The trade of live animals (SITC Section 0) and finished leather products (SITC Section 6) are tracked separately.

Trade Dynamics and Economic Indicator

The trade data for SITC 21 serves as a vital indicator for:

Livestock Production: Since raw hides and skins are largely by-products of the meat industry, trade volumes often correlate with trends in beef, mutton, and other livestock slaughter rates in major producing countries.
Tanning Industry Location: Global trade in SITC 21 shows the flow of raw materials from livestock-heavy countries (like the US, Brazil, and Australia) to major tanning and leather manufacturing hubs (like China, Italy, and Vietnam).
Commodity Price Volatility: Prices of raw hides and skins are highly susceptible to global economic fluctuations, fashion trends, environmental regulations, and changes in the meat production cycle.

A significant export surplus in SITC 21 indicates a country is primarily a supplier of raw materials, whereas a large import deficit (imports greatly exceeding exports) suggests a country has a strong domestic tanning and finished leather manufacturing sector.

For example, countries like China and Italy are often the largest importers of raw hides and skins (SITC 21), reflecting their status as global leaders in leather processing and manufacturing.

United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database SITC Division 22: Oil Seeds and Oleaginous Fruits Indicator

SITC Division 22, titled "Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits", is a critical component of SITC Section 2 (Crude materials, inedible, except fuels) within the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade). This division tracks the global trade of raw agricultural products primarily cultivated for their oil, fat, or protein content.

Scope and Economic Significance

The commodities in SITC 22 serve as the essential raw input for two major global industries:

Vegetable Oil Production: The seeds and fruits are crushed or processed to extract crude fixed vegetable oils (e.g., soybean oil, sunflower oil, palm oil), which are then used in food, biofuels, and industrial applications. The oils themselves are tracked separately under SITC Section 4.
Animal Feed Production: The oilseed cake and meal—the solid residue remaining after the oil is extracted—are high in protein and are primary ingredients in animal feed, making this division indirectly linked to global livestock and poultry production.

Consequently, trade data for SITC 22 is a major indicator of global food security, biofuel trends, and agricultural commodity prices.

Detailed Classification of SITC Division 22

SITC Division 22 is typically subdivided based on the type of fixed vegetable oil they yield. The following table provides the breakdown for SITC Revision 2 (the most commonly used classification for older historical data in UN Comtrade):

SITC Rev. 2 Code	Group Description	Included Commodities (Examples)	Trade Function & Use
222	Seeds for "soft" fixed vegetable oils	Soybeans, Ground-nuts (peanuts), Cotton seeds, Sunflower seeds, Rapeseeds/Canola seeds, Sesamum seeds.	Primarily used for producing edible cooking oils ("soft oils") and high-protein meals for animal feed.
222.1	Soya beans (soya)	Soya beans, whether or not broken.	Main global source of vegetable oil and protein meal.
222.2	Ground-nuts (peanuts)	Ground-nuts, in shell or shelled.	Used for peanut oil and various food preparations.
222.6	Sunflower seeds	Sunflower seeds, whether or not broken.	Used for sunflower oil.
223	Seeds and oleaginous fruits, whole or broken, for the extraction of other fixed vegetable oils	Palm nuts and kernels, Copra, Linseed, Castor oil seeds, Tallow nuts.	Used for producing specialty oils, including industrial oils, fats, and oils with specific properties (e.g., palm kernel oil, coconut oil).
223.1	Palm nuts and kernels	Palm nuts and kernels, whole or broken.	Raw material for palm kernel oil and meal.
223.2	Copra	Dried kernel of coconut, used for coconut oil.	Used for coconut oil.

Classification Note: Products like olives and true nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.) which are classified under SITC Section 0 (Food and Live Animals) are generally excluded from SITC 22, even though they contain oil, unless they are explicitly traded for industrial oil extraction.

Global Trade Dynamics

Trade in SITC 22 is characterized by high volumes and concentration in a few key producing nations, which dominate the export market, and major consuming nations that act as massive processing hubs:

Major Exporters: Countries with vast arable land and large-scale agricultural production, such as Brazil, the United States, Argentina, and Canada, are typically the world's largest exporters of oil seeds, particularly soybeans and canola.
Major Importers: Large nations with significant domestic livestock industries and high demand for vegetable oils, such as China and member countries of the European Union, are the primary importers of raw oil seeds. They import the raw product for domestic crushing and processing.

Monitoring UN Comtrade data for SITC 22 allows analysts to track global planting trends, agricultural trade flow imbalances, and the shift of raw material processing capacity between different economic blocs.

United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database SITC Division 23: Crude Rubber (Including Synthetic and Reclaimed) Indicator

SITC Division 23, titled "Crude rubber (including synthetic and reclaimed)", is a major division within SITC Section 2 (Crude materials, inedible, except fuels) of the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade). This division captures the international trade of all forms of unprocessed rubber, whether derived from natural sources or produced synthetically.

Scope and Industrial Importance

The commodities classified under SITC 23 are the fundamental building blocks for the global tire, automotive, construction, and general manufacturing industries. Monitoring the trade flow in this division is critical for tracking:

Manufacturing Inputs: Rubber is a primary raw material for virtually all products requiring elasticity, durability, and resilience, such as tires, conveyor belts, seals, hoses, and medical supplies.
Petrochemical Trends: The trade in synthetic rubber is closely linked to the petrochemical industry, as it is derived from petroleum-based monomers.
Agricultural Commodity Markets: Natural rubber prices and supply are dependent on agricultural conditions, particularly in Southeast Asia, which dominates production.

Detailed Classification of SITC Division 23

SITC Division 23 is structured into groups that separate natural rubber and its related gums from man-made and recycled rubber products. The table below details the breakdown (based on SITC Revisions commonly used in UN Comtrade):

SITC Rev. 3 Code	Group Description	Included Commodities (Examples)	Key Origin
231	Natural rubber, balata, gutta-percha, guayule, chicle and similar natural gums, in primary forms (including latex) or in plates, sheets or strip	Natural rubber latex (whether or not pre-vulcanized), Smoked sheets of natural rubber, Technically Specified Natural Rubber (TSNR), Crepe rubber.	Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia)
231.1	Natural rubber latex, whether or not prevulcanized	The liquid form of natural rubber.
231.2	Natural rubber (other than latex), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip	Processed raw rubber ready for manufacturing.
232	Synthetic rubber, reclaimed rubber; waste and scrap of unhardened rubber	Synthetic rubbers (e.g., Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), Polybutadiene rubber (BR)), Reclaimed rubber, Waste, parings, and scrap of unhardened rubber.	Major industrialized nations (USA, China, EU countries)
232.1	Synthetic rubber and factice derived from oils, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip	Man-made rubber polymers.
232.2	Reclaimed rubber; waste and scrap of unhardened rubber	Recycled and waste rubber materials.

Classification Note: This division deals exclusively with unvulcanized or crude forms. Once the rubber is fully manufactured into finished articles (like tires or industrial components), it is classified under SITC Section 6 (Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material) or SITC Section 8 (Miscellaneous manufactured articles).

Global Trade Dynamics and Supply Chains

Trade in SITC 23 highlights a classic global division of labor:

Natural Rubber (SITC 231) Flow: Large volumes flow from tropical agricultural economies in Southeast Asia (primary exporters) to industrial manufacturing powerhouses in China, India, the United States, and European Union countries (primary importers).
Synthetic Rubber (SITC 232) Flow: Trade flows are more varied, moving between highly industrialized nations that produce these complex chemical compounds. Major exporters often include countries with advanced chemical and petrochemical industries.
Market Volatility: The trade is highly sensitive to external factors. Natural rubber is affected by climate, disease, and crude oil prices (as a substitute for synthetic rubber). Synthetic rubber is directly tied to the price of crude oil and natural gas (feedstock).

UN Comtrade data on SITC 23 is an invaluable tool for global purchasing managers and commodity analysts to forecast input costs and manage supply chain risks in the massive rubber-consuming industries.

United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database SITC Division 24: Cork and Wood Indicator

SITC Division 24, "Cork and wood," is a foundational category within SITC Section 2 (Crude materials, inedible, except fuels) of the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade). This division captures the trade of wood and cork in their least-processed, primary forms.

Scope and Value in Global Trade

The commodities in SITC 24 are critical to the global construction, furniture, pulp and paper, and energy sectors. Trade volumes here indicate:

Raw Material Sourcing: It shows the flow of timber resources from major forest-rich nations to countries with large wood-processing and manufacturing industries.
Forestry Output: The data reflects global harvesting levels and the composition of a country's primary forestry exports.
Energy Trends: It includes trade in fuelwood and wood charcoal, which are significant energy sources in many developing economies.

Detailed Classification of SITC Division 24

SITC Division 24 is segmented based on the material (cork or wood) and the level of processing, with an emphasis on raw and simply worked forms. The breakdown below is based on the structure of common SITC Revisions (e.g., Rev. 3 and Rev. 4) used in UN Comtrade:

SITC Rev. Code	Group Description	Included Commodities (Examples)	Trade Function & Use
244	Cork, natural, raw and waste	Raw cork (bark), waste cork, granulated cork, natural cork in blocks, plates, or sheets.	Raw input for cork stoppers, flooring, insulation, and specialty goods.
245	Fuel wood (excluding wood waste) and wood charcoal	Fuel wood in logs, billets, or similar forms, and wood charcoal (including shell or nut charcoal).	Used for heating and cooking, particularly in developing economies; industrial carbon.
246	Wood in chips or particles and wood waste	Wood chips, wood particles, sawdust, shavings, wood waste, and scrap.	Raw material for pulp (paper), panel products (particleboard, MDF), and biomass energy.
247	Wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared	Sawlogs and veneer logs, pit-props, poles, posts, roundwood, and other unworked timber.	Primary input for sawmills and veneer/plywood manufacturers. Often referred to as "logs."
248	Wood, simply worked, and railway sleepers of wood	Railway or tramway sleepers (ties) of wood; Sawn wood (planks, boards); planed, sanded, or finger-jointed wood.	Semi-finished product for construction, carpentry, and furniture making.

Classification Note: The key distinction within this division is the level of processing. More advanced wood products, such as plywood, veneers, pulp, paper, and finished furniture, are classified in later SITC sections (typically Section 6 for finished materials and Section 8 for finished articles).

Global Trade Patterns and Strategic Importance

The trade data in SITC 24 reveals several key patterns in the global forest products sector:

Rough Wood Flow (SITC 247): A significant portion of this trade involves the export of raw logs from countries with vast forest resources (e.g., Russia, New Zealand, Canada, and various tropical log producers) to major processing hubs (e.g., China and Vietnam). This flow often sparks policy debates regarding raw material export restrictions versus domestic value-added processing.
Sawn Wood (SITC 248): Trade in simply worked wood typically flows from industrialized logging nations (e.g., Canada, Sweden, Finland) to major construction and consumer markets (e.g., the United States and the European Union).
Cork (SITC 244): The trade is geographically concentrated, with countries around the Mediterranean Basin (Portugal, Spain) dominating the supply of raw cork.

Analyzing UN Comtrade data for SITC 24 provides crucial insight into the sustainability of forest resource management and the industrial strategy of countries regarding the export of raw versus processed timber products.

United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database: Pulp and Waste Paper (SITC Division 25) Indicator

The United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) is the world's most comprehensive global trade data platform, aggregating detailed merchandise import and export statistics. It uses various classification systems, including the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC), to categorize goods.

The category "Pulp and waste paper" is a crucial indicator for the global paper and packaging industry, reflecting the raw materials essential for paper production and the circular economy efforts via recycling.

Classification in SITC Revision 2

In the SITC Revision 2 (SITC Rev. 2) structure, Pulp and waste paper is categorized under Division 25. This division is part of Section 2: Crude materials, inedible, except fuels.

The full breakdown of this indicator in SITC Rev. 2, typically reported at the 3-digit level (Group) in UN Comtrade, is as follows:

SITC Section 2: Crude materials, inedible, except fuels
SITC Division 25: Pulp and waste paper
SITC Group 251: Pulp and waste paper (This 3-digit group represents the entire Division 25 in this case).

Detailed Commodity Breakdown (SITC Rev. 2, 4-digit Subgroups)

For more granular analysis, Division 25 is further divided into subgroups (4-digit codes) that specify the type of pulp or waste paper traded internationally. The following table provides the detailed structure:

SITC Rev. 2 Code	Description	Trade Relevance
251	Pulp and waste paper (Total)	Overall trade volume and value for raw materials in the paper industry.
2511	Waste paper, paperboard; only for use paper-making	The key indicator for the global recycled fiber market and circular economy initiatives.
2512	Mechanical wood pulp	Used for less durable paper products like newsprint, generally retaining more of the original wood components.
2516	Chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades	High-purity pulp used primarily for producing non-paper products like rayon, cellophane, and other cellulose derivatives.
2517	Chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate (Sulphate/Kraft pulp)	The most common type of pulp, known for its strength; used in packaging paper and high-quality writing paper.
2518	Chemical wood pulp, sulphite	Used for high-brightness papers; less common than sulphate pulp.
2519	Other cellulosic pulps	Includes pulps made from other fibrous materials like cotton, straw, or bamboo.

Significance of the Trade Indicator

Trade data for SITC 251 is vital for several reasons:

Global Paper Production: It tracks the international flow of raw materials necessary for manufacturing all types of paper, from fine writing paper to corrugated cardboard.
Environmental Policy: The trade in Waste paper, paperboard (2511) is a direct measure of the scale and efficiency of the global recycling network. Changes in trade policies (e.g., import bans by major consumers) can drastically impact this commodity flow.
Market Analysis: Economists and businesses use this data to monitor demand and supply shifts, determine the health of the paper industry, and track raw material price volatility.

The UN Comtrade database, by providing this data by reporting country, partner country, and year, allows users to conduct in-depth analysis of trade patterns, identify major exporters and importers, and assess the economic impact of policies on the pulp and waste paper sector.

United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database: Textile Fibres (SITC Division 26) Indicator

The United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) provides essential data for analyzing the global flow of raw materials, classified using systems like the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC).

The Textile fibres indicator (SITC Rev. 2) is a critical measure of the primary raw materials that feed the world's vast textile and apparel industry. Tracking this trade reveals patterns in agricultural production, manufacturing shifts, and the transition from natural to synthetic materials.

Classification in SITC Revision 2

In the SITC Revision 2 (SITC Rev. 2) structure, Textile fibres (and their waste) are primarily grouped under Division 26. This division is part of Section 2: Crude materials, inedible, except fuels.

The full breakdown of this indicator, generally tracked at the 3-digit Group level in UN Comtrade, is as follows:

SITC Section 2: Crude materials, inedible, except fuels
SITC Division 26: Textile fibres (other than wool tops and other combed wool) and their wastes (not manufactured into yarn or fabric)

Detailed Commodity Breakdown (SITC Rev. 2, 3-digit Groups)

Division 26 is segmented to distinguish between major natural fibres (silk, cotton, jute, other vegetable fibres) and man-made fibres (synthetic and other). The table below details the key groups that constitute the overall trade of textile fibres:

SITC Rev. 2 Code	Description	Trade Relevance
261	Silk	Trade in raw silk (cocoons, raw silk, silk waste); a high-value, niche natural fiber market.
263	Cotton	The single most important natural textile fibre group; tracks raw cotton trade, a major agricultural and industrial commodity.
264	Jute and other textile bast fibres, n.e.s.*	Covers coarse natural fibres (jute, hemp, ramie) used in sacking, ropes, and some upholstery; key indicator for sustainable/bio-based materials.
265	Vegetable textile fibres (other than cotton and jute), raw or processed but not spun; waste of these fibres	Includes fibres like flax, true hemp, and sisal.
266	Synthetic fibres suitable for spinning	Key indicator for the trade in petroleum-based raw materials (e.g., polyester, nylon) that dominate modern apparel production.
267	Other man-made fibres suitable for spinning; waste of man-made fibres	Includes other semi-synthetic and regenerated fibres (e.g., viscose/rayon) and all man-made fibre waste.
268	Wool and other animal hair (excluding wool tops and other combed wool)	Covers raw wool (shorn, greasy, scoured) and other animal hair (alpaca, cashmere, mohair).

$n.e.s. = not elsewhere specified

Significance of the Textile Fibre Trade Indicator

Analyzing the trade in SITC Division 26 is essential for understanding global economic and industrial dynamics:

Supply Chain Health: It provides a direct view into the raw material sourcing for the entire textile and clothing industry, a major global employer and exporter.
Agricultural Commodities: Groups 263 (Cotton) and 268 (Wool) are crucial agricultural commodity indicators, linking trade data to farm production, subsidies, and climate impacts.
Material Shift Analysis: The balance of trade between natural fibres (263, 268) and man-made fibres (266, 267) reveals long-term trends in consumer preferences, technological development, and the environmental debate (e.g., plastic waste from synthetic fibres vs. water/land use for natural fibres).
Developing Economies: For many developing nations, the export of raw textile fibres constitutes a significant portion of their national trade revenue.

By utilizing UN Comtrade, researchers and policy-makers can track the major exporting and importing countries for specific fibre types, monitor price fluctuations, and assess the impact of global trade agreements on the textile industry's raw material base.

United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database: Crude Fertilizers and Crude Minerals (SITC Division 27) Indicator

The United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) utilizes the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) to categorize and track the international trade of goods.

The category "Crude fertilizers and crude minerals (excluding coal, petroleum and precious stones)" is a fundamental indicator for the global extractive, construction, chemical, and agricultural industries. It captures the trade of essential, unprocessed raw materials that form the base of many manufacturing processes.

Classification in SITC Revision 2

In the SITC Revision 2 (SITC Rev. 2) structure, this indicator is specifically defined by Division 27. This division sits within Section 2: Crude materials, inedible, except fuels.

The full classification outline for this indicator is:

SITC Section 2: Crude materials, inedible, except fuels
SITC Division 27: Crude fertilizers (except those of Division 56) and crude minerals (excluding coal, petroleum and precious stones)

Detailed Commodity Breakdown (SITC Rev. 2, 3-digit Groups)

Division 27 is highly important as it covers the foundational, non-metallic mineral commodities that are critical inputs across various sectors. The table below details the key groups that define this trade:

SITC Rev. 2 Code	Description	Trade Relevance
271	Crude fertilizers (other than those of group 561)	Primarily includes natural phosphates and potash rocks (e.g., calcium phosphate, potassium chloride, crude sodium nitrate). Critical for the global fertilizer and food production industry.
273	Stone, sand and gravel	Heavy, low-value-to-weight commodities (e.g., granite, marble, quartz, sand); important for the construction industry and infrastructure projects.
274	Sulphur and unroasted iron pyrites	Sulphur is a vital raw material for the chemical industry, especially in producing sulphuric acid.
277	Natural abrasives, n.e.s.* (including industrial diamonds) and asbestos	Covers industrial minerals used for grinding, polishing, and manufacturing high-strength materials.
278	Other crude minerals (excluding coal, petroleum and precious stones)	A broad and significant category covering a variety of industrial minerals like salt, asbestos, mica, natural graphite, clays, gypsum, and talc. These are key inputs for ceramics, glass, paper, and metallurgy.

* $n.e.s. = not elsewhere specified$

Significance of the Trade Indicator

Trade data reported under SITC Division 27 offers crucial insights into several key areas:

Agricultural Security: Trade in Crude fertilizers (271) is directly tied to agricultural yields, reflecting the ability of nations to secure the necessary inputs (like phosphate and potash) to support food production.
Industrial Base: Groups like 278 (Other crude minerals) track the raw materials for major manufacturing sectors. For example, trade in industrial clays, lime, and salt is foundational to the ceramics, chemical, and metallurgy industries.
Infrastructure Investment: The volume of trade in Stone, sand and gravel (273) can serve as an indirect indicator of the scale of domestic and regional construction and infrastructure spending.
Resource Dependence: Nations that lack domestic sources of these specific minerals rely heavily on imports tracked in this division, making this trade data a critical measure of supply chain vulnerability and resource dependency.

By using UN Comtrade data for SITC 27, analysts can monitor the global supply and demand of these non-fuel, non-metallic raw materials, identify monopolistic supply chains, and evaluate the environmental impact of mineral extraction.

United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database: Metalliferous Ores and Metal Scrap (SITC Division 28) Indicator

The United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) provides the backbone for tracking global commodity flows, utilizing the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) system.

The category "Metalliferous ores and metal scrap" is a cornerstone indicator for the global mining, smelting, and recycling industries. It tracks the essential raw materials—both primary (ore) and secondary (scrap)—that feed the production of all basic metals, from steel to aluminum.

Classification in SITC Revision 2

In the SITC Revision 2 (SITC Rev. 2) structure, this indicator is classified under Division 28. This division is part of Section 2: Crude materials, inedible, except fuels, highlighting their status as unprocessed or minimally processed inputs.

The full classification outline for this indicator is:

SITC Section 2: Crude materials, inedible, except fuels
SITC Division 28: Metalliferous ores and metal scrap

Detailed Commodity Breakdown (SITC Rev. 2, 3-digit Groups)

Division 28 is broken down into specific groups that distinguish between the types of metals (ferrous vs. non-ferrous) and the raw material source (ore vs. scrap). The table below details the key groups that define this trade:

SITC Rev. 2 Code	Description	Trade Relevance
281	Iron ore and concentrates	The most critical raw material for the steel industry; volume is a strong indicator of industrial and construction demand.
282	Ferrous waste and scrap	Essential indicator for metal recycling and the secondary steel production market (Electric Arc Furnace route); a key component of the circular economy.
283	Copper ores and concentrates; copper mattes, etc.	Tracks the primary source of copper, a vital metal for electronics, power transmission, and construction.
284	Nickel ores and concentrates; intermediate products of nickel metallurgy	Primary raw material for stainless steel and high-performance alloys.
285	Aluminium ores and concentrates (including alumina)	Primarily covers bauxite (ore) and processed alumina, the raw materials for aluminium production.
287	Base metal ores and concentrates, n.e.s.*	Covers other significant non-ferrous ores like lead, zinc, tin, and manganese.
288	Non-ferrous metal waste and scrap, n.e.s.*	Tracks the trade in recycled non-ferrous metals (e.g., copper scrap, aluminum scrap); highly important for energy efficiency and sustainability.
289	Ores and concentrates of precious metals; waste and scrap of precious metals, n.e.s.	Covers primary and secondary trade for gold, silver, and platinum group metals (excluding monetary gold).

* $n.e.s. = not elsewhere specified$

Significance of the Trade Indicator

Analysis of the trade data in SITC Division 28 is vital for understanding global economic trends and resource management:

Industrial Output Predictor: Trade volumes of Iron ore (281) are highly correlated with global steel production, serving as an early indicator of demand in manufacturing, automotive, and construction sectors.
Recycling and Sustainability: The trade in Ferrous scrap (282) and Non-ferrous scrap (288) measures the effectiveness and global reach of recycling programs, linking trade policy to resource efficiency and lower carbon emissions in metal production.
Commodity Markets: As many of these ores are traded globally via long-term contracts and spot markets, the data provides essential transparency for major commodity exchanges and national resource policy.
Resource Geopolitics: The concentration of certain high-value ore reserves (e.g., rare earth elements, though some may fall under 287) in a few countries makes tracking this division critical for national supply chain security.

By using UN Comtrade statistics for SITC 28, governments, investors, and industrial planners can accurately gauge the primary and secondary material inputs for the global metal economy.

United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database: Crude Animal and Vegetable Materials, n.e.s. (SITC Division 29)

The United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) provides detailed global trade statistics, classified by systems like the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC).

The indicator "Crude animal and vegetable materials, n.e.s." (SITC Rev. 2, Division 29) is a vital category that captures the international trade of unprocessed biological materials not explicitly covered by other major raw material divisions (like food, oil seeds, wood, or textile fibers). This division includes a diverse range of natural products essential for specialized industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and traditional crafts.

Classification in SITC Revision 2

In the SITC Revision 2 (SITC Rev. 2) structure, Crude animal and vegetable materials, n.e.s. is found in Division 29. The abbreviation n.e.s. stands for "not elsewhere specified", indicating its role as a residual category for raw biological materials.

This division is the final part of Section 2: Crude materials, inedible, except fuels.

The classification framework is:

SITC Section 2: Crude materials, inedible, except fuels
SITC Division 29: Crude animal and vegetable materials, n.e.s.

Detailed Commodity Breakdown (SITC Rev. 2, 3-digit Groups)

Division 29 is broadly segmented into two main groups, one for materials of animal origin and one for materials of vegetable origin:

SITC Rev. 2 Code	Description	Trade Relevance
29	Crude animal and vegetable materials, n.e.s. (Total)	Overall trade volume of miscellaneous unprocessed biological raw materials.
291	Crude animal materials, n.e.s.	Tracks materials like bones, horns, ivory, shells, coral, natural sponges, and other animal products not used for food, textiles, or leather. These are crucial inputs for jewelry, crafts, fertilizer, and gelatin production.
292	Crude vegetable materials, n.e.s.	A highly diverse category that includes natural gums, resins, balsams, lac, vegetable plaiting materials (like bamboo and rattan), and plants used in perfumery, pharmacy, or as insecticides/fungicides.
2922	Lac; natural gums, resins, gum resins, and balsams (4-digit subgroup)	Crucial for the chemical, adhesive, and coatings industries.
2924	Plants and parts of plants used primarily in perfumery, pharmacy, or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh or dried (4-digit subgroup)	A key indicator for the trade in herbal and botanical raw materials for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and traditional medicine sectors.

Significance of the Trade Indicator

Trade data in SITC Division 29 provides unique insights often missed by broader agricultural and industrial classifications:

Specialized Industry Inputs: It measures the supply chain for niche, high-value natural products that are often essential, non-substitutable ingredients in specific manufacturing processes (e.g., gum arabic in food/pharmaceuticals, rattan for furniture).
Bio-Economy and Traditional Products: The category is central to tracking trade in herbal medicines (SITC 2924) and sustainable or traditional crafting materials (SITC 2923), often involving local communities and biodiversity hotspots.
Environmental and Conservation Monitoring: Tracking the trade in products like ivory, shells, or specific plant extracts can be critical for monitoring international agreements like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and identifying illegal trade flows in raw biological materials.
Market Diversity: Unlike high-volume commodities, the trade in Division 29 often involves many smaller, specialized producers and traders, making the data important for understanding market fragmentation and regional specialization.

By analyzing UN Comtrade data for SITC 29, researchers and policy-makers can monitor trade patterns for these specialized resources, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and assess the economic impact on local economies reliant on sustainable harvesting.

Conclusion: The Strategic Role of Crude Materials, Inedible (SITC Section 2) in Global Trade

Analysis of the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) data for SITC Section 2, "Crude materials, inedible, except fuels," confirms the persistent and evolving role of primary resources in the global economy. This section—encompassing materials from textile fibers and wood to metalliferous ores and the highly specialized Crude animal and vegetable materials (Division 29)—acts as a crucial indicator of the manufacturing world’s reliance on foundational, unprocessed inputs.

The data not only tracks the massive industrial flows of commodities like lumber and iron ore, but also provides essential visibility into niche and often environmentally sensitive trade streams, such as medicinal botanicals and natural gums. By utilizing the granular SITC classification, policymakers and industry stakeholders can precisely monitor commodity dependencies, forecast supply chain vulnerabilities, and enforce environmental compliance measures. Ultimately, the trade figures for SITC Section 2 offer a vital window into the intersection of resource extraction, sustainable trade practices, and the raw material foundations of industrial and specialized manufacturing across the globe.