Help us improve this section of the site. Can we get your feedback? Click here

DataBank

What's New

Metadata Glossary

CodeTM.VAL.MRCH.R6.ZS
Indicator NameMerchandise imports from low- and middle-income economies in Sub-Saharan Africa (% of total merchandise imports)
Short definitionMerchandise imports from low- and middle-income economies in Sub-Saharan Africa are the sum of merchandise imports by the reporting economy from low- and middle-income economies in the Sub-Saharan Africa region according to the World Bank classification of economies. Data are expressed as a percentage of total merchandise imports by the economy. Data are computed only if at least half of the economies in the partner country group had non-missing data.
Long definitionMerchandise imports from low- and middle-income economies in Sub-Saharan Africa are the sum of merchandise imports by the reporting economy from low- and middle-income economies in the Sub-Saharan Africa region according to the World Bank classification of economies. Data are expressed as a percentage of total merchandise imports by the economy. Data are computed only if at least half of the economies in the partner country group had non-missing data.
SourceStaff estimates, World Bank (WB); Direction of Trade database, International Monetary Fund (IMF)
TopicPrivate Sector & Trade: Imports
DatasetWDI
PeriodicityAnnual
Reference period1960-2023
Aggregation methodWeighted average
Statistical concept and methodologyMethodology: This indicator measures the percentage of total merchandise imports by the reporting country that originate from low- and middle-income economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose is to assess the relative importance of trade with low- and middle-income economies in Sub-Saharan Africa economies within the broader context of global imports. The numerator includes the total value of goods imported from low- and middle-income economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, while the denominator includes all merchandise imports received by the reporting economy within the reference year. Both values are recorded in current U.S. dollars and typically sourced from national customs declarations. The origin of merchandise imports is determined based on standard customs procedures, such as certificates of origin and supporting shipping documentation. Goods are generally recorded on a cost-insurance-freight (CIF) basis, meaning the import value includes the cost of the goods as well as transportation and insurance costs incurred up to the point of entry into the importing country. This ensures that comparisons across economies reflect the total landed value of imports. The classification of low- and middle-income economies in Sub-Saharan Africa follows the grouping conventions available at the time of reporting. Where applicable, economies are grouped according to income level, regional affiliation, or development status. The indicator enables monitoring of trade exposure and diversification by identifying which country groupings supply a significant portion of merchandise goods. In some cases, governments may also use this metric to guide trade policy, tariff design, or regional cooperation strategies. Fluctuations in the share may reflect changes in trade agreements, exchange rates, supply chain dependencies, or global demand for specific products.
License URLhttps://datacatalog.worldbank.org/public-licenses#cc-by
License TypeCC BY-4.0
^