Classification of SITC Rev. 2 commodities into organized exchange, reference priced, and differentiated

This page contains an explanation of the correct procedure for using my classification that was originally created for Rauch, James E., "Networks Versus Markets in International Trade," Journal of International Economics 48, no. 1 (1999):  7-35. To download the classification or the other files relevant to its use, click the links in the paragraph below.

   

 

Explanation of Procedure

My classification codes internationally traded commodities at both the 3- and 4-digit SITC rev. 2 levels. In the file, the 3-digit SITC codes are distinguished by a terminal 0. When my classification is not available at the 4-digit SITC level, the corresponding 3-digit SITC classification can be used. To the best of my knowledge, the only 4-digit SITC rev. 2 commodities that do not have my classification at the 3- or 4-digit level are 8234, 9915, 9916, and 9999 (see Merge Code (STATA)). My classification was designed to be used with SITC rev. 2. If the classification is used with SITC rev. 3, there will be 49 4-digit commodities not classified at the 4-digit level or corresponding 3-digit level (see Merge Code (STATA) which creates SITC rev 3 Missing Classification).

  • Classification
    • Source: July 2007 revision of unpublished appendix to "Networks Versus Markets in International Trade"
      • Column 1: 4-digit SITC code
      • Column 2: "Conservative" classification
      • Column 3: "Liberal" classification
    • Coding Scheme
      • w = goods traded on an organized exchange
      • r = reference priced
      • n = differentiated products
  • SITC rev. 2
    • Source: www.macalester.edu/research/economics/PAGE/HAVEMAN/Trade.Resources/Verbal.Desc/SITC/sitc_r2.prn
      • Column 1: SITC code
      • Column 3: SITC description
  • SITC rev. 3
    • Source: unstats.un.org/unsd/cr/registry/regdnld.asp?Lg=1
      • Column 1: SITC code
      • Column 2: SITC description
  • Merge Code (STATA)
  • SITC rev 3 Missing Classification
    • Column 1: SITC description
    • Column 2: SITC code

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