IME Methodology
Estimates of Scottish manufactured exports are compiled on the standard industrial classification UKSIC(2003). Implemented on 1st January 2003, UKSIC(2003) is a minor revision to UKSIC(92), in line with the latest revision of the European Union classification system.
The estimates are derived from data on sales of goods produced by the Scottish manufacturing industry for export outwith the UK. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) collects the data used to produce these figures in their Monthly Business Survey. Export estimates for the refined petroleum products industry are calculated using a volume series supplied by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and export ratios supplied by the Global Connections Survey. Exports sales of the companies covered by the survey are grossed up to represent the entire population using the Inter Departmental Business Register (IDBR).
The data are deflated using UK export producer price indices produced by the ONS, and seasonally adjusted where appropriate, to produce an estimate of growth in volume terms. The final results are presented in index form at constant 2007 prices.
The index of Scottish manufactured exports is based on a sample of around 800 Scottish manufacturing companies per quarter. This sample covers all sizes of unit across the manufacturing sector.
More detailed information about the methodology employed is available by downloading the following link.