New platform expedites access to Brazil foreign trade data

A new version of Comex Stat, Brazil's platform for foreign trade data, will be launched on June 3. Currently registering over 1 million hits per year, the updated system will be faster, more accessible and offer new and improved functions. Users will now be able to access export and import data simultaneously and conduct specific searches on freight, insurance and CIF value data in import operations, among other new features.

The first version of Comex Stat was an important milestone for users of Brazilian foreign trade data. Launched in 2018 to replace the previous system (AliceWeb), it allows for simple and intuitive queries and the production of monthly reports without the need for registration. This upcoming update marks the first significant upgrade to the platform.

The system caters to diverse audiences, including entrepreneurs looking for data to guide their businesses, academics doing research, journalists looking to enrich their articles and analyses, and governments seeking to better inform their policymaking.

The new system's main improvements include:

• The digital certificate protocol at the address provides greater security and reliability for system users. The new version of Comex Stat now includes an HTTPS address, ensuring the system is recognized as secure by all web browsers.
• Response times to queries are now 50% faster.
• An information consumption service via API (Application Programming Interface) will enable more integrated and automated data use, enhancing the usability and reach of foreign trade statistics.
• New feature allows for export and import data to be consulted simultaneously.
• Freight, insurance and CIF import value data search are now available.
• New results table includes textual search, flexible reordering of columns, and better visualization of information.
• Product descriptions and classifications were streamlined for better understanding.
• Statistical units and quantities are now explicitly stated in queries by NCM.
• The interface was redesigned to meet new accessibility standards, more compatible with the gov.br project.
• Additional information enables easier access to data release and update schedules.
• Enhancement in the sharing of Comex Vis information now allows users to save their query links for future reference.

The system upgrade is scheduled for Monday (June 3). During the update,  the system will be temporarily unavailable.