Preparing the published article.
How to Read Robot Export Statistics
Export figures are about structure, not only totals.
Three common bases
| Basis | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Customs commodity code | Complete machines and components counted separately |
| Unit basis | Volume change and average unit price |
| Value basis | Heavily affected by product mix and exchange rates |
Reading them carefully
- Align the definitions before comparing different databases.
- Re-export trade can inflate one country figures, so check local production too.
- A single year is misleading; use a three to five year trend.
Exchange rates and order cycles move export data. Short-term swings are not automatically a trend.