Question
Is a record layout file available for the export and import files in the Canadian International Merchandise Trade database? For example for the year 2014, I can't find the record layout for the export file (ex201412.dat) or the import file (im201412.dat) in the EFT. But, after some searching online I found this record layout (this is for the export data, can't find one for the import data). It seems to cover all the years and is very helpful with figuring out the structure of the export and import files. Here are some other ones online as well for exports and imports.

Is it possible to add this record layout file for both exports and imports for each year? Or is it somewhere else?

Answer
If I understand correct, you are asking us to add a record layout to the EFT?

In the DLI we have up to 2014 data.  The Canadian International Merchandise Trade Database is now maintained online. Data on Canadian international merchandise trade for December 2015 will be released on February 5, 2016.

[Here are] other release dates.

You have the concepts of the elements in the database here.

Followup Question
Yes, I am asking to have the record layout file added to the EFT. The online version of the Canadian International Trade Database is a great resource when smaller amounts of data are needed. But, the files on the EFT are helpful when researchers need a larger part of the data. 

Followup Answer
I inquired with subject matter regarding record layout of CIMT and this is their response:
“Unfortunately, there is no record layout available for the Canadian International Merchandise Trade database since there is no data extraction possible. We have a record layout for the clients that are asking/buying us data which refers to their order.”
They informed me that they were unaware were that text file on the IMDB was generated.

Upon further investigation, I went digging into the EFT to ensure that we were not missing anything regarding the International Merchandise Trade Data. I noted in the doc folder for 2014 as you referenced an .xls file that provides the record layouts under various tabs.
/MAD_DLI_IDD_DAM/Root/trade_commerce/international-merchandise-data-by-commodity-classification/2014/doc

International Merchandise Trade Data by Commodity Classification, 2009

Question
There is a researcher here on campus using the "International Merchandise Trade Data by Commodity Classification, 2009". We were noticed for some rows zeroes are listed for quantity (position 33-45 in the row) and value (CDN$) (position 46-58) is not zero. It is strange for nothing to have a value. I have looked through the documentation here:http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/cimt-cicm/page-page?lang=eng&mode=concepts. But, it is not clear to me.

Answer
“CIMT is limited to HS6 level data and as such there are likely to be HS8 or HS10-level codes nested under any given HS6 code. The nested HS8 or HS10 codes may have different units of measure for each commodity they represent. Without a common unit of measure for all nested codes under a given HS6 code any quantity amounts cannot be represented at the HS6 level.”

International Merchandise Trade Data

Question

Can you tell me if the International Merchandise Trade Data (HS 8 level) is available under the Open Licence now?

Answer

International Merchandise Trade Data is available on the EFT here:

/MAD_DLI/Root/trade_commerce/international-merchandise-data-by-commodity-classification

Scrap Metal Exports

Question

I have a patron who is looking for data on scrap metal and rubber exports by volume and value. In CANSIM, there is Table 228-0003 Merchandise imports and exports, by major groups and principal trading areas for all countries, annual (dollars), but it includes scrap metal with other ores and concentrates (I didn't see anything on scrap rubber).

Answer

The Canadian International Merchandise Trade Database (http://cansim2.statcan.gc.ca/cgi-win/CNSMCGI.PGM?Lang=E&CIMT_Action=Sections&ResultTemplate=CII_CIMT5) provides export data by commodity (quantity and value) down to the Harmonized System (HS) 6 level.  Your client can use the tool look up specific HS codes if he/she knows them or use keywords to locate commodities and related data.  I tried a few searches with terms like scrap rubber and came up with some results. (I am not sure if these are the specific commodities that interest your client however so the user may wish to have a look at the commodities available there as well.)

The Canadian Export Classification publication (65-209-XWE, http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc-cel?catno=65-209-XWE&lang=eng) provides a more detailed description of the structure of the HS classification and may be helpful. Chapter 40 is on " Rubber and articles thereofIf"  and rubber products are mentioned in other sections as well.

If your client needs data for more detailed HS codes, the DLI collection includes a file with export data including quantity and value down to the HS8 level. It is available at http://www.statcan.gc.ca/dli-ild/data-donnees/ftp/can-trade-commerce-eng.htm and on the DLI FTP site. Please note that your client would need a statistical analysis application to work with the file (SPSS for example).