Exports statistics Scotland 2021

Data and methodology

These statistics have been prepared by the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser, Scottish Government. The most recent results are likely to be subject to future revisions.

The Global Connections Survey (GCS) is one of the main data sources informing the estimates of Scotland’s exports in Export Statistics Scotland. The Scottish Government sends the GCS to a sample of 6,000-10,000 companies with operations in Scotland to collect data on the value of sales and exports both internationally and to the rest of the UK. It is the primary source of information for estimates of the value of exports from Scotland to the rest of the UK.

Where export information from the GCS is not available, Exports Statistics Scotland uses alternative sources of export information, or estimates the value of exports as a percentage of business turnover.

More detail is available on these estimates and the full breakdowns in the accompanying Excel tables.

More detailed methodology information is available in the methdology note.