These adjustments are based on additional information available from trade statistics, special ITRS reports, and other sources. The introduction of the Intrastat system at the beginning of 1993 resulted in a decline in coverage. Estimates of nonreported merchandise trade are provided by the foreign trade statisticians. For freight an estimation method is used based on detailed ratios which were derived from statistical information on foreign trade volumes, freight rates and settlements for transportation. For the time being the method is under revision.
Financial services cover only fees paid or received by German banks.
Fees paid or received by other domestic sectors are not identified separately and are recorded as commissions. Fees related to the purchase or sale of securities are included in portfolio investment, because they form implicitly part of the purchase price. In addition there is an annual survey on foreign assets and liabilities of direct investment enterprises, which can be used for verification purposes. The adjustment procedures are currently based on a modified version of the census X11 calculation method. To avoid disclosure of data, statistical information compiled for publication comprises aggregated data of at least three different reporting entities.