Building BLOCS

This release: 1-June 2024.
Next available release scheduled for: 31-January 2025.

We are in the process of developing a query that will allow users to select years and variables for export. Until then the entire file and the process by which it was developed can be found by clicking the above link. Please send us an email if you find bugs, or can offer any suggestions for upcoming releases.

Cite this data using the following reference:
Wu. J.P,   Banach, C., Goulas, S., Silva Neira I. (2024). Building BLOCS and Stepping Stones: Combined Data for International Economic and Policy Analysis v3.2. IPE Berlin Working Paper, No 239/2024

The Bilateral Longitudinal Observations and Country Statistics (BLOCS) database is functional, public and free. The primary function is to consolidate observations related to bilateral trade and investment flows so it is possible to investigate their relationships with international institutional change (including, but not limited to, trade agreements and tariffs). BLOCS was built on a foundation of DOTS data provided by the International Monetary Fund. The database includes information on trade tariffs, trade flows, international investment, international agreements, institutional characteristics and polity positions as well as general economic and financial statistics.

BLOCS provides bilateral trade and investment positions for all countries recognized by the United Nations, complemented with those territorial unities considered by the IMF as relevant economics areas. Although there are incomplete records in some cases, robust information exists for many pairs and considers the years 1948-2022. The database assists in investigating historical-institutional conditions and the elements of international trade, investment and relationships. The curation of this database is meant to promote and support purposeful research.