In the HARMONITOR project, BTG Biomass Technology Group applies its expertise in bio-based value chains and sustainability certification. BTG, supported by Utrecht University, mapped the trade flows of 35 bio-based value chains, including biological resources, wood products, bio-based textiles, dedicated and drop-in bio-based chemicals, and residues. To enhance the accessibility of this data, we worked on the visualization of the trade data, resulting in an online interactive flow map and a pivot tool.
Interactive flow map
Using the online visualization tool FlowmapBlue, HARMONITOR graphically shows the intra- and extra-EU trade flows of the bio-based value chains that were selected within the project. The map shows the intra-EU and extra-EU trade flows, with data collected from Eurostat’s Easy Comext database and the UN’s Comtrade database. These intra-EU and extra-EU imports and exports are visualized in the map below. It is possible to see individual trade flows when hovering over arrows. It is also possible to see a country’s imports and exports of the product, when added to the search bar on the top right or by clicking on the dot presented in the middle of the country.
To see the trade flows of the other value chains, select the wanted value chain in the drop-down menu on the top left. Please also check the instructional video below.
Original link:Harmonitor - Intra- & Extra EU trade data - FlowmapBlue.
Detailed trade data in Excel
We also developed an MS Excel file with pivot tables, offering a comprehensive overview of EU trade data for selected bio-based value chains. This dataset, derived from the Comext and UN Comtrade databases, allows users to explore detailed trade information with advanced filtering options for products, data based on import and export declarations, and intra/extra-EU trade. More information can be found in Deliverable 3.3 - trade flows of biological resources, bio-based materials and products.
The Excel file includes three key tabs:
- EU trade totals: Filter data by year, trade direction, categories, products, and countries to view total trade volumes and the largest importers/exporters.
- Trade development over time: Track how trade totals have evolved from 2015 to 202
- EU trade between countries: Analyse specific trade volumes between importing and exporting countries.
For a guide on using these pivot tables, please watch the instructional video.
Bio-based value chains covered
The interactive map and Pivot tool include trade data of various bio-based value chains. These products can be categorized as bio-based chemicals (dedicated and drop-in), biological resources, bio-based textiles and wood products, as shown in the table below:
The HARMONITOR project aims to improve the effectiveness of certification schemes and labels in different sectors of the EU Bioeconomy and strengthen their use as a co-regulation instrument. The goal is to promote and contribute to better quality and more trustable certification schemes and labels available on the bio-based market.