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Short info thread for ppl who are interested in Scotland’s trade stats: Keen observers will know that Export Statistics Scotland #ESS – as below - were last published on 29/01/2020. You might therefore be expecting the next stats to be published on 29/01/2021. /
However, they have been marked as ‘delayed’ (see link of forthcoming statistical publications). I noticed this in December, and have been in comms with @scotgov @scotstat about it. / https://www.gov.scot/publications/official-statistics-forthcoming-publications/
The reason for the delay is that #ESS relies on the Global Connections Survey of businesses, and this has not been carried out because of the pandemic; plus analysts have been working on covid-related tasks. /
In December, @scotgov civil servant reassured me they are aiming to publish #ESS well in advance of May (I speculated that pandemic and/or ‘purdah’ might mean more delay, until after #HR2021 election – though of course it now looks sensible to delay the election anyway). /
I am still in comms with the @scotgov stats ppl on this, and will update when I know more – or feel free to check the forthcoming stats link yourselves, of course! https://www.gov.scot/publications/official-statistics-forthcoming-publications/