Which document is utilized by the government to collect statistical data regarding exports?

The Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) is used by the government to collect statistical data regarding exports. This document is essential for tracking and regulating the flow of goods leaving a country, providing crucial information on the nature, value, and destination of the exported products. In the United States, the SED is typically required for shipments exceeding a certain value and helps ensure compliance with export regulations and trade policies.

The commercial invoice serves as a bill for the buyer and includes details about the goods sold but does not serve a statistical data collection purpose for the government. The bill of lading acts as a receipt for the shipment and a contract between the shipper and the carrier, while the airway bill is specific to air freight and serves a similar purpose as the bill of lading but is not focused on the statistical collection of export data.