NEWARK, New Jersey, May 28 /PRNewswire/ --

PIERS Global Intelligence Solutions, a Commonwealth Business Media company and the leading provider of U.S. trade data, has expanded its international import-export database resources to include current and historical data on Argentina's overland, water- and airborne cross-border commerce with the rest of the world.

"This is an important addition to our Latin American database, which now includes the top seven of the 12 South American national economies -- Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Peru, and Ecuador -- as well as U.S.-NAFTA partner Mexico," explains Wael Jarous, vice president of PIERS Commercial Sales.

"At PIERS, we always intend to enlarge our commercial intelligence assets," continues Jarous. "It takes time because we want to ensure that our agents abroad have the access to authoritative sources -- typically Customs authorities - and can provide data that meets the same industry-leading standards of accuracy and comprehensiveness set by our U.S. import-export trade database."

The PIERS Argentine data will yield the "who, what, when and where" of import-export transactions, Jarous says, including names of shippers & consignees, points of origin and destination, commodity descriptions, and actual freight and goods values. PIERS offers online access to its international database by subscription, or as custom datasets for one-time purchase. Data may also be delivered via CD or in print report formats.

A key player in global commerce, Argentina is one of the five full members (the others are Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela) of MERCOSUR, South America's largest and the world's fourth largest trading block after the European Union (EU), North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

According to U.S. State Dept. figures, Argentina exports in 2007 amounted to US$55.4 million, with MERCOSUR (22%), the EU (18%) and NAFTA (11%) the top markets. Imports in 2007 totalled US$44.8 billion, with MERCOSUR partners (36%), EU (17%) and NAFTA (16%) the top sources -- with the U.S. accounting for approximately 13% of Argentine imports. Two-way trade in goods between the U.S. and Argentina neared US$9 billion in 2006, while two-way trade in services exceeded US$3.2 billion according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Argentine economy, in strong resurgence since 2003, is expected to continue to perform well in 2008 with GDP growth projected at 6.9%, according to the Argentine Central Bank's consensus survey.

For information about PIERS Argentine or other international trade databases, go to http://www.piers.com/piersproducts.aspx, or call +1-800-952-3839 ext 7175.

About PIERS Global Intelligence Solutions

PIERS is the primary source of U.S. waterborne trade information and a leader in global trade solutions.

Launched over 30 years ago by The Journal of Commerce as the Port Import Export Reporting Service, its first venture in electronic information, PIERS quickly became the standard reference on container trade for the maritime industry.

The database that is at the core of PIERS information products is unique. Based on the manifests and bills of lading that document import-export activity, and checked by reporters in every port, the PIERS database yields the most timely, accurate, comprehensive information available on trade through U.S. Ports.

More specialized PIERS databases also offer historical data back to the 1950's, trade finance data, and Asia and Latin American trade data.

PIERS economists and researchers supply expert data analysis and interpretation to support decision-marking, while detailed and customizable datasets yield solutions for cross-border marketing, supply-chain management and competitive intelligence.

A roster of over 6,000 private industry, trade association, and domestic and foreign government clients, representing more than 40 countries, relies on PIERS to translate trade data into meaningful intelligence that guides their global business strategies. For more information visit http://www.piers.com

About Commonwealth Business Media

Commonwealth Business Media, Inc., a subsidiary of United Business Media plc, is the leading information provider to the global trade and transportation market with comprehensive proprietary data, news and analytical content. Its leading brands include The Journal of Commerce, PIERS Global Intelligence Solutions, BACK Aviation Solutions, Air Cargo World, Traffic World, OAG and Aviation Industry Group, a number of directory databases covering the international trade, railroad and trucking markets. The Company also produces more than 30 conferences serving the international trade, aviation and maritime markets. Commonwealth is headquartered in East Windsor, New Jersey, with offices in Newark, San Francisco, New Haven, Long Beach, Atlanta, Montreal, Toronto, Washington DC, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Singapore, Hong Kong and London. For more information on Commonwealth Business Media, Inc. and the products they offer, visit http://www.cbizmedia.com

Web site: http://www.cbizmedia.com http://www.piers.com

Lisa Wallerstein of Commonwealth Business Media, Vice President, PIERS Marketing, +1-973-848-7026, lwallerstein@piers.com