Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
Global value chains (GVC) statistics comprise the full range of cross-border activities required to bring a product or service from conception through the different production and delivery phases to final consumers. GVC statistics collect elements such as questions on the distribution of business functions in the enterprise, questions on GVC activities and international sourcing of business functions (including questions about motivations for and barriers against international sourcing) and set of questions for measuring the impact of recent events on international sourcing and GVC activities.
For variables on purchasing or supplying goods and services abroad the dataset includes only enterprises that report at least EUR 100 000 in goods or services purchased from or supplied abroad in the final year of the reference period.
All data are provided as absolute values and presented by NACE activity, business function, geographical partner area, size class, motivation and barrier types, and other breakdowns required by the regulation.
The statistics cover market producers classified under NACE Rev. 2 Sections B to N. This sector coverage is defined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 and applies uniformly to all variables. Only enterprises with 50 or more employees and self-employed persons in the final year of the reference period are included.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
GVC constitutes an important and integrated part of the new European Business Statistics Regulation N° 2152/2019
Statistical unit enterprise is used for compiling the GVC data.
3.6. Statistical population
The survey population consists of all active market-producing enterprises operating in the country during the reporting period whose main economic activity falls under NACE Rev. 2 Sections B–N and which had 50 or more employees and self-employed persons in the last year of the reference period.
3.7. Reference area
The entire economic teritory of the country.
3.8. Coverage - Time
From 2020.
3.9. Base period
–
Number of enterprises and employment variables are expressed in units.
The reference period for the GVC statistics is 2021-2023, in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. Variables on the number of employees and self-employed persons by business function and GVC arrangements refer specifically to the final year of the period (2023). Variables on international sourcing, motivations and barriers for sourcing, and events affecting GVC arrangements cover actions that took place at any time between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2023.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Regulation (EC) No 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 on European business statistics, repealing 10 legal acts in the field of business statistics (Text with EEA relevance);
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 of 13 June 2022 laying down technical specifications of data requirements for the topic Global Value Chains pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
In the process of statistical data collection, processing and analysis and dissemination of statistical information, the State Data Agency fully guarantees confidentiality of the data submitted by respondents (households, enterprises, institutions, organisations and other statistical units), as defined in the Confidentiality policy guidelines of the State Data Agency.
Statistical Disclosure Control Manual (only in Lithuanian), approved by Order No DĮ-29 of 19 January 2024 of the Director General of the State Data Agency;
The State Data Governance Information System Data Security Regulations and Rules for the Secure Management of Electronic Information in the State Data Governance Information System, approved by Order No DĮ-163 of 20 August 2024 of the Director General of the State Data Agency.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
The primary and secondary confidentiality is applied on the dataset. Data are considered to be confidential if the number of units in a cell is less than 3 (primary confidentiality). A minimum frequency rule is applied to identify secondary confidentiality.
8.1. Release calendar
Statistical information is published on the Official Statistics Portal according to the Official Statistics Calendar.
Statistical information is prepared and disseminated under the principle of impartiality and objectivity, i.e. in a systematic, reliable and unbiased manner, following professional and ethical standards (the European Statistics Code of Practice), and the policies and practices followed are transparent to users and survey respondents.
All users have equal access to statistical information. All statistical information is published at the same time – at 9 a.m. on the day of publication of statistical information as indicated in the calendar on the Official Statistics Portal. Relevant statistical information is sent automatically to news subscribers.
Statistical information is published following the Official Statistics Dissemination Policy Guidelines and the Rules for Information Dissemination and Communication of the State Data Agency, approved by Order No DĮ-221 of 14 October 2025 of the Director General of the State Data Agency.
GVC statistics are collected, compiled and transmitted every three years in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
Survey results are not published in a news release.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
The survey results are not disseminated in any publications.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
The survey results are published in Database of Indicators (Business statistics -> Business structure and finance -> Global value chains).
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
Statistics Lithuania may, on the basis of contracts concluded with higher education institutions or research institutes, provide statistical data to researchers of these higher education institutions and research institutes to carry out specific statistical analyses for research purposes. Statistical data are provided in accordance with the provisions specified in the Description of Procedure for Data Depersonalisation and Pseudonymisation. More information is available on the Official Statistics Portal, in the section Data Provision.
In 2007, a quality management system, conforming to the requirements of the international quality management system standard ISO 9001, was introduced at the State Data Agency. Main trends in activity of the State Data Agency aimed at quality management and continuous development in the institution are established in the Quality Policy.
11.1. Quality assurance
In 2007, a quality management system, conforming to the requirements of the international quality management system standard ISO 9001, was introduced at State Data Agency. Main trends in activity of State Data Agency aimed at quality management and continuous development in the institution are established in the Quality Policy.
Monitoring of the quality indicators of statistical processes and their results and self-evaluation of statistical survey managers is regularly carried out in order to identify areas which need improvement and to promptly eliminate shortcomings.
More information on assurance of quality of statistical information and its preparation is published in the Quality Management section on the State Data Agency website.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
The quality of the statistical results meets the requirements of accuracy, timeliness and punctuality, comparability and consistency.
The results of the quality indicators of the observed statistics are presented in fields 12–15 of this metadata description.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
The main users of statistical information are State authorities and agencies, international organizations, the media, research and business communities, students, Eurostat (the statistical office of the European Union), whose needs are satisfied without a breach of the confidentiality principle. Statistics on global value chains is relevant for assessing the impact of globalization processes on the country's economic and social development.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Since 2005, user opinion surveys have been conducted on a regular basis. The Official Statistics Portal traffic is monitored, website visitor opinion polls, general opinion poll on the products and services of State Data Agency, target user group opinion polls and other surveys are conducted.
In 2007, the compilation of a user satisfaction index was launched. The said surveys are aimed at the assessment of the overall demand for and necessity of statistical information in general and specific statistical indicators in particular.
More information on user opinion surveys and results thereof are published in the User Surveys section on the State Data Agency website.
A survey related to the users' satisfaction regarding the availability and the quality of the GVC data is not organised.
Users are given the opportunity to test questionnaires, submit their suggestions and requests via email and online.
12.3. Completeness
Statistical information on global value chains is published on the State Data Agency website. All mandatory indicators established by legislation are available.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
The overall accuracy of the results is considered good. The survey is an exhaustive (census) based on statistical GVC data collection survey and other statistical data. The definitions of the other statistical data used meet the requirements of the Regulation, non-existent characteristics are estimated using statistical and mathematical estimation methods. The results are not significantly influenced by the estimation of missing values.
13.2. Sampling error
The sampling error of the global value chains statistical survey is not calculated.
13.3. Non-sampling error
The GVC statistical survey population comprises over 7 thousand legal units. The sample consists of nearly 3 thousand legal units, representing 38.5 per cent of the population, and accounts for 91 per cent of the total turnover of the GVC population. The unit non-response rate is 1 per cent, and the non-response error is considered insignificant.
14.1. Timeliness
Statistical information is published in 21 months after the end of the reference period.
14.2. Punctuality
Statistical information is published in accordance with an Official Statistics Calendar. In case of delay, users are notified in advance by indicating the reason and a new date of publication.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
Fully comparable geographically. In addition, statistical information is comparable across the EU.
15.2. Comparability - over time
Statistical information (except constraints for organizing global supply chains, bariers and motivation factors for international sourcing and implemented changes) is comparable from 2020.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
The indicator of the number of employees is also produced under the SBS and BD domains. The definition of the number of employees indicator correspond to the definition of the relevant indicator used in both domains.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Statistical information is fully coherent internally.
EUR 51.7 thousand were allocated for the statistical Survey on GVC.
There were 2792 legal entities sampled for the data collection survey.
The average time spent by a respondent on the filling-in statistical questionnaire VPU-01 on the Organization of International Business and the Transfer of Business Functions Abroad was 56 min.
The GVC survey is conducted as a census. A mixed data collection approach is applied for the production of GVC indicators, combining data obtained from statistical survey with other statistical data sources.
The target population comprises market producers classified under Sections B to N of NACE Rev. 2, with at least 50 employees, as well as self-employed persons, during the last year of the reference period.
For the collection of statistical data, a sample is selected using a cluster sampling method. Sampling is carried out at two levels: first, enterprises are selected according to their economic activity classified under NACE Rev. 2; second, legal units representing complex enterprises are selected. The sample is formed taking into account the import and export volumes of goods and services of the legal units during the last year of the reference period.
The sample consists of approximately 3,000 legal units, representing 38.5% of the total population and accounting for about 91% of the total turnover of the GVC population.
Data for non-responding units and for the remaining units not included in the sample are estimated using other statistical data sources and statistical estimation methods.
The main data source is the statistical questionnaire VPU-01 on the Organization of International Business and the Transfer of Business Functions Abroad. Additional statistical sources include the Statistical Survey on the Activities of Non-financial Enterprises (SBS), the Statistical Survey on International Trade in Goods, and the Statistical Survey on Financial and Commercial Activities of Enterprises with Non-residents.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Every 3 years.
18.3. Data collection
Statistical data are collected via the electronic statistical data preparation and transfer system e-Statistics.
18.4. Data validation
To ensure the quality of statistical data, comprehensive data checking and validation procedures are carried out. During the completion of the statistical report, arithmetic, logical, and variable relation checks are performed. Respondents submit the statistical report only when no critical errors are present and when explanations for ignored errors have been provided.
The comparability and consistency analysis of the aggregated data are performed, and the validity of the statistical data is confirmed. In case of significant deviations data is analysed at the enterprise level, and erroneous primary data are corrected, or the causes of the discrepancies are identified.
18.5. Data compilation
The statistics are verified for comparability with data from the Statistical Survey on the Activities of Non-financial Enterprises, the Statistical Survey on International Trade in Goods, and the Statistical Survey on Financial and Commercial Activities of Enterprises with Non-residents. Where significant discrepancies and their underlying causes are identified, erroneous values are corrected.
Data for enterprises not included in the sample are estimated using data from the Statistical Survey on the Activities of Non-financial Enterprises, the Statistical Survey on International Trade in Goods, and the Statistical Survey on Financial and Commercial Activities of Enterprises with Non-residents. Missing values are imputed using the nearest neighbour method, whereby variables are estimated either on the basis of structural coefficients derived from donor units or by applying the donor units’ data directly.
Data for complex enterprises comprising more than one legal unit are consolidated. For quantitative variables, data are aggregated across legal units. For qualitative (yes/no) variables, the enterprise-level response is considered positive if at least one legal unit reports a positive response.
After the statistical indicators are calculated, they are checked for comparability with the previous reference period. In the event of significant changes, the reasons for such changes are identified. Statistical data are analysed and, where necessary, edited. Statistical outputs are then produced by aggregating the primary data according to the required breakdowns.
18.6. Adjustment
The adjustment of the season and the number of working days on the annual activity and financial statistics is not assessed.
This chapter will be published in January 2026.
Global value chains (GVC) statistics comprise the full range of cross-border activities required to bring a product or service from conception through the different production and delivery phases to final consumers. GVC statistics collect elements such as questions on the distribution of business functions in the enterprise, questions on GVC activities and international sourcing of business functions (including questions about motivations for and barriers against international sourcing) and set of questions for measuring the impact of recent events on international sourcing and GVC activities.
For variables on purchasing or supplying goods and services abroad the dataset includes only enterprises that report at least EUR 100 000 in goods or services purchased from or supplied abroad in the final year of the reference period.
All data are provided as absolute values and presented by NACE activity, business function, geographical partner area, size class, motivation and barrier types, and other breakdowns required by the regulation.
30 November 2025
GVC constitutes an important and integrated part of the new European Business Statistics Regulation N° 2152/2019
Statistical unit enterprise is used for compiling the GVC data.
The survey population consists of all active market-producing enterprises operating in the country during the reporting period whose main economic activity falls under NACE Rev. 2 Sections B–N and which had 50 or more employees and self-employed persons in the last year of the reference period.
The entire economic teritory of the country.
The reference period for the GVC statistics is 2021-2023, in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. Variables on the number of employees and self-employed persons by business function and GVC arrangements refer specifically to the final year of the period (2023). Variables on international sourcing, motivations and barriers for sourcing, and events affecting GVC arrangements cover actions that took place at any time between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2023.
The overall accuracy of the results is considered good. The survey is an exhaustive (census) based on statistical GVC data collection survey and other statistical data. The definitions of the other statistical data used meet the requirements of the Regulation, non-existent characteristics are estimated using statistical and mathematical estimation methods. The results are not significantly influenced by the estimation of missing values.
Number of enterprises and employment variables are expressed in units.
The statistics are verified for comparability with data from the Statistical Survey on the Activities of Non-financial Enterprises, the Statistical Survey on International Trade in Goods, and the Statistical Survey on Financial and Commercial Activities of Enterprises with Non-residents. Where significant discrepancies and their underlying causes are identified, erroneous values are corrected.
Data for enterprises not included in the sample are estimated using data from the Statistical Survey on the Activities of Non-financial Enterprises, the Statistical Survey on International Trade in Goods, and the Statistical Survey on Financial and Commercial Activities of Enterprises with Non-residents. Missing values are imputed using the nearest neighbour method, whereby variables are estimated either on the basis of structural coefficients derived from donor units or by applying the donor units’ data directly.
Data for complex enterprises comprising more than one legal unit are consolidated. For quantitative variables, data are aggregated across legal units. For qualitative (yes/no) variables, the enterprise-level response is considered positive if at least one legal unit reports a positive response.
After the statistical indicators are calculated, they are checked for comparability with the previous reference period. In the event of significant changes, the reasons for such changes are identified. Statistical data are analysed and, where necessary, edited. Statistical outputs are then produced by aggregating the primary data according to the required breakdowns.
The GVC survey is conducted as a census. A mixed data collection approach is applied for the production of GVC indicators, combining data obtained from statistical survey with other statistical data sources.
The target population comprises market producers classified under Sections B to N of NACE Rev. 2, with at least 50 employees, as well as self-employed persons, during the last year of the reference period.
For the collection of statistical data, a sample is selected using a cluster sampling method. Sampling is carried out at two levels: first, enterprises are selected according to their economic activity classified under NACE Rev. 2; second, legal units representing complex enterprises are selected. The sample is formed taking into account the import and export volumes of goods and services of the legal units during the last year of the reference period.
The sample consists of approximately 3,000 legal units, representing 38.5% of the total population and accounting for about 91% of the total turnover of the GVC population.
Data for non-responding units and for the remaining units not included in the sample are estimated using other statistical data sources and statistical estimation methods.
The main data source is the statistical questionnaire VPU-01 on the Organization of International Business and the Transfer of Business Functions Abroad. Additional statistical sources include the Statistical Survey on the Activities of Non-financial Enterprises (SBS), the Statistical Survey on International Trade in Goods, and the Statistical Survey on Financial and Commercial Activities of Enterprises with Non-residents.
GVC statistics are collected, compiled and transmitted every three years in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
Statistical information is published in 21 months after the end of the reference period.
Fully comparable geographically. In addition, statistical information is comparable across the EU.
Statistical information (except constraints for organizing global supply chains, bariers and motivation factors for international sourcing and implemented changes) is comparable from 2020.
