PASS Coalition Member eBay Publishes Small Online Business Inclusive Global Trade Report

On March 23, eBay, a member of the Coalition to Protect America's Small Sellers (PASS), announced the publication of its Small Online Business Inclusive Global Trade Report that outlines ways in which the eBay marketplace is proving to be a trade equalizer for sellers worldwide. 

​The report found tremendous export success by small businesses using eBay in 18 markets globally, running the trade gamut from Net Importers to Net Exporters, and the development spectrum from Advanced to Emerging Economies. Key findings include: (1) Nearly every eBay small business in every country covered in this report is an exporter; (2) eBay small businesses export to far more countries than traditional businesses; (3) Collectively, eBay small businesses are virtual export giants; and (4) eBay is facilitating exports to markets that are often not top destinations for each country’s traditional exports, and therefore promoting export diversity and resilience. 

This ​research provides further evidence that eBay’s level-playing field marketplace is breaking the traditional link between firm size and the ability to be a successful exporter, which is a clear step forward to a more balanced and inclusive economy. Additionally, given that exporting businesses have traditionally been more prosperous and sustainable than comparable businesses that don’t trade, this online trade success points to greater longevity for small businesses on the eBay marketplace.

Key Data Points for the 18 Countries Covered in the Report

• 96 percent of eBay Small Businesses located in Net Importer countries are exporters, the same percentage as those located in Net Exporter countries.  Traditional businesses located in Net Importer countries only export at a rate of 13.3 percent and those in Net Exporter countries export at a rate of 10.7 percent.
• 96 percent of eBay Small Businesses located in Advanced Economies are exporters compared to 99.8 percent of those located in Emerging Economies.  These figures far outpace that of traditional businesses of which 9.4 percent and 14 percent are exporters in Advanced Economies and Emerging Economies respectively. 
• eBay Small Businesses located in countries that are Net Importers reach an average of 17 international markets with their goods, the same as those located in countries that are Net Exporters. 
• eBay Small Businesses located in Advanced Economies reach an average of 16 international markets and those in Emerging Economies reach an average of 30 international markets. 
• Thirteen countries had eBay small business communities that collectively made sales into 200 or more international markets.
• Comparing the Top 10 export markets for eBay small businesses with the Top 10 markets for the entire business community in each country reveals that an average of 5.7 export markets are in the Top 10 for eBay small business exports that are not in the Top 10 for their respective overall national exports.