UK LEADS THE WAY IN GLOBAL CROSS-BORDER TRADE, SAYS EBAY
- Businesses on eBay.co.uk now export to over 200 countries and territories around the world
- eBay’s UK businesses now reach more markets than any other country – 39 on average
New research from eBay today reveals the UK is leading the way on the global stage when it comes to cross-border trade. Analysis of eBay data shows UK businesses are currently reaching more markets than any other country[1] - 39 on average. In addition, in 2013 UK sellers reached customers in over 200 different countries and territories.
Comparing the UK against Germany – its closest rival when it comes to export sales in the EU – the data reveals that while Germany’s key markets are nearby Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and France, UK sellers are reaching countries much further afield such as the US and Australia.
Looking at third-party market level data, in 2013, UK exports were worth a total of £3.8bn,[2] while in Germany export sales trailed behind at £2.4bn[3].
This pole position is almost certainly driven by the UK’s recent ranking as the world's most developed online retail market, according to Cushman & Wakefield, followed by the United States, Germany and France[4]. In addition, although the US is the biggest e-commerce market by turnover, in Britain, internet orders make up a bigger portion of total retail sales – about 11% in 2013 compared to 7.3 % in the United States, Euromonitor data shows[5].
The top ten markets eBay’s UK businesses exported to in Q1 2014 were:
- Ireland
- United States
- France
- Germany
- Portugal
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Australia
- Malta
10. Spain
Fashion heads the pack as eBay’s UK sellers’ biggest export category. In Q1 2014 the top ten categories for exports were:
- Clothes, shoes and accessories
- Vehicle parts
- Mobile phones and communication
- Home, furniture and DIY
- Sporting good
- Computers and tablets
- Office and industrial
- Jewellery and watches
- Health and beauty
10. Collectables
Murray Lambell, Director of Cross-Border Trade, eBay in the UK, said: “These latest figures are further evidence that we’re seeing the death of distance when it comes to cross-border retail, as more people shop across a variety of different channels. As a result, we’re seeing a growing trend of ‘micro-multinational’ businesses emerging, capable of selling to a global audience, without the infrastructure of a traditional exporter. Fashion in particular is one of eBay’s strongest growth sectors as consumers across the world choose Britain’s world-class fashion labels for everything from great value iconic basics through to premium brands.”
He continued: “Cross-border trade represents a massive economic opportunity for the UK. eBay provides a simple, low cost platform to reach over 145 million shoppers around the world 24/7 and currently more than 80 per cent of small and medium-sized businesses on eBay.co.uk sell internationally. As more businesses look to expand their sales overseas, we’re continually looking for new ways to help more businesses take advantage of this trend by investing in new initiatives like translation and global shipping, which help break down barriers to global trade.”
[1] eBay UK businesses reach on average 39 foreign markets – this is higher than any other country. Taken from Technology-enabled Global Trade, pg 9 / Commerce 3.0 for Development
[2] EU Commission of Civic Consulting Survey 2011, and OC&C Consulting and Google “Britain’s Retail Empire”
[3] EU Commission of Civic Consulting Survey 2011, and OC&C Consulting and Google “Britain’s Retail Empire”
[4] Reuters article ‘E-commerce edge helps British retailers expand abroad
[5] Reuters article ‘E-commerce edge helps British retailers expand abroad
-Ends-
About Cross-Border Trade on eBay:
- Over 95% of British businesses on eBay, both big and small, export around the world, according to our latest report into global commerce
- 81% of small businesses operating on eBay.co.uk sell internationally to four or more countries. (Source – Commerce 3.0 Roadmap, 2012.)
- UK sellers exported to over 200 countries and territories via mobile in 2013 (Data pull, May 2014)
- UK businesses selling on eBay each export to an average of 39 counties – higher than anywhere else (eBay Inc Technology Enabled Global Trade report 2014)
- In 2013 15% of EU residents made a cross-border purchase (27% in Germany, 14% in France, 24% in UK) and in the EU, the number of consumers who have bought cross-border has doubled since 2008 (Source – Omnichannel Opportunity report 2014).