This week Caitlin Brosseau, eBay Senior Manager Government Relations, participated in an event hosted by the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) to highlight how modernized trade agreements can encourage exporting by small US businesses like those on eBay.  

The event marked the release of PPI's new report, "A Big Deal for Small Business: How the TransPacific Partnership Would Boost America's Small Exporters," which profiles seven small US exporters including eBay business, The Pro’s Closet. 97% of US commercial sellers on eBay export. Many of these sellers include small businesses, like The Pro’s Closet, with exciting small business stories and knowledge of exporting that are of great interest to policymakers that set America’s trade agenda.

The event was also an opportunity to educate policymakers on the need to modernize trade rules. The event featured remarks from US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and US Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA-8). Other panelists included representatives from UPS, Cask LLC, and the National Small Business Association. 

The panel discussion centered on the benefits of exporting for small Internet enabled businesses. Panelists also discussed how the Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement (TPP) can remove frictions to international sales and preserve the Internet as a place eBay sellers can reach global buyers. One-third of US exports on eBay go to buyers living in TPP partner countries, so US sellers on eBay stand to benefit from the TPP.

To learn more about eBay’s trade policy work, visit our trade policy issue page.