The eBay Public Policy Lab has launched the United States Small Online Business Growth Report, which focuses on how the online platform model of commerce is connecting independent micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the U.S. to the global marketplace.  The report provides new trade data in each state and the District of Columbia for sellers with $10,000 USD or more in annual sales on the eBay marketplace. 

This research describes how the online platform model of commerce has neutralized many of the historical trade costs that impeded MSMEs from reaching foreign markets. Armed with new platform-based marketing, shipping, payment and translation tools, these enterprises are embracing the opportunity to directly engage with global customers and export at unprecedented levels. Their geographical reach has also expanded to markets on nearly every continent.  An incredible 96% of eBay Commercial Sellers in the United States export – far higher than businesses that have not embraced online tools – and they reach on average 17 different countries annually. eBay-enabled MSMEs across America are effectively Small Global Traders. Thanks to technology, successful small businesses do not need to be located in a state’s most populace or prosperous counties to sell across the country and around the world.  The research results presented in this report paint a picture of a much more balanced and inclusive model of commerce and exporting. In addition, the report includes policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the ability of technology-enabled MSMEs and entrepreneurs in the United States to access the global market.

We invite people to explore our full catalogue of reports covering more than 50 countries across six continents to learn more about how eBay is empowering MSMEs, regardless of size and location, to connect with customers around the world at an unprecedented rate.