eBay UK sellers export to over 200 countries and territories around the world and reach more markets than sellers on any other country site, according to the company. Its UK businesses reach 39 markets on average, eBay said. Sellers in Germany come in second place when it comes to exporting goods in the EU.
While Germany’s key markets are nearby Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and France, UK sellers are broader reach, including the U.S. and Australia. More than 80 percent of small and medium-sized businesses on eBay.co.uk sell internationally, according to Murray Lambell, Director of Cross-Border Trade for eBay UK.
eBay referenced a Reuters article that cited Euromonitor data showing that although the U.S. is the biggest ecommerce market by turnover, online orders in the UK make up a bigger portion of total retail sales – about 11% in 2013 compared to 7.3 % in the United States.
Where UK Sellers Are Shipping
Not surprisingly, Ireland and the U.S. were eBay UK sellers’ top two export markets, respectively, followed by France, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, Malta, and Spain.
What UK Sellers Are Exporting
Fashion was the biggest export category for eBay UK sellers. The company said the top-ten categories for exports in the first quarter of 2014 were the following:
- Clothes, shoes and accessories;
- Vehicle parts;
- Mobile phones and communication;
- Home, furniture and DIY;
- Sporting good;
- Computers and tablets;
- Office and industrial;
- Jewelry and watches;
- Health and beauty;
- Collectibles.
“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,” Lambell said. “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.”
