Published by eBay Inc., this report examines how international trade is evolving and the role that the internet and technology have played in opening world markets for consumers, merchants and countries at all stages of development. It is based on commissioned research by market research agency Sidley Austin LLP focusing on international trade flows and exporting behaviour, and comparing offline channels with eBay. Although it was an empirical study based on real tradeflow data and focusing on eBay transactions, it is relevant not only to the eBay marketplace. Rather it sheds light on an evolving, new and powerful type of commerce – technology enabled, multichannel and consumer-driven. The study’s findings have applicability far beyond eBay, and reveal some astounding insights.