eBay’s Senior Director of US Government Relations David London recently testified at an International Trade Commission hearing that explored digital trade in the US and global economies. London described the important role eBay Inc. plays enabling small online businesses to engage in global trade. London focused much of his testimony on PayPal. With more than 132 million active accounts in 193 markets and 26 currencies around the world, PayPal is an invaluable platform for online businesses who engage in cross-border trade.

London highlighted the recently released PayPal-commissioned report “Modern Spice Routes: The Cultural Impact of Cross-Border Shopping.” The report analyzes the purchasing habits of residents in six key markets around the world — the US, UK, Germany, Australia, China and Brazil — who are increasingly involved in cross-border trade. In these six markets, 94 million consumers spent a total of $105 billion on overseas websites in 2013, representing 16% of overall online shopping. In addition, evidence suggests that cross-border trade will grow by 200% in the next five years. 

To achieve this growth, London encouraged policymakers to support policies that promote open development of remote mobile payments, eliminate domestic presence requirements for actors in the digital ecosystem, protect innovative digital intermediaries, improve customs and shipping regimes, and recognize small Internet enabled merchants in trade policy.

This is not the first time eBay has engaged with the ITC on digital trade issues. Previously, the ITC cited work by eBay’s policy team, including the company’s Towards Commerce 3.0 roadmap and Commerce 3.0 economic report, in the first of a two-part report called, Digital Trade in the U.S. and Global Economies. The second part of the ITC’s report will be released next July.