eBay Publishes New Spain Small Business Export Report

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are at the heart of Spain’s economy, and strengthening their ability to compete globally remains a top policy priority. In this context, we have published a new Spain Small Business Export Report examining how digitalisation and cross-border trade are enabling Spanish small businesses to expand internationally and drive economic growth.

For nearly three decades, eBay has helped level the playing field for small businesses by reducing the traditional barriers to exporting. Our latest research shows that 99.7 percent of eBay small businesses in Spain export—far surpassing the roughly 6 percent of traditional Spanish businesses engaged in cross-border trade. This remarkable performance highlights how digital platforms are transforming access to global markets for even the smallest firms.

The scale of this export activity is equally striking. On average, Spanish small businesses on eBay reach 25 international markets each year, compared to just five for traditional exporters. This significantly higher market reach demonstrates how technology is breaking the long-standing link between company size and global opportunity. In fact, 77 percent of eBay small businesses in Spain export to ten or more international markets, and more than half qualify as “global sellers,” reaching customers across four or more continents.

These international sales do more than boost revenues—they enhance resilience. By diversifying across markets, small businesses are less dependent on local economic conditions and better equipped to withstand external shocks. The report also shows that eBay small business exporters frequently reach markets beyond Spain’s traditional export partners. Several of the top destinations for eBay small businesses—including countries like Australia and Switzerland—are not among Spain’s traditional top export markets, underscoring the role of digital trade in expanding global opportunities.

The report also highlights the real-world impact on entrepreneurs. Spanish sellers are using eBay to transform local operations into global businesses. As Adrián Nicolás of Desguaces Renauto located in Murcia, Spain, explains, selling online enabled his  family-owned auto parts business to reach customers worldwide, turning a local enterprise into an international supplier. These experiences demonstrate how integrated tools for payments, logistics, and marketplace access make exporting more accessible and scalable.

Importantly, this success is not limited to a few sectors or regions. Spanish eBay small businesses collectively export to 203 markets worldwide—comparable to the reach of some of the largest multinational companies. This broad participation highlights the inclusive nature of digital trade, ensuring that businesses across Spain can benefit from global demand.

We invite you to read the full report and learn more about how Spain’s small businesses are leveraging digital tools and cross-border trade to promote growth and resilience.