There is a fundamental lack of research, both qualitative and quantitative, on international trade activity in Australia.
 
 It has been identified by the ECA and supporting partner organisations including the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) and the University of Sydney (USYD) that Australian businesses, industry and government would benefit from undertaking  longitudinal research into the behaviours and patterns of Australian exporters.

 The last Business Longitudinal Survey (BLS) was conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) over a four-year period from 1994/1995 through to 1997/1998. 

 Since then, relatively little has been done on a long-term basis to provide information relating to the characteristics and behaviour of Australian businesses involved in international business over an extended period of time.

 The ECA, Austrade, EFIC and USYD, have agreed to collaborate to form an Export Research committee to create and implement a longitudinal survey, which will allow all organisations, industry and government a better understanding of the characteristics of Australian business and explore ways to better assist companies in their international business activities.

Click here to complete the survey http://www.export.org.au/eca/trade-insights/how-to-get-involved