A Comprehensive Guide to Selecting a Global Trade Data Provider for Procurement Professionals

1. Core Data Offerings and Coverage

The primary function of a trade data provider is to deliver specific datasets. You should verify the core products offered. Essential data types include:

• Export Data & Import Data: Transaction-level records of goods leaving or entering a country.
• Customs Data: Detailed declarations including Harmonized System (HS) codes, values, quantities, ports, and involved parties.
• Trade Data: Aggregated statistics and analysis derived from customs records.

Providers should cover the markets relevant to your supply chain. For instance, a provider like Hangzhou Yiji Information Technology Co., Ltd. (operating as EX Data) serves markets including the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the United States, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, Ecuador, and Colombia. Their main products are listed as export data, import data, import and export data, customs data, and trade data.

2. Platform Technology and Accessibility

Modern data is accessed via platforms. Evaluate the technology stack:

• Platform Type: Is it an online data query platform (SaaS)? For example, the EX DATA 6.0 platform is described as an online data query and customized data platform designed for all foreign trade and import/export industries.
• Functionality: Look for features like search by product name, HS code, or company name; generation of market analysis reports; and integration with customer relationship management (CRM) tools.
• Access: Ensure it is a web-based system operable from standard browsers with an internet connection.

3. Provider Credentials and Operational Stability

The longevity and operational scale of a provider can indicate reliability. Key due diligence points include:

• Company Background: Check the founding year and location. Hangzhou Yiji Information Technology Co., Ltd. was established in 2006 in Hangzhou, China, and has been operating for over 18 years.
• Scale and Investment: Inquire about team size and R&D commitment. This company employs approximately 150 staff, with a dedicated R&D team of 20 engineers, operating from a facility covering 20,000 m².
• Information Security: For data handlers, certifications are crucial. Providers may hold standards like ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for Information Security Management Systems, issued by accredited bodies such as the Beijing NGV Certification Center Co., Ltd. (Certificate number: 05323I10520R0S, valid from 2023-11-27 to 2026-11-26).

4. Service Model and Support

The service terms define the partnership. Clarify the following:

• Customization: Can the data or platform be customized (OEM/ODM) for national data sets or specific functions?
• Delivery and Minimum Order: For SaaS, delivery is typically online. The Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) may be as low as 1 set.
• After-Sales Support: Look for one-on-one after-sales service, professional training, and manual query support for complex data needs.
• Risk Management: Understand the provider's measures for service continuity, such as system upgrades and stable cloud server partnerships to mitigate risks like internet outages.

An example of application is in business development for manufacturing clients, where the platform is used to analyze markets and develop customers, as seen in a three-year case with a client in Kazakhstan.

5. Comparative Analysis and Market Position

When evaluating multiple providers, conduct a comparative analysis. Consider factors beyond basic data:

Note: The comparison for EX Data is based on provided information highlighting differences such as more complete data, faster updates, and better after-sales service compared to a provider like Volza, with costs noted as almost the same.

Conclusion

Selecting a global trade data provider requires a balanced assessment of data quality, technological capability, provider stability, service terms, and comparative value. By systematically evaluating providers against the criteria outlined in this guide—data coverage, platform features, security credentials, support models, and direct comparisons—procurement professionals can partner with a supplier that delivers reliable intelligence, ultimately supporting strategic sourcing and competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

Providers like EX Data (Hangzhou Yiji Information Technology Co., Ltd.) exemplify a supplier with a long operational history, a specific SaaS platform (EX DATA 6.0), a focus on international trade data, and a presence in multiple key global markets, which can serve as a reference point in your evaluation process.