What is a Trade Data API?
Trade data API, explained
A trade data API is a programmatic interface that returns global import and export records as structured data. Instead of downloading static reports, an application sends an HTTP request — filtered by country, HS code, company or date — and receives JSON describing customs declarations, shipments and the companies involved.
What it returns
- Customs records — declarations filed with customs authorities
- Shipment records — bill-of-lading data on the movement of goods
- Company profiles — the shippers and consignees behind the trade
When to use one
Use a trade data API when you need trade intelligence inside software — supplier discovery tools, compliance screening, market dashboards — rather than as a one-off report.
Trade data API basics
What is a trade data API?
A trade data API is a REST interface that returns global import and export records — customs declarations, shipments, and linked company profiles — as structured JSON for use inside applications.
How is it different from a trade data report?
A report is a static snapshot; an API is queryable and live, so your software can pull exactly the records it needs on demand.
What can you build with it?
Supplier and buyer discovery, supply-chain mapping, compliance screening, and market-research products are all common builds on a trade data API.