# Trade Data vs Company Databases: Which Evidence Do You Need?

*Source: https://eximagent.ai/blog/trade-data-vs-company-databases · Published: September 17, 2026 · Category: Global Trade*

> Trade data shows recorded transactions; company databases add profile fields. Learn which evidence supports each export research question.

Trade data and company databases answer different research questions. Choosing one as a substitute for the other can create a confident but incomplete buyer shortlist.

What trade data contributes

Trade records can show shipment history, product descriptions, HS codes, dates and trading relationships when those fields are available. This evidence helps test whether a company has handled a relevant product or corridor. It is historical evidence, so it does not by itself prove a current requirement.

What company databases contribute

Company databases typically organise firmographic details such as industry, location, employee range, websites, contact roles or corporate relationships. Those fields help you define an account and find a route to contact. They may be collected from public sources and can vary in freshness and verification.

Match evidence to the question

Use trade data when the question is Who has imported this product, from where and when? Use company data when the question is What is this company and how can I reach the relevant team? Use both when you need to qualify a company before outreach.

A combined workflow

Start with the product, HS code and destination market. Use shipment records to generate a candidate set, then open each company profile and verify its website, business model and relevant contact path. Record the source and date for each finding. If the two sources disagree, preserve the conflict for review.

Avoid false certainty

A company profile without shipment evidence does not prove buying activity. A shipment record without a current profile does not prove fit or decision-maker access. Treat likely buyer as a working hypothesis until the evidence and the outreach response support it.

Choose the tool by the job

The right comparison is not which database is biggest. It is whether the workflow produces traceable evidence quickly enough for the decision your team needs to make.

EximAgent combines shipment evidence with company research so exporters can qualify accounts before outreach. Start in the Trade Data workspace at [https://eximagent.ai/trade-data](https://eximagent.ai/trade-data).