Export statistics: Scotland's Global Connections survey - guidance

Purpose of the survey

The Global Connections Survey (GCS) is the Scottish Government’s trade survey used to collect data on Scotland’s exports. It helps us to understand trading patterns of Scottish businesses and provides data for future trade policy analysis. 

In the survey, we ask about sales from Scotland to the rest of the UK, as well as outside the UK, and this includes both goods and services. Even if you do not export or have no international connections, this information is still valuable to us.

Ultimately, this data allows us to identify opportunities to develop policies that help more Scottish businesses to export more goods and services to more markets.

Accessing the survey

When you access the survey you will be asked to enter your username and password. This can be found in the letter inviting you to take part.

If your log-in details do not work or you need your password reset please contact us.

Confidentiality of data 

All the information you provide will be kept strictly confidential by the Scottish Government and the partner organisations with whom we may share your responses: B
Scottish Development International
Scottish Enterprise
Highlands and Islands Enterprise 
Office for National Statistics. 

Specific company details and any data where it may be possible to identify an individual company will not be published.

Who to get in touch with if you need any help

As staff are currently working from home email is the best way to contact us.

• Email: exports.statistics@gov.scot 
• Telephone: 0300 244 0330 

We will reply to you as soon as possible.  If you are telephoning, please leave a message.