This paper surveys the findings arising from existing research and suggests some directions for improving our understanding of the links between international trade and the labour market. Three routes for further research seem particularly promising. First, an effort should be made to put in relation labour market variables directly with trade policy measures. Second, there is a need to address the issue of trade and labour market outcomes from a consistent cross-country perspective. Finally, the role of labour market institutions and production internationalization (through outsourcing, international exchange of intermediate inputs or FDI) should be further explored.