Yihan Ma
Research expert covering e-commerce and FMCG in Greater China
E-commerce in China - statistics & facts
The emergence of China’s e-commerce market inaugurated a new era in the country’s economy. Nowadays, the digital economy is making an increasingly significant contribution to the country’s GDP. In 2024, more than a quarter of China’s consumer goods were sold online, far above the global average. Furthermore, e-commerce significantly boosts the country’s employment rate through its substantial workforce.
China has been the forerunner in e-commerce over the past decade, outpacing the United States by more than 40 billion dollars in revenue. Today, China has the largest digital buyer population in the world. In recent years, new features such as live streaming and rapid delivery have been integrated into China’s e-commerce landscape, further enhancing the customer experience.
China has been the forerunner in e-commerce over the past decade, outpacing the United States by more than 40 billion dollars in revenue. Today, China has the largest digital buyer population in the world. In recent years, new features such as live streaming and rapid delivery have been integrated into China’s e-commerce landscape, further enhancing the customer experience.
B2B e-commerce in China
As a result of the fast-developing digitalization within all aspects of modern life, an increasing number of businesses in China have shifted online. Owing to its massive manufacturing industry and government support, China remains home to the world’s largest B2B e-commerce market. However, the growth of B2B e-commerce has slowed down recently as compared to the thriving online retail market. Cross-border B2B e-commerce has become a significant component of China's B2B economy, with most of its trade focused on exports. The United States was the leading destination for Chinese B2B exporters.B2C and C2C e-commerce in China
Home to several largest e-retailers globally, China has witnessed steady growth in e-commerce retail sales. Thanks to rapid internet adoption across China, today, the online shopping penetration rate has reached over 80 percent. Along with the ever-increasing use and distribution of mobile devices, shopping on smartphones or tablets has become a new norm for Chinese internet users. Social restrictions and lockdown measures during the pandemic period also fueled the development of new online-to-offline retail businesses, such as quick commerce, online food delivery, and community group-buying services. The development of AI technologies is propelling a transformation in e-retail by restructuring e-retailers’ operations and interactions with customers. The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into business has enhanced interactive and immersive shopping experiences, driving business growth through increased customer satisfaction and higher sales.
