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Asia eCommerce: Statistics and Trends in the Region

Created: Mar 15, 2017

Updated: Feb 18, 2025

The Asia eCommerce market stands as one of the fastest-growing digital retail spaces globally. In 2020, the eCommerce market in Asia Pacific reached an estimated US $1.4 trillion with China leading at 63.2% of digital buyers. India and Japan also contribute heavily to this growing market. The Asia eCommerce market has seen remarkable growth lately. As of 2023, retail eCommerce represented 21% of total retail sales in the Asia Pacific, a significant increase from 10.2% in 2019. These figures indicate a strong consumer shift toward online shopping influenced by digital access, technological growth, and specialized eCommerce services that meet regional needs.

Companies, including GO-Globe, play a key role in helping businesses tap into this market. GO-Globe supports companies with eCommerce solutions that address the specific characteristics of Asia’s digital retail scene. Here, we explore the growth path, market data, and eCommerce services from GO-Globe that support companies aiming to succeed in the Asia Pacific region.

Asia eCommerce Statistics, Trends & Infographics

Asia eCommerce: Statistics and Trends in the Region

Infographic by GO-Globe Web Designing Company in Doha, Qatar

The Rapid Rise of eCommerce in Asia Pacific

The Asia eCommerce sector grows consistently, with digital buyers rising yearly. Between 2016 and 2019, digital buyers in the Asia Pacific rose from 812.2 million to 1.14 billion. This consumer base presents both a massive potential and a need for businesses to adopt effective e-commerce strategies to attract audiences and increase sales.

Estimated Number of Digital Buyers in Asia Pacific

Year Number of Digital Buyers (in Millions)
2016 812.2
2017 921.6
2018 1025.1
2019 1139.6

China holds the top position, with 63.2% of digital buyers in Asia. However, if we look on the other side, then, India and Japan follow with 10.4% and 9.4%, while South Korea, Indonesia, and Australia each represent smaller shares.

Digital buyer distribution in Asia Pacific (By Country)

Country %age
China 63.2%
India 10.4%
Japan 9.4%
South Korea 3.6%
Indonesia 1.7%
Australia 1.6%
Others 10%

B2C eCommerce sales follow a similar trend, with China controlling the majority share at 56.6% and Japan and Australia following at 21% and 6.4%. These statistics show the importance of targeting specific regions with offers tailored to local demand.

Share of B2C e-commerce sales in the Asia Pacific region from 2010 to 2016 by country

Country %age
China 56.6%
Japan 21%
Australia 6.4%
South Korea 4%
India 4.3%
Indonesia 1.9%
Others 5.8%

46% of total Asia Pacific online retail sales were done by mobile phones in 2015, and is expected to reach 69% of total online retail sales by 2020

Apparel and accessories is the largest category and accounts for more than 20% of online retail sales in Asia Pacific

Estimated size of the online retail market of countries by 2020

Country Online Retail Market (in BIllion USD)
China 1100
Japan 122
India 75
Australia 38
South Korea 65

Retail E-commerce Sales as Percentage of Total Retail Sales

Country %age of Total Retail Sales
China 33.6%
South Korea 14.7%
Japan 9.7%
Australia 7.2%
India 4.8%
Indonesia 4.4%
Others 3.8%

How GO-Globe Drives E-Commerce Success in Asia Pacific with Tailored Solutions

GO-Globe helps businesses succeed in Asia eCommerce by offering specific eCommerce services suited to Asia Pacific’s unique demands. These services address particular challenges in the market, enabling businesses to establish a strong foothold and grow efficiently. Let’s look into the Services offered by GO-Globe;

Market Analysis and Strategy Development

GO-Globe conducts market analysis to pinpoint growth opportunities and understand local shopping trends. They design practical Asia eCommerce strategies, concentrating on high-demand sectors like apparel and accessories, which contribute over 20% of online sales in Asia.

Mobile Optimization for Broader Reach

Mobile transactions accounted for 46% of online sales in Asia Pacific in 2015 and were expected to rise to 69% by 2020. GO-Globe highlights mobile-focused strategies to appeal to Asia’s smartphone-driven consumers, keeping clients competitive in the digital market.

Localization of eCommerce Platforms

The cultural and language variety across the Asia Pacific requires localized content. GO-Globe adapts client content and design for regional audiences, strengthening customer connections and increasing conversion rates in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia.

Data-Driven Marketing and Analytics

GO-Globe uses data to guide marketing efforts, which is crucial for businesses looking to expand in Asia eCommerce. By understanding customer behaviour, refining product choices, and improving ads, GO-Globe’s data-focused approach helps businesses grow and build meaningful customer connections.

Key Insights: Growth and Market Value for eCommerce Services by Country

The online retail market size in Asia Pacific differs by country, with China estimated to reach $1.1 trillion by 2020. Japan, India, and Australia follow at $122 billion, $75 billion, and $38 billion, respectively. This variation highlights the need for eCommerce growth across different regions, especially as emerging markets like India grow their digital capabilities.

Estimated Online Retail Market Sizes in 2020 (in Billion USD)

Country Online Retail Market
China 1100
Japan 122
India 75
Australia 38
South Korea 65

China leads as a global eCommerce hub, with 33.6% of total retail sales online, followed by South Korea at 14.7% and Japan at 9.7%. These numbers reflect advanced digital systems in these countries, making them essential markets for eCommerce services to tap into established online consumers.

Retail E-Commerce Sales as a Percentage of Total Retail Sales

Country % of Total Retail Sales
China 33.6%
South Korea 14.7%
Japan 9.7%
Australia 7.2%
India 4.8%
Indonesia 4.4%
Others 3.8%

Future of Asia eCommerce With Opportunities and Challenges

With higher internet use, smartphone ownership, and demand for online shopping, Asia eCommerce has a solid growth outlook. Businesses, however, encounter challenges such as regulatory variations, language differences, and varied consumer needs across the region. Companies like GO-Globe are key in helping businesses manage these complexities with eCommerce services built to fit regional needs.

Success in Asia eCommerce calls for agility, a focus on localization, and a data-based approach to tracking consumer changes. Businesses partnering with GO-Globe gain insights into market trends, mobile design, and localization, creating a foundation for growth in Asia’s eCommerce market.

Conclusion

The Asia e-commerce sector presents vast growth potential powered by increased digital adoption and rising demand. China, Japan, and India lead this expansion, forming a competitive yet rewarding market for businesses entering or growing within Asia’s digital circle. GO-Globe provides eCommerce services that address regional demands, equipping clients to succeed in Asia’s broad environment. With these market trends in mind, businesses that follow the region’s changes and partner with experts like GO-Globe hold the best chance at success.

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