GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

B2B E Commerce Industry Statistics

B2B e-commerce sales are projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2023, representing a significant portion of total B2B sales.

Highlights: B2B E Commerce Industry Statistics

  • B2B e-commerce sales worldwide are expected to reach over $20.9 trillion by 2027.
  • The B2B e-commerce market was valued at $6.64 trillion in 2020.
  • United States is the largest B2B ecommerce market with $1.9 trillion in revenue for 2020.
  • Asia Pacific is expected to show a high growth rate in the B2B e-commerce market due to rapid industrialization.
  • By 2023, approximately 12.1% of B2B sales will constitute the B2B e-commerce market.
  • 93% of B2B buyers prefer to buy online once they’ve decided what to buy.
  • The automotive and parts sector is the largest B2B e-commerce market segment.
  • In 2020, approximately 75% of B2B buyers and sellers said they now prefer digital self-serve and remote human engagement over face-to-face interactions.
  • Approximately 80% of B2B buyers expect a B2C-like experience.
  • Only 3% of B2B businesses were fully prepared to handle full remote work at the start of the pandemic.
  • 55% of B2B buyers are completing 75% of their purchase process before speaking to a salesperson.
  • Almost 70% of B2B businesses offer personalized B2B online portals.
  • More than 60% of B2B brands reported a significant impact to their ecommerce program due to the pandemic.
  • 70% of B2B decision-makers are open to making new, low-end purchases online.
  • Omnichannel buyers spend more than single-channel, online-only buyers.
  • 77% of B2B buyers reported their latest online business purchase was directly influenced by social media.
  • Email marketing drives 27% of B2B sales.
  • In 2020, mobile orders in B2B e-commerce accounted for more than 43% of all orders.
  • B2B ecommerce sites have conversion rates of 7.3%, higher than B2C sites.
  • Preventing fraud is a challenge for 38% of B2B businesses.

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In the fast-paced world of business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, staying informed on industry statistics is essential for making informed decisions and staying ahead of the competition. In this blog post, we will dive into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the B2B e-commerce landscape, providing valuable insights for businesses looking to thrive in this dynamic environment.

The Latest B2B E Commerce Industry Statistics Explained

B2B e-commerce sales worldwide are expected to reach over $20.9 trillion by 2027.

The statistic that B2B e-commerce sales worldwide are expected to reach over $20.9 trillion by 2027 indicates a significant and rapid growth in the online business-to-business marketplace. This projection suggests that businesses are increasingly turning to digital platforms to conduct transactions, indicating a shift away from traditional offline sales channels. The estimated value of $20.9 trillion underscores the immense scale and financial impact of B2B e-commerce globally, highlighting the importance of digital connectivity and technology-driven sales strategies in the modern business landscape.

The B2B e-commerce market was valued at $6.64 trillion in 2020.

The statistic “The B2B e-commerce market was valued at $6.64 trillion in 2020” represents the total worth of business-to-business online transactions that occurred worldwide in the year 2020. This figure signifies the significant role that e-commerce platforms play in facilitating trade between businesses, showcasing the growing trend of companies adopting online platforms for buying and selling goods and services. The substantial value of $6.64 trillion highlights the scale and importance of B2B e-commerce in the global economy, underscoring the transformative impact of digital technology on traditional business practices.

United States is the largest B2B ecommerce market with $1.9 trillion in revenue for 2020.

The statistic that the United States is the largest B2B (business-to-business) ecommerce market with $1.9 trillion in revenue for 2020 highlights the significant economic activity within the sector in the U.S. This figure represents the total value of goods and services exchanged through online B2B transactions in the country during that year. The size of the U.S. B2B ecommerce market underscores the importance of digital platforms in facilitating business transactions among companies. The substantial revenue generated also points to the evolving nature of commerce, with more businesses opting for online channels to conduct transactions, reflecting a shift towards digitalization and efficiency in the B2B sector.

Asia Pacific is expected to show a high growth rate in the B2B e-commerce market due to rapid industrialization.

The statistic indicates that the Asia Pacific region is forecasted to experience a significant increase in the business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce market, driven by the rapid pace of industrialization in the region. This suggests that as industries in Asia Pacific continue to develop and expand, there will be a growing demand for online B2B transactions among businesses in the region. The high growth rate projected for the B2B e-commerce market in Asia Pacific signifies the increasing adoption of digital platforms for conducting business-to-business transactions, offering opportunities for companies to capitalize on this trend by leveraging e-commerce strategies to reach their target markets and drive business growth in the region.

By 2023, approximately 12.1% of B2B sales will constitute the B2B e-commerce market.

This statistic indicates that by the year 2023, it is projected that B2B e-commerce will represent about 12.1% of all B2B sales. This suggests a significant growth in the B2B e-commerce market, indicating a shift towards more digital transactions and online purchasing in the business-to-business sector. The increase in B2B e-commerce market share can be attributed to factors such as technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and the convenience and efficiency that online platforms offer for conducting business transactions. This statistic highlights the increasing importance of e-commerce in the B2B space and emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt to the changing landscape of commerce to remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of their customers.

93% of B2B buyers prefer to buy online once they’ve decided what to buy.

The statistic “93% of B2B buyers prefer to buy online once they’ve decided what to buy” indicates a strong preference for online purchasing among business-to-business (B2B) buyers after they have made their purchasing decision. This high percentage suggests that B2B buyers value the convenience, efficiency, and accessibility of online platforms for making their purchases. The statistic highlights the increasing trend of digital transformation in the B2B sector, emphasizing the shift towards online channels as the preferred method for completing transactions once buyers have identified their desired products or services. This information underscores the importance for businesses operating in the B2B space to prioritize and optimize their online sales processes to cater to the preferences of their target buyers.

The automotive and parts sector is the largest B2B e-commerce market segment.

The statistic that the automotive and parts sector is the largest B2B e-commerce market segment indicates that within the business-to-business online commerce landscape, the industry involved in selling automobiles and related components commands the highest level of trade activity. This suggests that a significant proportion of business transactions in this sector occur through electronic platforms rather than traditional offline channels. The prominence of the automotive and parts sector in B2B e-commerce signifies the industry’s readiness to embrace digital technologies for conducting business, potentially due to factors such as the complexity of products requiring detailed specifications, the need for efficient supply chain management, and the globalization of the automotive market. The statistic highlights the importance of online platforms in facilitating transactions, communication, and collaboration within the automotive and parts sector’s business ecosystem.

In 2020, approximately 75% of B2B buyers and sellers said they now prefer digital self-serve and remote human engagement over face-to-face interactions.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, a significant majority of B2B buyers and sellers, around 75%, expressed a preference for digital self-service options and remote human engagement compared to traditional face-to-face interactions. This shift in preference likely reflects the increasing prevalence and acceptance of digital technologies in the business world, as well as the impact of factors such as convenience, efficiency, and safety concerns, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses continue to adapt to an increasingly digital landscape, understanding and catering to these preferences for remote engagement methods can be crucial for effectively engaging with B2B customers and partners moving forward.

Approximately 80% of B2B buyers expect a B2C-like experience.

This statistic indicates that a large majority (approximately 80%) of business-to-business (B2B) buyers now have similar expectations for their purchasing experience as they do with business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions. In other words, B2B buyers are increasingly looking for seamless, personalized, and convenient interactions when conducting business, similar to the fast and user-friendly experiences that they often encounter in their personal online shopping activities. This trend highlights the growing importance for B2B companies to prioritize customer experience, digital engagement, and customer-centric practices in order to meet the evolving expectations of their buyers and remain competitive in the market.

Only 3% of B2B businesses were fully prepared to handle full remote work at the start of the pandemic.

This statistic indicates that the vast majority (97%) of B2B businesses were not fully prepared to transition to full remote work at the onset of the pandemic. This lack of preparedness suggests that many B2B organizations had to quickly adapt their operations, technology infrastructure, and workflows in response to the sudden shift to remote work brought about by the pandemic. The statistic highlights the challenges faced by businesses in adjusting to remote work practices and underscores the importance of having robust contingency plans and remote work capabilities in place to effectively navigate unexpected disruptions like a global pandemic.

55% of B2B buyers are completing 75% of their purchase process before speaking to a salesperson.

This statistic suggests that a significant portion (55%) of business-to-business (B2B) buyers are independent and well-informed in their purchase decision-making process, as they have progressed through 75% of the buying journey before engaging with a salesperson. This trend indicates a shift towards self-research and reliance on digital resources for information gathering, potentially influenced by the accessibility of online content and resources. Understanding that buyers are increasingly empowered to make informed decisions independently underscores the importance for businesses to provide valuable and engaging content throughout the buyer’s journey, enhancing the likelihood of attracting and retaining potential customers.

Almost 70% of B2B businesses offer personalized B2B online portals.

The statistic “Almost 70% of B2B businesses offer personalized B2B online portals” indicates that a vast majority of business-to-business (B2B) companies provide their customers with customized online platforms for conducting transactions and accessing services. This suggests a growing trend towards leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, streamline business operations, and build stronger relationships with clients in the B2B sector. Personalized portals can offer tailored content, pricing, and functionality based on individual customer preferences, allowing businesses to improve efficiency, increase engagement, and ultimately drive revenue growth in the competitive B2B marketplace.

More than 60% of B2B brands reported a significant impact to their ecommerce program due to the pandemic.

The statistic ‘More than 60% of B2B brands reported a significant impact to their ecommerce program due to the pandemic’ indicates that a majority of business-to-business (B2B) companies experienced notable disruptions in their online sales operations as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that the pandemic had a substantial influence on how B2B brands conducted their ecommerce activities, likely resulting in challenges such as supply chain interruptions, changes in consumer behavior, shifts in market demand, and other impacts that necessitated a reevaluation or restructuring of their ecommerce strategies. This statistic highlights the widespread effect of the pandemic on B2B ecommerce, underscoring the need for businesses to adapt and innovate in order to navigate the rapidly changing business landscape brought about by the ongoing public health crisis.

70% of B2B decision-makers are open to making new, low-end purchases online.

The statistic that 70% of B2B decision-makers are open to making new, low-end purchases online indicates a significant shift in the business-to-business buying behavior, reflecting a growing acceptance of online purchasing among key decision-makers. This data suggests that the traditional sales models involving face-to-face interactions or lengthy procurement processes are evolving towards more efficient and convenient online channels, especially for smaller and less complex purchases. As a result, companies targeting B2B customers should consider adopting digital strategies to cater to this change in purchasing preferences and align their offerings to meet the needs of decision-makers seeking quick and easy online transactions for low-cost products or services.

Omnichannel buyers spend more than single-channel, online-only buyers.

This statistic implies that consumers who make purchases through multiple channels, such as in-store, online, and mobile, tend to spend more money compared to those who only shop through a single online platform. Omnichannel buyers are likely to engage with a brand or retailer across various touchpoints, leading to increased overall spending as they have more opportunities to make purchases and are exposed to a diverse range of products or services. This trend suggests that businesses can benefit from implementing a seamless omnichannel strategy to cater to the preferences and shopping behavior of consumers, ultimately driving higher spending and customer loyalty.

77% of B2B buyers reported their latest online business purchase was directly influenced by social media.

The statistic reveals that a significant majority, 77%, of business-to-business (B2B) buyers indicated that their most recent online business purchase was directly influenced by social media channels. This suggests that social media platforms have a notable impact on the purchasing behavior of B2B buyers, influencing their decision-making processes and ultimately leading them to make purchases online. The findings indicate the growing importance of social media as a powerful tool for businesses to reach and engage with potential B2B customers, showcasing the potential value of leveraging social media marketing strategies to drive online sales in the B2B sector.

Email marketing drives 27% of B2B sales.

The statistic “Email marketing drives 27% of B2B sales” indicates that approximately 27% of sales generated in business-to-business (B2B) transactions can be attributed to email marketing efforts. This statistic highlights the significant impact that email marketing has on driving revenue and closing deals within the B2B sector. It suggests that businesses that effectively utilize email marketing strategies can enhance their sales performance and convert leads into customers. By leveraging email campaigns to engage with prospects, nurture relationships, and promote products or services, organizations can boost their overall sales and revenue generation in the B2B marketplace.

In 2020, mobile orders in B2B e-commerce accounted for more than 43% of all orders.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2020, mobile orders made in the business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce sector constituted a significant portion of the total orders, surpassing 43%. This suggests a notable shift in the way businesses conduct transactions, with a growing preference for using mobile devices to place orders. The rise of mobile orders in B2B e-commerce reflects the increasing importance of accessibility and convenience in conducting business transactions, as mobile technology enables users to make purchases anytime, anywhere. This trend highlights the need for businesses operating in the B2B e-commerce sector to prioritize mobile optimization and user experience to cater to the evolving preferences of their customers.

B2B ecommerce sites have conversion rates of 7.3%, higher than B2C sites.

The statistic that B2B ecommerce sites have conversion rates of 7.3%, which is higher than B2C sites, likely indicates that business-to-business online platforms are experiencing a greater rate of turning website visitors into customers compared to business-to-consumer platforms. This suggests that B2B sites may be more effective at encouraging users to make purchases or take desired actions on their websites. The higher conversion rate in B2B sites could be attributed to factors such as the nature of the products or services offered, the specific target audience and their intent, as well as the strategies and tactics implemented by B2B ecommerce businesses to optimize the user experience and drive conversions. Overall, this statistic underscores the importance of understanding and leveraging the unique characteristics and preferences of B2B buyers to enhance conversion rates in the ecommerce industry.

Preventing fraud is a challenge for 38% of B2B businesses.

The statistic “Preventing fraud is a challenge for 38% of B2B businesses” indicates that a significant portion of business-to-business (B2B) companies struggle with managing and mitigating fraudulent activities within their operations. This suggests that fraud prevention efforts are a growing concern for a notable portion of B2B organizations, posing risks to their financial security and reputation. The statistic highlights the need for these businesses to implement robust anti-fraud measures, such as internal controls, fraud detection technologies, employee training, and risk management strategies, to safeguard against potential fraudulent activities and mitigate associated risks effectively. Overall, the statistic underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to address the challenges posed by fraud in the B2B sector.

References

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How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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