GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

China Ecommerce Industry Statistics

The China ecommerce industry is expected to continue its rapid growth, with an increasing number of consumers shopping online and a growing market size.

Highlights: China Ecommerce Industry Statistics

  • China Ecommerce sales reached $2.09 trillion in 2019.
  • Ecommerce makes up 35.3% of total retail sales in China.
  • As of 2021, 782.3 million people in China will be digital buyers.
  • 81.9% of total ecommerce sales in China are made via mobile devices.
  • Alibaba dominates the ecommerce market in China with 58.2% of the market share.
  • 71% of Chinese consumers believe they will increase their online shopping in the future.
  • Cross-border ecommerce sales in China reached $144 billion in 2020.
  • It is projected that retail e-commerce sales will grow to $3 trillion by 2024.
  • The online B2B market is expected to reach RMB 20.5 trillion in 2020.
  • It is expected that 64% of China's urban internet users will make a cross-border ecommerce purchase in 2020.
  • About half of China's online shoppers use social media to research products.
  • As of 2021, there are 989 million internet users in China.
  • 40.8% of online buyers in China are between the ages of 25 and 34.
  • It is predicted that, by 2021, more than half of China's population will be digital buyers.
  • More than two-thirds (68.2%) of Chinese consumers use their mobile phones to pay at checkout when shopping online.
  • Grocery sector is the fastest growing ecommerce segment with a growth rate of 31.3% in 2019.
  • More than 50% of ecommerce sales in China are made on marketplaces.
  • 70% of active JD.com customers are from third- and fourth-tier Chinese cities, showcasing ecommerce growth in less developed parts of the country.
  • Tmall led the number of average monthly active users in China's B2C ecommerce market, with a market share of 62.3% in Q2 2021.
  • 63% of China's ecommerce marketplaces offer same or next-day delivery.

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The Latest China Ecommerce Industry Statistics Explained

China Ecommerce sales reached $2.09 trillion in 2019.

The statistic that China’s ecommerce sales reached $2.09 trillion in 2019 highlights the immense growth and significance of the online retail market in the country. This figure signifies the robustness of China’s digital economy and underscores its position as a global leader in ecommerce. The rapid adoption of online shopping by Chinese consumers, driven by factors such as increasing internet penetration, mobile usage, and a growing middle class, has propelled the exponential growth of ecommerce sales in recent years. This statistic also points to the dynamism and innovation within China’s ecommerce industry, with companies like Alibaba and JD.com playing a pivotal role in driving this growth.

Ecommerce makes up 35.3% of total retail sales in China.

The statistic that ecommerce makes up 35.3% of total retail sales in China indicates the significant influence and growth of online shopping within the retail industry in the country. This figure highlights the shift towards digital transactions and consumer preferences for online purchasing over traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The data suggests that Chinese consumers are increasingly turning to ecommerce platforms to make purchases, showcasing the rise of technology and changing consumer behaviors in the retail sector. This statistic underscores the importance for businesses to have a strong online presence and effective ecommerce strategies to cater to the evolving shopping habits of Chinese consumers.

As of 2021, 782.3 million people in China will be digital buyers.

The statistic ‘As of 2021, 782.3 million people in China will be digital buyers’ indicates the estimated number of individuals in China who are expected to engage in online purchasing activities during the year 2021. This statistic highlights the significant influence and penetration of e-commerce in China, where a large portion of the population has embraced digital platforms for shopping and conducting transactions. The high number of digital buyers underscores the importance of online retail in the Chinese market and the continued growth of e-commerce as a primary channel for consumer goods and services.

81.9% of total ecommerce sales in China are made via mobile devices.

The statistic “81.9% of total ecommerce sales in China are made via mobile devices” indicates the significant impact of mobile devices on the ecommerce market within the country. This high percentage suggests that the majority of consumers in China prefer to make online purchases using their smartphones or other mobile devices, highlighting the prevalence and convenience of mobile shopping in the region. The statistic signifies a shift towards mobile commerce as the preferred method of shopping in China, emphasizing the importance for businesses to optimize their online platforms for mobile compatibility to cater to the preferences of consumers in the market.

Alibaba dominates the ecommerce market in China with 58.2% of the market share.

The statistic indicating that Alibaba dominates the ecommerce market in China with 58.2% of the market share signifies the significant position Alibaba holds in the Chinese online retail industry. This high market share suggests that Alibaba is the leading player in the ecommerce sector, far surpassing its competitors in terms of popularity and sales volume. Such dominance implies that Alibaba has a strong foothold in the market, potentially giving it a competitive advantage in terms of brand recognition, customer base, and economies of scale. This statistic underscores Alibaba’s formidable presence and influence in shaping the dynamics of the ecommerce landscape in China.

71% of Chinese consumers believe they will increase their online shopping in the future.

The statistic of 71% of Chinese consumers believing they will increase their online shopping in the future indicates a strong positive sentiment towards e-commerce among the Chinese population. This high percentage suggests that there is a widespread anticipation and intention among consumers in China to rely more on online shopping platforms in the coming years. Factors such as convenience, accessibility, variety of products, and potentially competitive pricing may be driving this trend. Businesses looking to target Chinese consumers should take note of this statistic and consider investing in their online presence and marketing strategies to cater to the growing online shopping demand in the Chinese market.

Cross-border ecommerce sales in China reached $144 billion in 2020.

The statistic that cross-border ecommerce sales in China reached $144 billion in 2020 indicates the total value of online transactions conducted by Chinese consumers purchasing goods from international sellers through cross-border platforms. This significant figure underscores the growing popularity and importance of cross-border ecommerce in China, driven by factors such as increased internet penetration, expanding middle-class consumer base, and consumers’ desire for a wider range of quality products not readily available domestically. The steady growth in cross-border ecommerce sales also reflects the shift towards globalized consumer preferences and the continued digital transformation of the retail industry in China.

It is projected that retail e-commerce sales will grow to $3 trillion by 2024.

The statistic indicates a projected growth in retail e-commerce sales, with expectations that the total sales across online retail platforms will reach $3 trillion by the year 2024. This highlights a significant expansion of the e-commerce market, reflecting the increasing consumer preference for online shopping and the growing digitalization of retail transactions. The projection suggests a strong trend towards a more prominent role for e-commerce in the overall retail industry, emphasizing the importance of digital strategies and technology adoption for businesses looking to capitalize on this sizable market opportunity.

The online B2B market is expected to reach RMB 20.5 trillion in 2020.

The statistic indicates that the online business-to-business (B2B) market is projected to grow significantly and reach a value of RMB 20.5 trillion in the year 2020. This suggests a substantial increase in the volume of transactions and economic activity occurring within the online B2B sector in China. Such growth may be driven by factors such as the increasing digitization of business operations, advancements in technology, and the expanding use of e-commerce platforms for conducting B2B transactions. This statistic highlights the growing importance and scale of online B2B commerce in the overall business landscape, underscoring the shift towards digitalization and online connectivity in the global economy.

It is expected that 64% of China’s urban internet users will make a cross-border ecommerce purchase in 2020.

This statistic indicates that a significant proportion, specifically 64%, of China’s urban internet users are forecasted to engage in cross-border ecommerce transactions in the year 2020. This suggests a growing trend of consumers in urban areas of China actively participating in international online shopping activities. The high percentage highlighted in the statistic reflects a strong interest and willingness among urban internet users in China to explore and purchase goods from overseas ecommerce platforms. Such behavior aligns with the globalization of markets and the increasing accessibility of cross-border ecommerce options for consumers, showcasing the potential for continued growth in international online retail transactions within the Chinese urban demographic.

About half of China’s online shoppers use social media to research products.

The statistic “About half of China’s online shoppers use social media to research products” indicates that a significant proportion of online shoppers in China rely on social media platforms for product research before making a purchase. This suggests that social media plays a crucial role in influencing the purchasing decisions of Chinese consumers, highlighting the importance of online presence and engagement for businesses targeting this market. By leveraging social media platforms effectively, companies can potentially reach a larger audience and influence consumer behavior in China, ultimately impacting their sales and market competitiveness in the rapidly growing e-commerce landscape of the country.

As of 2021, there are 989 million internet users in China.

The statistic ‘As of 2021, there are 989 million internet users in China’ indicates the total number of individuals in China who have access to the internet. This statistic is significant as it highlights the widespread adoption of the internet in China, emphasizing the country’s digital connectivity and its role in the global online community. With nearly a billion internet users, China boasts one of the largest online populations in the world, reflecting the country’s technological advancement and digital infrastructure. This statistic also underscores the vast opportunities for digital innovation, communication, and commerce within the Chinese market, making it a key player in the global digital economy.

40.8% of online buyers in China are between the ages of 25 and 34.

The statistic ‘40.8% of online buyers in China are between the ages of 25 and 34’ indicates the proportion of individuals within the specified age range who make purchases online in China. This statistic suggests that a significant portion of the online buying population in China falls within the 25-34 age group, highlighting the importance of catering to the preferences and behaviors of this demographic segment when devising marketing strategies and product offerings. Understanding the characteristics and preferences of this age group can help businesses tailor their online platforms, product offerings, and promotional activities to effectively target and engage this key consumer segment in the Chinese market.

It is predicted that, by 2021, more than half of China’s population will be digital buyers.

The statistic stating that by 2021, more than half of China’s population will be digital buyers highlights the significant shift towards online shopping within the country. This prediction reflects the rapid growth and adoption of e-commerce platforms and digital payment methods in China, driven by factors such as increasing internet penetration, rising disposable incomes, and a growing middle class. As the Chinese consumer behavior continues to evolve towards online shopping due to convenience, variety, and competitive pricing offered by digital platforms, businesses need to adapt their strategies to cater to this changing market landscape to remain competitive and capture the vast opportunities presented by the digital buyer market in China.

More than two-thirds (68.2%) of Chinese consumers use their mobile phones to pay at checkout when shopping online.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority of Chinese consumers, specifically 68.2%, prefer using their mobile phones as a payment method when making online purchases. This highlights the widespread adoption and reliance on mobile payment technology in China, showcasing a high level of convenience and acceptance among consumers for this payment method. The prevalence of mobile payment usage in online shopping reflects the integration of technology into daily transactions for Chinese consumers, demonstrating a shift towards a more digital and mobile-centric shopping experience in the country.

Grocery sector is the fastest growing ecommerce segment with a growth rate of 31.3% in 2019.

The statistic suggests that the grocery sector experienced rapid growth in its online sales compared to other ecommerce segments in 2019, with a notable growth rate of 31.3%. This indicates a significant shift towards online grocery shopping among consumers, potentially driven by factors such as convenience, wider product selection, and improved delivery services. The fast-paced growth in the grocery ecommerce segment also presents new opportunities and challenges for businesses operating in this space, as they strive to meet the evolving demands and preferences of online shoppers while ensuring efficient supply chain and logistics management to sustain this growth momentum.

More than 50% of ecommerce sales in China are made on marketplaces.

The statistic indicating that more than 50% of ecommerce sales in China are made on marketplaces highlights the dominance and popularity of online platforms where multiple sellers offer their products to consumers. This means that a significant portion of online transactions in China are facilitated through these marketplaces, such as Alibaba’s Tmall and Taobao, rather than through individual brand websites or other channels. This trend is reflective of the unique ecommerce landscape in China, where marketplaces play a crucial role in connecting consumers with a wide variety of products and sellers, offering convenience, choice, and competitive pricing. The statistic underscores the importance for businesses to engage with and leverage these marketplaces to reach a large and diverse consumer base in the Chinese market.

70% of active JD.com customers are from third- and fourth-tier Chinese cities, showcasing ecommerce growth in less developed parts of the country.

The statistic that 70% of active JD.com customers are from third- and fourth-tier Chinese cities indicates a significant trend towards ecommerce adoption in less developed areas of China. This showcases that consumers in these regions are increasingly turning to online platforms like JD.com for their shopping needs, demonstrating the expanding reach and impact of ecommerce beyond major urban centers. The data suggests that there is a growing market potential in these third- and fourth-tier cities, with a majority of the active customer base residing in these areas. This trend not only highlights the overall growth of ecommerce in China but also the importance of catering to the needs and preferences of consumers in less developed regions to capitalize on this emerging market segment.

Tmall led the number of average monthly active users in China’s B2C ecommerce market, with a market share of 62.3% in Q2 2021.

This statistic indicates that Tmall was the dominant player in China’s Business-to-Consumer (B2C) ecommerce market in the second quarter of 2021, both in terms of the number of average monthly active users and market share. With a market share of 62.3%, Tmall captured over half of the online retail market in China during this period, highlighting its strong position within the industry. The high number of average monthly active users also suggests that Tmall’s platform is popular and widely used among consumers for purchasing goods online, further solidifying its leading position in the competitive ecommerce landscape in China.

63% of China’s ecommerce marketplaces offer same or next-day delivery.

The statistic indicates that the majority (63%) of ecommerce marketplaces in China provide customers with the option of receiving their orders either on the same day or the next day after making a purchase. This fast delivery service is a significant offering in the competitive ecommerce market, as it caters to the growing consumer demand for quick and convenient deliveries. The availability of same or next-day delivery options suggests that these ecommerce platforms prioritize efficiency and customer satisfaction, which can potentially attract more shoppers and increase sales. Overall, this statistic highlights the emphasis on providing speedy delivery services in China’s ecommerce industry to meet the evolving expectations of online shoppers.

Conclusion

Overall, the statistics paint a clear picture of the robust and rapidly growing ecommerce industry in China. With consistently increasing online retail sales, a large and tech-savvy consumer base, and a thriving cross-border ecommerce sector, the future looks bright for the Chinese ecommerce market. Businesses looking to tap into this lucrative market should take note of these trends and adapt their strategies to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the evolving landscape of ecommerce in China.

References

0. – https://www.www.statista.com

1. – https://www.www.forbes.com

2. – https://www.jingdaily.com

3. – https://www.www.digitalcommerce360.com

4. – https://www.webretailer.com

5. – https://www.technode.com

6. – https://www.www.emarketer.com

7. – https://www.www.sixthtone.com

8. – https://www.www.bain.com

9. – https://www.www.techinasia.com

10. – https://www.www.pwc.com

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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