E-commerce Growth Statistics for 2025: Insights and Predictions

Navigating the Evolving E-commerce Marketplace in 2025: Key Trends and Insights for Success

E-commerce remains at the forefront of innovation and growth within the retail and shopping sector. The industry is experiencing rapid advancements in technology, shifts in consumer behavior, and a continuous move toward online shopping. With these changes, the global e-commerce market is poised to reach unprecedented heights in 2024. Let’s explore the trends and statistics that are shaping the e-commerce marketplace and analyze insights that will help your business thrive in this dynamic market.

The global e-commerce market is expected to surpass $6.3 trillion in 2024

Global E-commerce Market Growth Trends

The global e-commerce market is witnessing significant expansion, driven by increasing internet penetration, consumer demand for convenience, and technological advancements.

Key Statistics

• Global market size: The global e-commerce market is projected to surpass $6.3 trillion in 2024, reflecting sustained growth, and is expected to reach $7.9 trillion in 
• Global B2B e-commerce: Sales have been consistently increasing year-over-year for the past decade, with the market expected to reach a value of USD $36 trillion by 2026. The bulk of this B2B sales value is driven by sectors such as advanced manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and professional business services.

[Graph – B2B growth 2017-2026]

• Regional dominance:

• • China: has a projected market volume of $1.469 billion in 2024
  • United States: anticipated to exceed $1,223 billion in retail e-commerce sales.

Insights

The growth of e-commerce is not uniform across all regions, with China and the United States leading the charge. Companies operating in these markets should focus on localized strategies that cater to the specific needs and preferences of their consumers.

The global e-commerce market will continue to grow, with the largest markets setting trends that will ripple across the industry. Businesses should stay informed about regional developments to remain competitive.

Mobile Commerce (M-commerce) on the Rise

Mobile commerce continues to play a pivotal role in e-commerce, with a growing number of consumers turning to their smartphones for shopping.

Mobile commerce is on the rise, with 44.6% of all U.S.

Key Statistics

• Smartphone purchases: 29.9% of global online shoppers make weekly purchases using their smartphones, with the highest use countries including South Korea, Mexico, China, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan:

• Mobile commerce share: Expected to account for 44.6% of all US retail e-commerce sales in 2024.
• Smartphone shopping: 79% of smartphone users made a purchase online in the last six months.
• Cart Abandonment Rate: Mobile shopping carts face an 80.2% abandonment rate.
• Gen Z shoppers: Are more likely to shop using their smartphones. 

Insights

The high abandonment rate in mobile shopping carts highlights the need for businesses to optimize their mobile platforms. Improvements in user experience, payment processes, and mobile-specific promotions could help reduce cart abandonment and increase conversion rates.

As mobile commerce grows, businesses must prioritize mobile optimization to capture and retain customers in this increasingly important segment.

Consumer Behavior and Preferences

Understanding consumer behavior is crucial for businesses looking to succeed in the e-commerce space. Personalization and convenience are key drivers influencing purchasing decisions.

Key Statistics

• Personalized recommendations: 49% of consumers made unplanned purchases due to personalized product recommendations.
• Global reach: 52% of online shoppers report shopping internationally.
• Rejection of additional costs: 47% of shoppers abandon their carts due to additional costs such as shipping fees and taxes, with the overall rate of cart abandonment staying consistently at 70% across nearly 50 studies. 

Insights

Consumers are increasingly expecting personalized shopping experiences and convenience. Businesses that can deliver on these expectations are more likely to see increased customer loyalty and higher sales.

Personalization and convenience will continue to be critical factors in consumer decision-making. Companies that leverage data to enhance these aspects will be better positioned to succeed in 2024.

Consumer Spending by Product 

Understanding the types of products consumers are purchasing online can help businesses tailor their offerings and marketing strategies to meet consumer demand. In 2024, specific categories will dominate the e-commerce landscape, reflecting shifts in consumer preferences and purchasing behavior.

Key Statistics

• Apparel and Accessories: Fashion e-commerce continues to rise steadily, experiencing a 2% – 4% rise in growth with variations by region and country.
• Electronics: The demand for electronics, including smartphones, laptops, and smart home devices, continues to grow. This category is expected to see a growth rate of 8.92% from 2023 to 2029.
• Health and Beauty: The health and beauty sector, including skincare, cosmetics, and wellness products, has seen significant growth. Online sales in this category are projected to grow 3.3% from 2024 to 2028.
• Home Goods and Furniture: As more consumers embrace remote work and home improvement, online sales of home goods and furniture are expected to grow by 5.36% annually by 2030.
• Food and Groceries: The online grocery market, which saw a surge during the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to expand. By 2030, online grocery sales are expected to continue this progress, with the United Kingdom, France, and Netherlands in the lead, with forecasts of 15-23%. 12-19%, and 13-20%, respectively.
• Subscription Services: Subscription-based products, including meal kits, streaming services, and curated boxes, are becoming increasingly popular at a rapid global growth rate of 62.21% ($72.91 billion in 2021 to $320.04 billion in 2027).

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The most popular shopping categories in 2024 have been electronics, fashion, food, beverages, DIY and hardware products, furniture, media, beauty and personal care, tobacco, and toys and hobbies. Consumers spent 5.7 trillion dollars online — it’s no wonder that businesses want to research and understand these top categories. 

Source: Statista 

Insights

The types of products consumers purchase online are diverse, but several categories stand out due to their consistent growth and popularity. Fashion, electronics, and health and beauty products are particularly strong performers, driven by convenience, personalization, and the ability to browse and compare options easily online.

Businesses that operate in these high-demand categories should focus on optimizing their e-commerce platforms to provide a seamless shopping experience. Additionally, exploring opportunities in emerging categories like online groceries and subscription services can open new revenue streams and attract a broader customer base.

The Growing Importance of Social Commerce

Social commerce is becoming an integral part of the e-commerce marketplace, with social media platforms playing a significant role in the shopping experience.

Social media is becoming a significant sales channel, with social commerce sales expected to reach $8.5 trillion by 2030

Key Statistics

• Social Commerce sales: Expected to reach $8.5 trillion by 2030.
• Influencer marketing: A driving force behind the growth of social commerce, with 40% of shoppers making a decision based on social media influence.

• Facebook: Remains the most popular social media platform for social commerce purchases.

Source: Forbes

Insights

Social media platforms are powerful sales channels. Businesses should invest in social commerce strategies, including influencer partnerships and shoppable posts, to tap into this growing market.

The rise of social commerce presents new opportunities for businesses to reach and engage with consumers where they spend much of their time — on social media. An effective social commerce strategy can drive significant sales growth.

Sustainability and Ethical Consumerism

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, sustainability is becoming a crucial factor in purchasing decisions.

Key Statistics

• Eco-friendly products: There is a growing demand for sustainable and ethically sourced products. The ethical fashion market, for example (defined as fair trade, sustainable, and without abuse within the supply chain), is expected to increase by over 3 billion dollars in the US from 2021 to 2025.
• Consumer preference: Increasing numbers of consumers are seeking out companies that prioritize sustainability. According to a recent McKinsey report, more than 60% of respondents said they’d pay a higher price for a product with sustainable packaging.
• According to studies, businesses can alienate their customers by using poor environmental practices, specifically related to specific factors.

Factors most likely to alienate a customer from a brand:

Source: The Round-up

Insights

Businesses that adopt sustainable practices can appeal to the growing segment of eco-conscious consumers. This trend is becoming a fundamental expectation among consumers.

Sustainability is no longer just an option for businesses — it’s a competitive advantage. Companies that align with ethical consumerism will build stronger relationships with customers and enhance their brand reputation.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in E-commerce

AI is transforming e-commerce by enhancing personalization, optimizing operations, and driving growth. It has definite potential to shape the future, but some consumers are wary. 

Key Statistics

• Concerns regarding misinformation: According to Forbes, over 75% of consumers are concerned about misinformation from AI. 
• AI in E-commerce: AI-powered tools are increasingly integral to the e-commerce experience, and a majority of businesses (64%) expect these tools to increase productivity, and 97% of businesses expect specific tools to help their business. 

Insights

AI offers numerous opportunities for businesses to enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency. Companies that embrace AI will be better equipped to meet customer demand and streamline their operations — positioning them to succeed in a competitive marketplace.

The Impact of “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) Programs

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) programs are gaining popularity, offering consumers flexible payment options and driving e-commerce growth. Leading BNPL providers include Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm.

Key Statistics

• BNPL Programs: Expected to record an annual growth rate of 19% globally between 2023 and 2028.
• Footwear and clothing dominate the purchase categories at 63.5%. 
• The BNPL market size is projected to grow to 124.82 billion by 2027 in the United States, as shown below.

United States BNPL Market Size, 2023-2027

Source: eMarketer

Insights

BNPL programs provide consumers with flexibility, making them an attractive option for online shoppers. These programs tend to attract younger consumers with less disposable income, who appreciate the ability to spread out payments over a longer timeframe. Businesses that offer BNPL options can increase their conversion rates and attract more customers. 

The rise of BNPL programs reflects changing consumer preferences, particularly in the fashion (clothing and footwear) category. Offering these flexible payment options can help businesses boost sales and improve customer satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

The e-commerce industry is set for major changes, driven by key factors like AI, social commerce, and sustainability. 

AI and machine learning are enabling highly personalized shopping experiences, refining product recommendations, and enhancing customer service through predictive analytics and chatbots. Social commerce is rising as platforms like Instagram and TikTok blur the lines between social networking and online shopping, offering new ways to reach consumers. Meanwhile, the growing emphasis on sustainability reflects shifting consumer values, with more buyers seeking eco-friendly products from ethical brands. 

Businesses that embrace these trends and adapt their strategies will be well-positioned for success in the evolving e-commerce landscape. Staying ahead of these changes will be crucial for thriving in 2024 and beyond.

FAQs

Q: How will AI and machine learning impact e-commerce?
A: AI and machine learning will enhance personalized shopping by analyzing consumer data for better product recommendations, inventory management, and AI-driven customer service, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Q: What role will social commerce play in e-commerce?
A: Social commerce will grow as platforms like Instagram and TikTok enable in-app shopping. Businesses using influencer marketing and shoppable posts can capitalize on this trend, reaching consumers where they spend their time.

Q: Why is sustainability critical in e-commerce?
A: Consumers are increasingly choosing brands with ethical and eco-friendly practices. Adopting sustainable practices helps businesses meet demand, stand out in the market, and build customer loyalty.

Q: How can businesses prepare for e-commerce in 2024?
A: To remain competitive in the 2024 e-commerce landscape, businesses should focus on AI-driven personalization, embrace social commerce, prioritize sustainability, and stay informed on trends.