The Southeast Asian eCommerce market is rapidly gaining importance as a key growth area for online businesses. This region, comprising countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, has seen a significant increase in internet and smartphone penetration in recent years, leading to a surge in online shopping activity.
eCommerce in Southeast Asia in numbers:
- The eCommerce market in Southeast Asia is expected to reach $102 billion by 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.3% from 2020 to 2025.
- Indonesia is the largest eCommerce market in Southeast Asia, with an estimated market size of $12.9 billion in 2020, and is expected to reach $36.6 billion by 2025, representing a CAGR of 23.2%.
- The eCommerce market in Vietnam is also growing rapidly, with a CAGR of 31.4% from 2015 to 2020, and is expected to reach $15.3 billion by 2025, representing a CAGR of 24.7%.
- In the Philippines, eCommerce is expected to grow at a CAGR of 26.7% from 2020 to 2025, reaching a market size of $9.4 billion.
- Thailand’s eCommerce market is also expanding, with a CAGR of 22.1% from 2015 to 2020, and is expected to reach $12.8 billion by 2025, representing a CAGR of 21.7%.
- Mobile commerce is a key growth area in Southeast Asia, with an estimated 73% of eCommerce sales in the region being made through mobile devices in 2020 and is expected to reach 81% by 2025.
- The most popular categories for online shopping in Southeast Asia are fashion, electronics, and home goods, which are expected to continue driving eCommerce growth in the region.
- Cross-border eCommerce is also gaining traction in Southeast Asia, with an estimated 20% of online shoppers in the region making purchases from international retailers. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, further driving eCommerce growth in the region.
(Source: All data has been provided by Technavio)
Major eCommerce growth ahead
One of the critical factors driving eCommerce growth in Southeast Asia is the rapid increase in internet and smartphone penetration. According to a report by the Southeast Asian Internet Economy, the region’s internet economy is expected to reach $102 billion by 2025, driven by the increasing number of internet users and the proliferation of smartphones. This internet and smartphone penetration increase has made it easier for consumers in the region to access online shopping platforms and purchase products and services.
Another factor contributing to the growth of eCommerce in Southeast Asia is the increasing purchasing power of consumers in the region. As incomes in the region have risen, so too has the ability of consumers to spend on non-essential items. This has led to an increase in the demand for a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, and home goods, leading to a corresponding rise in eCommerce activity.
The increasing availability of payment options, including cash on delivery and digital payment methods such as e-wallets, has also aided the growth of eCommerce in Southeast Asia. These payment options have made it easier for consumers to make purchases online, further driving the growth of eCommerce in the region.
The potential of eCommerce in Southeast Asia
The Southeast Asian eCommerce market presents several opportunities for businesses looking to tap into this growing market. One opportunity is the potential for cross-border eCommerce, as the region has a large and growing middle class with a strong appetite for international brands. This presents an opportunity for businesses to sell their products and services to a new and growing regional customer base.
Another opportunity for businesses is the potential for collaboration with local eCommerce players. Many local eCommerce players in Southeast Asia have established a strong presence in the region and have a deep understanding of the local market. Collaborating with these players can give businesses a solid foundation to enter the market and reach a larger audience.
eCommerce in Southeast Asia: Summary
In conclusion, the Southeast Asian eCommerce market is rapidly gaining importance as a critical growth area for online businesses. The increase in internet and smartphone penetration, the increasing purchasing power of consumers, and the availability of payment options have all contributed to the growth of eCommerce in the region. There are also significant opportunities for businesses looking to tap into this growing market, including the potential for cross-border eCommerce and collaboration with local eCommerce players.
Ready to take your business in Southeast Asia to the next level?
If you would like to learn more about how you can take advantage of this eCommerce trend, contact our eCommerce specialists here. We work with SMEs and enterprises across Southeast Asia and have a proven track record of generating business growth through targeted marketing and operational activities.
