Imagine purchasing products from around the world without leaving your home—this is the power of cross-border e-commerce. By 2025, China's import and export volume through this channel is projected to reach an astonishing 2.75 trillion yuan , marking a 69.7% surge compared to 2020. This growth is far from marginal; it has become a vital engine for foreign trade, especially as China's total import and export value recently surpassed 45 trillion yuan , setting a historic record.
Behind this expansion lies robust logistical support. China's courier services are expected to handle 199 billion parcels in 2025, a 13.7% year-on-year increase , with cross-border e-commerce playing a significant role. Domestically, online retail sales are projected to hit 15.97 trillion yuan , up 8.6% from the previous year, accounting for 26.1% of total retail sales. Among these, food products lead with 14.5% growth , followed by apparel ( 1.9% ) and daily necessities ( 4.1% ).
Notably, rural consumption is emerging as a key driver. In 2025, rural spending growth ( 4.1% ) is expected to outpace urban areas ( 3.6% ), signaling that lower-tier markets are becoming the next frontier for cross-border e-commerce. Total retail sales are forecast to reach 50.12 trillion yuan , growing at 3.7% , with offline retail formats like convenience stores and supermarkets also performing strongly.
In summary, the rapid rise of cross-border e-commerce is not only transforming shopping habits but also reshaping China's economic landscape. The next five years may bring even more surprises as this sector continues to evolve.