Why 2025 is the year to grow cross-border sales – 7 key stats

2024 has been a landmark year for ecommerce, with cross-border sales driving innovation and growth. As global markets become more interconnected, businesses expanding internationally are unlocking new revenue opportunities in booming markets and preparing for long-term success.

But if you’re still on the fence about tapping into the global market, these seven statistics from 2024 make a compelling case for why 2025 should be the year you expand internationally. From skyrocketing market growth to millions of untapped customers waiting across borders, the numbers don’t lie—cross-border ecommerce is where the future lies. Let’s dive into the data that proves it.

1. Cross-border ecommerce is outpacing global markets

💡 Stat: Cross-border ecommerce is growing at an average annual rate of 26.4%—219% faster than the global ecommerce market—and is projected to reach $5.06 trillion by 2028.

Why it matters: The fastest growth in ecommerce isn’t happening domestically—it’s happening across borders. Expanding internationally allows your business to leverage this explosive growth.

2. Global ecommerce is a $7 trillion opportunity

💡 Stat: Worldwide retail ecommerce sales are expected to exceed $7 trillion by 2025, accounting for 23.6% of all retail sales.

Why it matters: Ecommerce is a huge and growing part of retail, and the global market is where much of that growth is happening. Expanding internationally ensures you can capture your share of this massive opportunity.

3. A third of the world shops online

💡 Stat: There are 2.71 billion online shoppers globally, representing one-third of the global population.

Why it matters: Expanding into emerging regions now provides an early-mover advantage in fast-growing markets with less competition.

4. Emerging markets are growing faster than ever

💡 Stat: Ecommerce in emerging regions like Latin America and Africa is growing at 25% annually, driven by smartphone adoption and better internet access.

Why it matters: These regions represent the new frontier for ecommerce, with untapped customer bases and less competition. Expanding now gives you an early-mover advantage in high-growth markets.

5. A third of global ecommerce sales are already cross-border

💡 Stat: Cross-border ecommerce accounts for up to 31.2% of all global online sales.

Why it matters: Cross-border ecommerce is no longer a niche—it’s a massive and growing segment of ecommerce. If you’re not selling internationally, you’re missing out on a significant share of the market.

6. Free trade agreements simplify selling

💡 Stat: The United States has free trade agreements with 20 countries, simplifying ecommerce trade with these nations.

Why it matters: Free trade agreements make international expansion easier by lowering tariffs and simplifying customs processes, helping you save costs and boost profits.

7. China dominates the ecommerce landscape

💡 Stat: China accounts for 52.1% of the world’s ecommerce sales and is home to 280 million cross-border ecommerce buyers.

Why it matters: China’s ecommerce market is the largest in the world. Expanding into this market offers access to an enormous customer base and unparalleled growth potential.

Ready to take your business global?

The numbers don’t lie—cross-border ecommerce is where growth, opportunity, and innovation are happening. By expanding internationally in 2025, you’re not just following a trend—you’re tapping into a $7 trillion global opportunity, reaching billions of online shoppers, and future-proofing your business in high-growth markets.

Zonos simplifies the challenges of selling across borders, so you can focus on what matters: growing your business. From accurate landed cost calculations to managing duties, taxes, and compliance, Zonos makes going international seamless and straightforward.

Free trade agreements make international expansion easier by lowering tariffs and simplifying customs processes, helping you save costs and boost profits.

Make 2025 the year you go global. The opportunity is here—seize it now.

Source: Capital One Shopping Research