Forrester: Online Retail In Southeast Asia Forecast To Reach US$143 billion In 2025
Southeast Asia emerged as the fastest-growing online retail market globally, crossing $50 billion and registering an increase of 53% in 2020. Overall, the region accounts for just 2% of global online retail while contributing 10% of global online buyers, indicating that there is still room for growth in spending per buyer. Forrester forecasts that online’s share of total retail sales in Southeast Asia will double to reach 15% by 2025 to reach $143 billion.
Here are some key findings from this new report:
- Indonesia, the largest market in the region, accounts for about half of the total e-commerce market; it grew by 50% in 2020. While Thailand also grew by 50%, all of the other countries in the region grew by more than 50%. The Philippines grew fastest, at 68%
- In 2020, all categories saw a sharp surge, with grocery registering the fastest growth at 97%. Consumer electronics, which includes smartphones, dominated overall online retail spend in the region; it accounted for 31% of total online retail and grew at an impressive 62%.
- Forrester forecasts that online retail’s share of total retail will double to 4% between 2019 and 2021. Indonesia came in second, with 26% of unexpected new online buyers across the region. Along with an increase in buyers, the region also witnessed an increase in online purchase frequency.
Contact press@forrester.com for a copy of the report or speak to an analyst for additional insights.