China Breaks Record in Cross-Border E-Commerce
China’s cross-border e-commerce sector reached a historic milestone in 2024, with annual exports exceeding $278 billion (2 trillion yuan) for the first time.
According to data from the General Administration of Customs (GAC), the sector’s exports rose by approximately 17% year-on-year in 2024, reaching $278.5 billion (2.15 trillion yuan). The total volume of cross-border trade surpassed 2.70 trillion yuan.
United States Tops China’s Cross-Border E-Commerce Export Markets
Based on GAC’s 2024 figures, the countries with the highest share in China’s total cross-border e-commerce exports were:
- United States (36.2%)
- United Kingdom (11.7%)
- Germany (5.7%)
Regarding imports, products from the United States accounted for 15.8%, followed by Japan with 10.5% and Germany with 9.8%. Meanwhile, consumer goods maintained their dominant role in the sector, comprising 97.5% of China’s total cross-border e-commerce exports.
“A Resilient Structure Despite External Pressures”
Speaking at the China Langfang International Economic and Trade Fair, Cai Junwei of the General Administration of Customs stated: “China’s cross-border e-commerce has rapidly developed in recent years. It has played a positive role in expanding international markets, overcoming traditional trade barriers, and simplifying transaction processes. The sector’s strong performance came at a time when China’s economy is continuing its recovery. Despite external pressures, it has demonstrated a resilient structure in goods trade.”