The Growth of Cross-Border Ecommerce and Navigating Global Uncertainty

Buying products from overseas has become second nature to many of today’s online shoppers. And the appetite for cross-border purchasing shows no signs of slowing down.

To give some context, research from ECDB has highlighted that global cross-border eCommerce (buying goods online from another country) generated revenues of $1.1 trillion in 2024.

However, will international trade shocks, policy changes and protectionist legislation slow down progress?

This is the subject of our study: Where’s Open for Business? The Growth of Cross-Border Ecommerce and Navigating Global Uncertainty.

Our third-party research provides UK-based online brands and retailers with an in-depth breakdown of international eCommerce, including the world’s largest markets and emerging opportunities.

We have also begun to frame the solutions to today’s major geopolitical and economic challenges. These include: the Trump Tariffs, introduction of the Windsor Framework and the implementation of the EU Import Control System 2.

Featuring compelling data and expert insights, this is an essential guide to achieving sustainable international growth, while overcoming any hurdles.

Download the Guide to Get the Full Findings

The Growth of Cross-Border Ecommerce

There are many factors that underpin the growth of cross-border eCommerce. Enhanced internet connectivity, sophisticated digital systems and efficient international shipping routes each have their own part to play.

This presents potentially lucrative opportunities, especially for brands exporting from the UK to the continent.

Despite accelerated growth in Asia, Europe remains the world’s biggest region for cross-border eCommerce. An advanced logistics infrastructure and fast international shipping between neighbouring countries has seen the region’s cross-border revenue jump 88% to $504 billion since 2019.

On the flip side, UK shoppers are especially easy-going about buying from overseas. The UK is the world’s largest cross-border destination with import revenues of $118.4 billion.

Elsewhere, Germany ($93.7 billion), France ($56 billion) and Italy ($48.3 billion) are some of the EU’s prominent cross-border markets.

Learn More About the Growth of Cross-Border Ecommerce

Dealing with Cross-Border Challenges

The global trade landscape is constantly changing. However, lately it feels like there’s been a deluge of issues to overcome.

Across the pond, the Trump Tariffs have been the noisiest distraction. While the U.S and UK governments have negotiated a preferential trade deal, tariffs remain and there will be ongoing uncertainty.

However, this is not the only topic making headlines.

The implementation of the Windsor Framework promises to bring clarity but also change to the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Some procedures will be streamlined but the legislation does also impose new compliance requirements.

Meanwhile, the EU Import Control System 2 (ICS2) features stricter pre-arrival data requirements for all shipments entering the bloc. This will increase the administrative burden and necessitate robust digital processes for UK firms trading with Europe.

Together, these moves throw up new hurdles for UK eCommerce brands. Staying ahead of the curve will require agility and strategic thinking to remain competitive on the world stage.

Emerging Cross-Border Markets

Did you know that a third of online shoppers buy from other countries at least once a month? This rises to 44% of Gen-Z and 41% of social media shoppers.

But where should you begin when plotting international expansion?

While there’s still opportunities close to home, it could pay to look further afield.

Asia is set to post 42.7% eCommerce growth by 2028 with countries such as India (20.4% growth rate) and Vietnam (24.6%) leading the way. The former is now the fourth biggest eCommerce market in the world, by revenue. This is from only a 4% share of retail sales being made online, highlighting the massive ceiling for further growth.

Meanwhile, Mexico and Brazil are the flagbearers in the Americas region, with both boasting younger, tech-savvy populations.