As we move through 2025, arming ourselves with the major trends & stats will be constructive for anyone or business looking to grow. Here’s a breakdown of what’s shaping the world of online shopping.

The Global eCommerce Big Picture

Market Growth: Global eCommerce is projected to hit $4.8 trillion in revenue in 2025, climbing to $10 trillion by 2027 with a 7.83% CAGR (2025–2029). Regions like Asia-Pacific lead the charge, driven by China’s dominance, generating over $935 billion in 2023.

User Base: By 2029, global eCommerce users are expected to reach 3.6 billion, with user penetration increasing from 42.4% in 2025 to 49.1% by 2029.

Average Spend: Globally, online shoppers spend an average of $3.95 per visit, with categories like fitness apparel and home furniture seeing higher averages.

Consumer Behavior

Demographics: Younger audiences lead online shopping. In the U.S., 46.9% of eCommerce users are aged 18–24. Millennials and Gen Z are especially active in mobile and social commerce.

Top Drivers: Free shipping is a decisive factor for 53.2% of shoppers. Other motivators include convenience, product variety, and speedy delivery.

Spending Habits: Women shop more frequently online, averaging 7 purchases annually, while men spend more per transaction at $220 compared to $151.

Social Commerce

Market Growth: Social commerce in the U.S. reached $285 billion in 2023, with projections to hit $150 billion by 2029. Globally, this sector is growing at a 30% CAGR.

Platforms: TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook lead in social commerce. 37.4% of U.S. TikTok users made purchases via the platform in 2023, while Instagram continues to dominate influencer marketing.

Challenges: Brand trust remains critical, as concerns over legitimacy and secure transactions deter some shoppers.

Mobile Commerce (M-commerce)

Dominance: Mobile commerce accounts for 44.2% of all eCommerce sales in the U.S. and is projected to exceed $1.3 trillion in 2024, rising to $1.7 trillion by 2026.

Traffic and Orders: Smartphones generate 78% of retail site traffic and two-thirds of all online orders globally.

Demographic: Mobile shopping is most popular among users aged 18–34, representing 78.7% of the audience.

Trends Gaining Traction

Sustainability: Consumers are gravitating toward eco-friendly practices, including reCommerce (resale of used goods), which is seeing steady growth in categories like fashion and electronics.

Faster Deliveries: By 2029, two-thirds of deliveries are expected to be same- or next-day.

AI Adoption: From workforce management to supply chain visibility, 41% of retailers are leveraging AI to optimize operations and improve customer experiences.

Opportunities for Businesses

Marketplaces: Launching a marketplace can drive new revenue streams, expand product offerings, and enhance localization strategies.

Social Media: Brands with a strong social presence see 32% higher sales. Instagram referrals, for example, average $65 per order, outpacing other platforms.

Automation: Chatbots and AI-driven tools are becoming essential for reducing cart abandonment and improving conversion rates.

Live Commerce: The Future of Shopping Experiences

Live commerce—real-time, interactive shopping experiences hosted on digital platforms—is redefining the way consumers discover and purchase products. Originally popularized in China, this trend is spreading globally.

Revenue Growth: In 2024, global live commerce revenue for beauty, electronics, fashion, and food reached over $340 billion. By 2029, this figure is expected to exceed $580 billion.

Consumer Engagement: Livestream shopping fosters direct interaction between brands and customers, enabling product demonstrations, live Q&A sessions, and exclusive discounts.

Platform Success: TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram lead the charge in live commerce, with brands leveraging their massive audiences for product launches and limited-time offers.

For businesses, live commerce offers a unique way to build trust, engage audiences, and drive sales in real time. Adding live-streaming events to your eCommerce strategy could help you tap into this rapidly growing market.

The Elephant in the Room, Tariffs in 2025: Gradual Changes and Incremental Adjustments

The incoming Trump administration’s approach to tariffs in 2025 is introducing a new layer of complexity for businesses. Reports indicate a potential shift toward gradual tariff increases, aimed at enhancing negotiating leverage while mitigating inflationary risks. Although this is unconfirmed as of mid January, 2025, the strategy reflects a more measured approach compared to earlier rhetoric about universal tariffs of 10–30% on all imports.

Gradual Tariff Increases: What to Expect

Bloomberg reports suggest a 2–5% monthly tariff ramp-up schedule, giving businesses a narrow window to adjust operations before higher rates take effect. While this approach aims to avoid immediate economic shocks, it still introduces uncertainty, especially for industries with long production and supply cycles.

At the same time, the administration has floated the idea of declaring a national economic emergency to implement universal tariffs on allies and adversaries alike. This dual-track strategy underscores the unpredictable nature of 2025’s trade policies.

Challenges for Businesses

Price Pressures: Even gradual tariff increases will raise import costs, likely pushing prices higher for consumers and squeezing business margins.

Uncertainty: Conflicting reports about the administration’s plans make it difficult for companies to plan effectively for the long term.

Economic Impacts: While the staggered approach might ease inflation concerns, it still risks slowing economic growth, particularly for industries reliant on global supply chains.

Recommendations for Businesses

To wade through this uncertainty, companies should:

Map Supply Chains: Identify tariff-exposed products and regions. Assess vulnerabilities to potential monthly tariff increases and plan for diversified sourcing.

Accelerate Procurement: Front-load imports ahead of anticipated tariff hikes to lock in lower costs.

Scenario Planning: Develop tiered strategies for low, moderate, and high tariff environments, considering cost absorption, pricing adjustments, and alternative supply chain options.

Engage in Advocacy: Collaborate with trade associations to monitor policy developments and advocate for clarity and predictability in trade measures.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

The staggered tariff plan offers a unique chance for businesses to refine their resilience. Companies that proactively address these challenges—whether through technology investments, diversified sourcing, or innovative logistics solutions—will be better positioned to compete in the evolving global market. While a gradual tariff approach reflects a more tempered strategy, the ambiguity surrounding the Trump administration’s trade agenda makes it essential for businesses to stay agile. Preparing for a range of outcomes will not only help mitigate risks but may also create opportunities for growth.