Intra-Asia cross-border eCommerce key markets
Asia is swiftly emerging as a global leader in eCommerce, driven by its large, diverse, and digitally connected population. While cross-border trade often focuses on the relationship between Asia and Western markets, intra-Asia eCommerce has seen remarkable growth.
Why focus on intra-Asia cross-border eCommerce?
Intra-Asia trade represents a growing segment of global eCommerce, providing strategic opportunities:
- Geographic proximity: lower shipping costs and faster delivery times compared to cross-border trade with Europe or the US.
- Consumer preferences: similar cultural norms and shared language in regions like Southeast Asia make it easier for businesses to market their products.
- Growing middle class: countries like India, Vietnam, or Indonesia have a fast-growing middle class that is increasingly engaged in eCommerce.
Japan: a technologically advanced hub
- Mobile-first shopping: over 60% of eCommerce transactions are taking place on mobile devices.
- Payment preferences: consumers prefer paying via credit cards, but alternative methods such as Konbini (convenience store payments) and PayPay.
India: the future of global eCommerce
- Mobile penetration: over 70% of eCommerce transactions are made via mobile devices, driven by affordable smartphones.
- Payment methods: India is seeing a shift towards digital payments, with mobile wallets such as Paytm and PhonePe gaining popularity.
Singapore: southeast Asia’s digital gateway
- Advanced infrastructure: Singapore boasts one of the most advanced logistics and payment infrastructures.
- Digital payments: most buyers prefer paying via credit cards, followed by PayPal and Alipay for international transactions.
Thailand: a growing eCommerce stronghold
- Payment preferences: cash on delivery remains the dominant payment method, though bank transfers are popular in urban centres.
- Mobile commerce: Thailand has one of the highest smartphone penetration rates in Southeast Asia, with over 80% of eCommerce transactions occurring on mobile devices.
Vietnam: a booming eCommerce market
- Mobile dominance: mobile phones drive most online sales in Vietnam, with mobile commerce representing more than 75% of all online transactions.
- Payment preferences: cash on delivery is still the most common payment method, but mobile wallets like Momo and ZaloPay are growing rapidly in urban areas.
China: the world’s largest eCommerce market
- Mobile payments: more than 90% of digital transactions are made through Alipay and WeChat Pay, which clearly lead the market.
- Social commerce: platforms like WeChat integrate shopping, messaging, and payments seamlessly.
- Digital yuan: transaction volumes for the e-CNY have topped $7.3 trillion, underscoring China’s drive to establish a state-backed digital currency.
Hong Kong: mobile-first and cross-border
- Mobile shopping: 62% of online purchases are made via mobile devices.
- Payment preferences: digital wallets and credit cards are most common, with AlipayHK and WeChat Pay HK widely used.
- Cross-border commerce: 90% of businesses anticipate growth in trade with China and ASEAN markets.
Taiwan: mobile-driven and credit card-centric
- Market growth: the eCommerce sector is projected to grow by 7.9% in 2025, reaching $64.3 billion.
- Payment methods: credit cards dominate, driven by cashback and instalment incentives.
- Emerging options: LINE Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal are gaining popularity.
South Korea: a mature digital payments ecosystem
- Mobile-first: 75% of online purchases are made via smartphones.
- Payment platforms: Naver Pay, Kakao Pay, Toss, and Samsung Pay are widely adopted.
- Real-time payments: the national RTP system continues to expand.
Malaysia: different payment options
- E-wallet usage: over 70% of consumers use platforms like GrabPay, Boost, and Touch ‘n Go.
- QR payments: DuitNow QR has become the national standard for digital transactions.
- BNPL growth: buy-now-pay-later services are expanding in sectors like travel, healthcare, and electronics.
Indonesia: Southeast Asia’s digital hub
- Mobile wallets: GoPay, OVO, Dana, and ShopeePay are widely used, especially in urban areas.
- QRIS adoption: the national QR code system is now accepted by over 30 million merchants.
- BNPL expansion: projected to reach $8.59 billion in 2025, with strong uptake among Gen Z and Millennials.
How Noatum Logistics eCommerce Solutions can help you
At Noatum Logistics eCommerce Solutions, we understand the challenges and the opportunities that arise in today’s dynamic markets. We offer comprehensive support to help your business grow across Asia’s rapidly expanding eCommerce landscape.
Our logistics and supply chain expertise enables us to manage complex operations, including customs and duties, ensuring fast and efficient delivery to consumers throughout the region. In addition, our team provides detailed market research and localisation services, allowing you to tailor your products and messaging to suit the distinct preferences of each country.
We also integrate regional payment systems to facilitate smooth transactions in local currencies and ensure full compliance with local laws and regulations, helping you manage risk and operate confidently across diverse markets.
Partner with us to explore new growth opportunities across Asia!
Sources
https://www.imarcgroup.com/central-asia-e-commerce-market
https://www.trade.gov/southeast-asia-region-forecast
https://2c2p.com/news-and-media-article/2c2p-idc-payments-report-2025
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2984661/key-e-commerce-drivers-in-southeast-asia
https://paymentscmi.com/insights/indonesia-ecommerce-payments-trends-2025/
https://paymentscmi.com/insights/south-korea-2025-payments-ecommerce-trends/
https://retailasia.com/e-commerce/news/taiwan-e-commerce-market-grow-79-in-2025
