Can cross-border e-commerce push China’s exports past $4t?

The digital economy is forecasted to reach $139.5b by the same year.

Cross-border e-commerce is powering China’s next export boom, with total trade expected to exceed $4t by 2026, according to a new Euromonitor International report.

The country’s digital economy alone is forecast to reach $139.5b in cross-border retail e-commerce sales within the same period.

In the technology and manufacturing sectors, China-based electric vehicle brand BYD is seizing the title of the unit sales leader in 2024.

Beyond automotive, Chinese firms have significant market shares across the electronics categories, notably major appliances, smartphones, and mobile games.

Furthermore, Chinese-originated e-commerce and social media platforms such as SHEIN, Temu, and TikTok Shop are driving international consumer traffic.

Notably, TikTok Shop is rapidly converting users into buyers, with over one in four TikTok users having made a purchase through the platform as of early 2025.

“By collaborating with Chinese brands, retailers or influencers provides fresh insights, increases reach and sparks innovation on a global scale,” Euromonitor said.