Hong Kong, a global financial hub, has seen a significant transformation in its retail landscape with the rapid rise of e-commerce. The city’s digital economy is thriving, and e-commerce in Hong Kong has become an integral part of daily life for consumers and businesses alike. The increasingly well-traveled residents of Hong Kong prefer to shop online for their needs. Hong Kong’s ecommerce sites sell everything from car parts to luxury lifestyle brands. Hong Kong serves as a gateway to China, where luxury brands are concerned. Increasing disposable incomes add to Hong Kong residents’ purchasing power, and buying luxury goods online from other countries is the latest trend.
Check out our infographic, “Ecommerce In Hong Kong – Statistics And Trends” for an in-depth look into Hong Kong’s ecommerce market size, shopping trends and other interesting facts.
Infographic by GO Globe Hong Kong web design Company
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Key Statistics of E-Commerce in Hong Kong :
- The e-commerce market in Hong Kong is experiencing robust growth. As of 2024, the market size is estimated to reach HKD 125 billion (approximately USD 16 billion), reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% over the past five years.
- The average annual spending per online shopper in Hong Kong is approximately HKD 13,000 (USD 1,670).
- Four out of five Hong Kong consumers said they use the Internet to research non-consumable products, or transact online.
- Over 93% of Hong Kong's population has internet access, with more than 80% of them shopping online at least once a month.
- Mobile commerce accounts for over 60% of total e-commerce sales, highlighting the importance of mobile-optimized websites and apps.
- More than 80% of internet users in Hong Kong shop online at least once a month.
- Mobile commerce accounts for over 60% of total e-commerce sales.
- Electronics and media account for 30% of online purchases.
- Fashion accounts for 25% of online purchases.
- Toys, hobby, and DIY account for 20% of online purchases.
- Furniture and appliances account for 15% of online purchases.
- Food and personal care account for 10% of online purchases.
- Cross-border e-commerce is growing at a rate of 22% annually.
- 87% of the population owns a smartphone.
- Digital wallets are used for 45% of online transactions
- Cash on delivery is used for 20% of online transactions.
- 70% of online shoppers are influenced by social media when making purchasing decisions.
- 40% of online sales are generated through social media platforms.
- 25% of consumers participate in live-stream shopping events.
- E-commerce platforms with loyalty programs have a 35% higher customer retention rate.
- The average return rate for online purchases is 15%.
- 55% of consumers prefer to buy from brands that demonstrate sustainable practices.
- 60% of e-commerce businesses use AI for personalized recommendations.
- 50% of online retailers use chatbots for customer service.
- 35% of e-commerce businesses offer same-day delivery.
- 30% of online shoppers subscribe to regular delivery services for products.
Around 58% of the respondents read online reviews prior to purchasing a product, and nearly half (49%) spend considerable time researching products online prior to buying.
49% of Hong Kong’s online consumers are prepared to spend more online in the next two years, compared to 24% who prefer shopping at conventional brick-and-mortar stores
89% of smartphone users have researched a product or service on their smartphones and 43% of users have purchased a product or service on smartphone.
Women are keener online shoppers than men (68.4% of women vs.64.4% of men). Women purchase more items online (6.2 items vs. 4.6 items for men). Frequency of shopping is women: 4.2 times vs. men at 3.2 times.
HK Online Shopper Vs. US Shopper
The average order value in Hong Kong is $321, compared to $183 for the rest of the world.
Hong Kong consumers spend 4times more on apparel than their US counterparts
The Most Popular Online Shopping Categories In Hong Kong
| Category | %age |
| Airline Tickets | 75% |
| Hotel reservations | 71% |
| Apparels | 31% |
| Car Insurance | 31% |
| Cinema tickets | 26% |
| Electronics | 13% |
| Grocery | 9% |
| Home appliances | 4% |
Market Size and Growth
The e-commerce market in Hong Kong is experiencing robust growth. As of 2024, the market size is estimated to reach HKD 125 billion (approximately USD 16 billion), reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% over the past five years. This growth is driven by several factors including high internet penetration, a tech-savvy population, and the increasing adoption of mobile commerce.
Trends Shaping E-commerce in Hong Kong
- Mobile-First Approach:
- With mobile commerce dominating the market, businesses are prioritizing mobile-friendly platforms. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and responsive design are key focuses for enhancing user experience.
- Cross-border E-commerce:
- Hong Kong consumers are increasingly shopping on international websites, benefiting from the city’s free trade policies. Cross-border e-commerce is growing at a rate of 22% annually.
- Social Commerce:
- Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WeChat are becoming crucial channels for e-commerce. Businesses are leveraging social media to drive sales through shoppable posts and live-streaming events.
- Sustainability and Ethical Shopping:
- There is a rising trend towards sustainability. Consumers prefer brands that demonstrate ethical practices and environmental responsibility, influencing their purchase decisions.
- Artificial Intelligence and Personalization:
- AI-driven personalization is enhancing the shopping experience. From personalized product recommendations to chatbots providing customer service, AI is a game-changer in e-commerce.
- Payment Solutions:
- Digital wallets and contactless payments are becoming mainstream. Popular options include Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and local solutions like AlipayHK and WeChat Pay HK.
Related : E-commerce in the Spotlight: Latest Trends and Eye-Opening Stats
- Digital wallets and contactless payments are becoming mainstream. Popular options include Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and local solutions like AlipayHK and WeChat Pay HK.
Consumer Spending Patterns in Hong Kong's E-commerce Market (1960 - 2024)
E-commerce in Hong Kong has witnessed an unimaginable rise in consumer spending within a span of the last few years.
According to the South China Morning Post, Hong Kong's e-commerce spending grew 27% in 2020 - showing how versatile this marketing is.
As per the Hong Kong statistics, 50% of consumers would consider online shopping, reflecting a shifting tide in consumer behavior towards digital platforms.
It is expected that this would continue to grow, and by the year 2027, the e-commerce users in Hong Kong will be 6.6 million, gaining a massive 84.1% user penetration.
In the last decades, the market has recorded various growth rates due to changing economic conditions and fluctuating consumer preferences. The graph below gives a closer look at the data for the last few decades of consumer spending in Hong Kong on e-commerce, ranging from the year 1960 to 2024.
| Historical Data -Hong Kong Consumer Spending | |||
| Year | Spending | Per Capita | Growth Rate |
| 2022-2024 | $240.28B | $29,316 | -1.21% |
| 2021 | $239.70B | $29,407 | 5.56% |
| 2020 | $228.85B | $27,606 | -10.60% |
| 2019 | $251.88B | $30,768 | -0.80% |
| 2018 | $247.04B | $31,245 | 5.29% |
| 2017 | $228.97B | $29,914 | 5.50% |
| 2016 | $212.58B | $28,574 | 2.00% |
| 2015 | $205.51B | $28,186 | 4.76% |
| 2014 | $193.80B | $27,135 | 3.34% |
| 2013 | $182.19B | $26,443 | 4.62% |
| 2012 | $169.53B | $25,377 | 4.10% |
| 2011 | $157.30B | $24,648 | 8.39% |
| 2010 | $140.33B | $22,893 | 6.11% |
| 2009 | $130.76B | $21,733 | 0.18% |
| 2008 | $131.82B | $21,741 | 1.90% |
| 2007 | $125.92B | $21,463 | 8.65% |
| 2006 | $111.83B | $19,925 | 6.10% |
| 2005 | $104.36B | $18,902 | 3.54% |
| 2004 | $99.06B | $18,335 | 7.13% |
| 2003 | $92.85B | $17,249 | -1.56% |
| 2002 | $96.53B | $17,487 | -1.05% |
| 2001 | $100.99B | $17,751 | 1.40% |
| 2000 | $100.67B | $17,635 | 4.52% |
| 1999 | $99.86B | $17,022 | 1.05% |
| 1998 | $103.76B | $17,008 | -5.50% |
| 1997 | $108.39B | $18,148 | 5.54% |
| 1996 | $98.29B | $17,339 | 3.73% |
| 1995 | $89.92B | $17,475 | 1.63% |
| 1994 | $81.38B | $17,539 | 6.50% |
| 1993 | $70.44B | $16,844 | 7.85% |
| 1992 | $61.52B | $15,889 | 8.58% |
| 1991 | $52.62B | $14,756 | 9.26% |
| 1990 | $44.20B | $13,619 | 6.26% |
| 1989 | $38.31B | $12,857 | 3.83% |
| 1988 | $33.80B | $12,512 | 9.37% |
| 1987 | $28.98B | $11,537 | 10.65% |
| 1986 | $24.84B | $10,532 | 8.58% |
| 1985 | $21.94B | $9,822 | 4.35% |
| 1984 | $20.37B | $9,514 | 5.85% |
| 1983 | $19.18B | $9,077 | 7.72% |
| 1982 | $19.77B | $8,555 | 5.23% |
| 1981 | $18.56B | $8,257 | 7.60% |
| 1980 | $17.33B | $7,856 | 12.17% |
| 1979 | $13.64B | $7,193 | 9.45% |
| 1978 | $11.82B | $6,941 | 17.08% |
| 1977 | $9.65B | $6,037 | 16.72% |
| 1976 | $7.53B | $5,247 | 7.54% |
| 1975 | $6.58B | $4,941 | 3.71% |
| 1974 | $6.12B | $4,855 | -1.80% |
| 1973 | $5.27B | $5,103 | 13.18% |
| 1972 | $3.62B | $4,638 | 7.59% |
| 1971 | $2.96B | $4,394 | 12.87% |
| 1970 | $2.52B | $3,978 | 10.52% |
| 1969 | $2.20B | $3,688 | 8.62% |
| 1968 | $1.95B | $3,450 | 10.02% |
| 1967 | $1.86B | $3,203 | 1.41% |
| 1966 | $1.75B | $3,239 | 12.17% |
| 1965 | $1.54B | $2,913 | 13.03% |
| 1964 | $1.46B | $2,646 | 8.89% |
| 1963 | $1.32B | $2,490 | 9.79% |
| 1962 | $1.20B | $2,347 | 10.72% |
| 1961 | $1.07B | $2,211 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | $0.93B | $0 | 0.00% |
Source: macrotrends
Challenges
Despite the growth, e-commerce in Hong Kong faces several challenges:
- Logistics and Delivery:
- Efficient delivery remains a challenge, especially for same-day and next-day deliveries. Companies are investing in smart logistics solutions to improve efficiency.
- Data Privacy and Security:
- Ensuring data privacy and security is crucial, with increasing concerns over cyber threats. Businesses must comply with stringent data protection regulations.
- Competition:
- The market is highly competitive with both local and international players. Standing out requires innovative strategies and exceptional customer service.
Conclusion
E-commerce in Hong Kong is set to continue its upward trajectory in 2024, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. Businesses that adapt to the mobile-first trend, leverage AI for personalization, and commit to sustainability will be well-positioned to succeed in this dynamic market.
