The UK remains the third largest cross-border market in the world

According to ESW 's survey , the top three markets for global online cross-border shoppers in 2021 were the United States, China and the United Kingdom. Compared with the results in 2020, the United States replaced China as first, and the United Kingdom remained in third place.

This result, based on a survey of 14,000 consumers in 14 countries and regions by ESW, shows that consumers purchased more products from the United States than from China in 2021, making the United States the most popular country for cross-border online shopping, accounting for 53% of respondents, compared to 39% for China.

On the other hand, approximately 21% of non-UK consumers shopped from UK retail websites in 2021 , a year-on-year increase of 5%, with millennials and Generation Z young consumers becoming the main force.

Although the UK ranked third overall, the results showed that it ranked first among cross-border shoppers in the UAE, China and India, accounting for 30%, 28% and 27% respectively . In addition, the UK is also popular with shoppers from South Africa and Australia.

In this regard, ESW said, "From cutting-edge pioneers and online disruptors to the exquisite craftsmanship of its traditional tailors and luxury brands, the originality and unique energy of British fashion make it attractive to many global consumers, especially Power Shoppers, a key audience for British brands. Research shows that their purchase rate in all shopping categories is 50-60% higher than other consumers, and their shopping rate on brands and specific retail websites is also more than 40% higher than other consumers on average."

In addition, according to research and markets forecasts, in 2021, the UK's B2C e-commerce sales will rank third in the world, second only to China and the United States , with clothing, footwear and accessories being hot-selling categories.

With the opening of offline activities, British consumers are more likely to adopt a shopping model that combines online and offline shopping. About 62% of respondents said that they would research products through mobile devices when shopping in physical stores, such as comparing prices to achieve more favorable results, and about 80% of consumers look for shopping inspiration through e-commerce platforms.

As the world's third largest e-commerce market, the UK is also an important layout for many sellers, and relevant sellers should also pay more attention to local developments.

Cross-border

E-commerce

U.K.