Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

China's cross-border e-commerce trade has rapidly emerged as a prominent advantage in the country's foreign trade landscape. Despite increasing challenges, such as geopolitical pressures, the integrated strength of China's cross-border e-commerce, digital economy and manufacturing is poised to continue to unleash the significant development potential of the sector.

As Christmas approaches, consumers in overseas markets are receiving holiday-related online shopping packages from China. This increase in purchases from overseas markets, coupled with the benefits provided by domestic cross-border trade policies, has kept China's cross-border e-commerce flourishing as the year draws to an end.

Preliminary estimates from an expert indicate that the total import and export volume of China's cross-border e-commerce is projected to reach 2.65 trillion yuan ($363 billion) for the entire year, according to Chinese media outlet Securities Times.

Cross-border e-commerce has already emerged as a significant bright spot in China's foreign trade landscape, showcasing rapid year-on-year growth in 2024. The outlook for cross-border e-commerce in 2025 appears promising, characterized by rapid development, substantial potential, and strong momentum.

In the first three quarters of 2024, China's cross-border e-commerce imports and exports totaled 1.88 trillion yuan, reflecting an impressive 11.5 percent increase compared with the previous year. This growth surpasses the overall growth of China's foreign trade during the same period by 6.2 percentage points. Exports alone accounted for 1.48 trillion yuan, marking a robust 15.2 percent increase, according to data from the General Administration of Customs (GAC).

The significant growth of China's cross-border trade sector mainly benefits from high cost-performance products, a well-established supply chain and logistics system, innovative business models and booming social media marketing. These positive factors are expected to further synergize with policy support and improving business conditions to bolster the faster growth of the sector.

Admittedly, in the current global trade context, Chinese cross-border trade companies are facing increasingly complex challenges, including geopolitical issues, consumer sentiment, and local competition. To maintain steady growth in the global market, companies need to further enhance service quality, optimize the logistics experience, and establish long-term user trust through brand-oriented operations.

China enjoys significant advantages in the digital economy, with emerging technologies such as next-generation artificial intelligence being widely integrated into various aspects of cross-border e-commerce, including supply chain management, logistics, warehousing, and payment systems. This technological integration will continue to significantly enhance the efficiency of cross-border trade.

The rapid expansion of cross-border e-commerce is also closely linked to the robust foundation of China's manufacturing sector. Data from the GAC shows that key provinces driving China's cross-border e-commerce exports include Guangdong, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangsu, all recognized as traditional manufacturing hubs. More regions in China are uncovering new opportunities within the cross-border e-commerce ecosystem. 

By establishing global supply chains and logistics networks, along with digital platforms, Chinese companies will be able to deliver high-quality, cost-effective products and services to international markets in the future.

China continues to attach great importance to boosting cross-border e-commerce exports and enhancing the development of overseas warehouses. Related departments are implementing guidelines to strengthen infrastructure and logistics systems, promoting the high-quality development of overseas warehouses, and enhancing logistics support for cross-border e-commerce. 

China's customs authorities are also continually refining the customs clearance service system for cross-border e-commerce, streamlining procedures, and enhancing services to better meet the needs of global buyers and sellers. Since December 15, China has implemented several measures aimed at promoting the high-quality development of cross-border e-commerce trade.

In the face of challenges and uncertainties, China's cross-border e-commerce sector is well-positioned for continued growth, driven by a combination of consumer demand, technological advancements, and supportive government policies. As the international trade landscape evolves, businesses that adapt to shifting consumer preferences and leverage innovative strategies are likely to continue thriving in this dynamic market.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn