E-commerce: global sales rise 24% in 2014

With sales for €1,700 billion, B2C e-commerce grew 24% in 2014. A growth rate that is expected to slow down 'significantly' in 2015 as the market becomes increasingly mature.

The figures were published in the Global B2C E-commerce Report 2015, produced by the E-commerce Foundation with E-commerce Europe and GFK. The survey shows that 2.64% of world GDP in 2014 was spent purchasing goods and services online. This represents a 100% increase of the share recorded in 2010.

The most sizeable sales were recorded by Asia-Pacific with €681 billion ($770 billion), as well as the strongest rate of increase, at +44.3%. There's huge room for growth there, given that only 39% of the population is currently connected. China alone accounts for €475 billion ($538 billion), a smaller amount than Europe but more than North America.

Europe comes second in the continental ranking, with €501 billion ($567 billion) and a 13.9% rise. North America follows with €461 billion ($522 billion) and a 12.2% increase. Though posting an impressive 18.2% rise, Latin America remains an emerging market, currently standing at €33 billion ($37 billion).

E-commerce: global sales rise 24% in 2014

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