No doubt that China lead the e-commerce system globally: more than 40% of online sales transactions are in China… and just ten years ago it was 1%.

These could be the 5 trends for the future of Chinese e-commerce to watch out, reports the consulting firm ValueChina.

1. Cross-border e-commerce
   In 2016, the B2C cross-border e-commerce has estimated USD 78.5B. By 2021, it could reach USD 140B
2. Free Zone for e-commerce operators
   The import/export ecosystem in China is adapting into a new system. In 2015 a test of free zone for cross-border e-commerce was activated for 13 cities, today they are 22
3. Increasing of Influencer Marketing
   Brands are working more often with Influencers and KOL (Key Opinion Leaders) and it looks that most of the case with positive results. Influencers are using overall WeChat, Weibo and new platforms are emerging. Video is the media to consider. A recent Deloitte’s research has estimated to USD 4.4B the value of live streaming by Chinese influencers
4. O2O from online to offline
   E-commerce giants as Alibaba (owner of Lazada too) and JD are investing in offline, opening retail shops. Consumers can buy at the shop, but also live an experience of products and services that eventually can purchase later, online
5. Going to West
   Inbound Chinese market is not saturated yet. There are still many rural areas that only recently have been reached by internet and smartphones. E-commerce operators are aligned with the national government in developing the rural areas of the West of China. JD, for example, has announced the opening of 185 airports for drone-delivery service. Alibaba has invested more than USD 700M to support 80,000 merchants from 18 provinces to sell online their products.