Introduction:

The rise of mobile commerce, or m-commerce, is a global trend that is particularly pronounced in Southeast Asia (SEA). With a high penetration of mobile devices and a rapidly growing middle class, SEA is a hotbed for m-commerce growth. This blog post will delve into the rise of mobile commerce in SEA and the trends shaping this burgeoning market.

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The Growth of Mobile Commerce in SEA

Mobile commerce is experiencing significant growth in SEA. According to a report by Marketing Bear, an estimated 73% of e-commerce sales in the region were made through mobile devices in 2020, and this figure is expected to reach 81% by 2025. This growth is driven by a high penetration of mobile devices, with more than 90% of Southeast Asians using mobile phones, according to a report by DCI.

The growth of m-commerce in SEA is also reflected in the region's overall digital economy. SEA's digital economy is projected to exceed $276 billion in gross merchandise value by 2025, putting it on a level with major markets like the US and China.

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Trends Shaping Mobile Commerce in SEA

Several trends are shaping the growth of mobile commerce in SEA:

1. Social Commerce: The use of social networks for online shopping is a unique trend in SEA. Social commerce platforms are leveraging the region's high social media usage to drive online sales.
2. Omnichannel Experiences: Brands in SEA are providing seamless shopping experiences across multiple channels, including mobile, desktop, and physical stores.
3. Expedited Shipping: With the growth of m-commerce, consumers in SEA are demanding faster delivery times. Brands are responding by investing in logistics and supply chain improvements.
4. Digital Payments: The rise of m-commerce is driving the adoption of digital payments in SEA. Consumers are increasingly using digital wallets and other online payment methods for their mobile purchases.