Pakistan’s e-commerce sector is rapidly gaining global prominence, now ranked as the 46th largest market worldwide, according to data from the International Trade Administration (ITA) reported by Pakistani state media on Sunday.
The ITA, a U.S. Department of Commerce agency, provides practical insights to assist American businesses in selecting markets and products through its sub-units: Industry and Analysis (I&A), Global Markets (GM), and Enforcement and Compliance (E&C).
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The growth of Pakistan’s e-commerce is driven by a burgeoning middle class, widespread smartphone and internet use, improved infrastructure, and robust government support, as noted by the state-run APP news agency.
In 2023, the sector generated $5.2 billion in revenue, surpassing many developing nations, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.92 percent from 2024 to 2029. Pakistan’s status as a mobile-first nation is evident, with over 80 percent of internet users accessing the web via smartphones. In 2023, 58 percent of e-commerce transactions were made through mobile devices, a trend expected to continue.
As of July 2024, mobile shopping apps in Pakistan have over 16.6 million monthly active users, reflecting rapid growth in mobile e-commerce and increasing acceptance of app-based shopping, according to DataSparkle.
The promising potential of Pakistan’s e-commerce market has attracted both international and local players, including global giants like Alibaba’s AliExpress and Amazon, as well as local platforms such as Daraz, DealCart, and Savyour. Additionally, international platforms like SHEIN and Temu have entered the top 15 shopping apps in Pakistan by mid-2024.
