The percentage of ecommerce orders that are shipped internationally varies depending on the region, type of product, and business strategy, but industry data provides a clear picture of its growing importance.
International shipping is a significant and expanding part of ecommerce. As of 2025, cross-border ecommerce is expected to account for a notable share of all online orders. According to industry insights, up to 50% of global consumers are willing to wait a week for their cross-border orders to arrive, indicating strong demand for international shipping. This willingness to wait highlights that a substantial portion of ecommerce orders are indeed shipped across borders.
While exact percentages can vary, estimates suggest that roughly 20% to 25% of all ecommerce orders worldwide are shipped internationally. This means that for every 100 orders placed online, about 20 to 25 are sent to customers in a different country. This share has been rising steadily in recent years as more businesses expand their reach and consumers become more comfortable shopping from international sellers.
Several factors contribute to this trend:
- Global reach of ecommerce platforms: Major platforms like Amazon, Alibaba, and others make it easy for sellers to reach customers worldwide, increasing the volume of international shipments.
- Higher average order value: International orders often have a higher average value compared to domestic ones, making them attractive for businesses.
- Consumer expectations: Shoppers increasingly expect access to products from around the world, and many are willing to pay extra or wait longer for international deliveries.
- Technology and logistics improvements: Advances in logistics, customs automation, and international payment systems have made cross-border shipping more efficient and reliable.
However, international shipping also comes with challenges, such as higher costs, longer delivery times, customs duties, and complex regulations. Businesses often need to develop specialized strategies to manage these complexities and meet customer expectations.
In summary, about one in every four to five ecommerce orders is shipped internationally, and this share is expected to keep growing as global online shopping becomes even more mainstream.