Malaysia's e-commerce sector is rapidly emerging as one of the largest in Southeast Asia, outpacing the growth of traditional, more mature markets in the region. The country's e-commerce market is poised for significant expansion, with an anticipated 20% growth in 2022 alone. This recent surge in e-commerce has been accompanied by a rising consumer preference for online shopping, coupled with the availability of customized payment options. Projections indicate that by 2027, Malaysia's e-commerce market will reach a substantial $16.98 billion, growing at an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.6%. Malaysia is actively working to align its e-commerce infrastructure, encompassing factors such as product availability, payment systems, delivery mechanisms, and regulatory requirements, with more mature online shopping markets.
With an impressive 89% internet penetration rate, Malaysia boasts one of the highest rates of internet usage in Southeast Asia. The growth of e-commerce in the country is primarily driven by a burgeoning population of digitally savvy middle-class individuals who seek value deals and access to international brands.
The annual gross merchandise sales value of Malaysia's e-commerce market has demonstrated a remarkable upward trajectory from 2019 to 2022, with an impressive CAGR of 67.11% during this period, as per CRI analysis. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted shopping behavior as lockdown measures prevented residents from traditional brick-and-mortar shopping, leading to a surge in demand for online shopping. Consequently, Malaysia's e-commerce gross merchandise sales witnessed substantial growth in both 2020 and 2021, with increases of 166.7% and 62.50%, respectively. In 2022, the total value of Malaysia's e-commerce merchandise sales reached an impressive $14 billion, marking a moderate increase with a year-on-year growth rate of 7.69%.
Given the growing number of middle-class households and the expanding e-commerce market, CRI anticipates that Malaysia's express delivery industry will continue to thrive in the coming years. The sector is poised to reach a market size of $3.22 billion in 2032, experiencing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.6% over the period from 2023 to 2032.
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