Future Trends Driving E-Commerce in Manufacturing Industries

Key Findings

B2B e-commerce market stands at USD4 trillion

The global B2B e-commerce market already stands at an estimated USD4 trillion, and is anticipated to grow. Improved sales processes and new sales channels enabled by e-commerce are to drive the B2B e-commerce market’s growth.

Developed countries lead in B2B e-commerce

Developed countries are expected to lead in the B2B e-commerce field by 2025. Well-developed IT and logistics infrastructure, sound online payment systems and advanced manufacturing supply chains will keep developed nations in the lead. Emerging countries, meanwhile, offer the strongest growth potential, although the development of e-commerce is constrained by still developing IT infrastructure, logistics system and restrictions on the internet.

Competition, process optimisation and tech-savvy consumers to drive growth

Increasing competition among suppliers, sales process optimisation and associated costs, and the growing share of tech-savvy consumers will encourage manufacturers to increase their online presence. Manufacturers offering a similar to B2C e-commerce experience have greatest chance of success.

E-commerce offers cost savings for B2B buyers

B2B buyers are expected to gain from lower costs thanks to e-commerce. Price comparability and bidding platforms allow savings of up to 15-20% of costs, while smoother order and delivery processes promise lower inventory warehousing costs and time savings.

High-value added industries are most ready to embrace e-commerce

Manufacturing industries, offering high value-added components (such as hi-tech goods, machinery) are the most ready to increase their B2B e-commerce presence. Clear product identification and relatively simple transportation of goods allow easy cataloguing of offerings online, and provide quick delivery for customers.

B2B e-commerce market stands at USD4 trillion

The global B2B e-commerce market already stands at an estimated USD4 trillion, and is anticipated to grow. Improved sales processes and new sales channels enabled by e-commerce are to drive the B2B e-commerce market’s growth.

Developed countries lead in B2B e-commerce

Developed countries are expected to lead in the B2B e-commerce field by 2025. Well-developed IT and logistics infrastructure, sound online payment systems and advanced manufacturing supply chains will keep developed nations in the lead. Emerging countries, meanwhile, offer the strongest growth potential, although the development of e-commerce is constrained by still developing IT infrastructure, logistics system and restrictions on the internet.

Competition, process optimisation and tech-savvy consumers to drive growth

Increasing competition among suppliers, sales process optimisation and associated costs, and the growing share of tech-savvy consumers will encourage manufacturers to increase their online presence. Manufacturers offering a similar to B2C e-commerce experience have greatest chance of success.

E-commerce offers cost savings for B2B buyers

B2B buyers are expected to gain from lower costs thanks to e-commerce. Price comparability and bidding platforms allow savings of up to 15-20% of costs, while smoother order and delivery processes promise lower inventory warehousing costs and time savings.

High-value added industries are most ready to embrace e-commerce

Manufacturing industries, offering high value-added components (such as hi-tech goods, machinery) are the most ready to increase their B2B e-commerce presence. Clear product identification and relatively simple transportation of goods allow easy cataloguing of offerings online, and provide quick delivery for customers.