China's e-commerce sector posts steady growth in first 7 months

BEIJING, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- China's e-commerce sector saw steady growth in the first seven months of 2025, with online sales of a variety of products showing significant growth, the Ministry of Commerce said Friday.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the country's online retail sales climbed 9.2 percent year on year in the first seven months of this year.

Digital gadgets and trade-in programs emerged as new consumption drivers of online spending, with personal computer sales rising 29.9 percent and smart wearables increasing 28.4 percent year on year, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, online service consumption saw rapid expansion during the period, with online sales in travel, catering and cultural entertainment rising by 24.8 percent, 16.6 percent and 11 percent, respectively.

The ministry said that strong ties between industries and e-commerce platforms have helped expand sales channels for a variety of products. Transaction volumes for agricultural products, electronics and textiles increased by 14.5 percent, 7.9 percent, and 6.5 percent year over year, respectively.

The Silk Road e-commerce cooperation promoted cross-border sales and mutual benefits through thematic events, partnership initiatives and industry matchmaking, the ministry added.

Data show that online sales of Egyptian essential oils and Uzbek confectionery increased 179.2 percent and 104.7 percent, respectively, over the seven-month period, according to the ministry. ■