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- Lack of delivery options is the number one conversion killer: 77% of shoppers in Asia Pacific abandon their carts when preferred delivery options are missing
- A shift in sustainability: almost half of shoppers in Asia Pacific had also abandoned their carts due to sustainability concerns
- Social commerce takes center stage: By 2030, 85% of consumers in Asia Pacific are expected to shop primarily through social media — bypassing traditional retail websites
- AI becomes essential: 81% of shoppers in Asia Pacific want AI-driven shopping tools — from virtual try-ons to voice search — to guide their decisions
SINGAPORE, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DHL eCommerce has released its E-Commerce Trends Report 2025, drawing on insights from 24, 000 online shoppers across 24 key markets worldwide. For the Asia Pacific region, results show that delivery remains a significant barrier to purchase completion, with 77% of Asia Pacific shoppers abandoning their carts when their preferred delivery options are unavailable. Social commerce continues to rise in popularity, with 85% of the region's consumers expected to shop primarily through social media by 2030, bypassing traditional retail sites. Meanwhile, AI-driven shopping tools are in high demand, as 81% of shoppers seek features such as virtual try-ons and voice search to assist their purchasing decisions.
This year's study comprises eight chapters, featuring six shopper types across four generational segments, and highlights how evolving consumer expectations are reshaping the future of online retail. While the report addresses an extensive range of topics from cross-border purchasing to shoppers' views on sale days like Black Friday, four key findings stand out: the transformative impact of AI and social commerce on online shopping, the crucial role of delivery options in converting carts, and sustainability shaping customer loyalty.
"Asia Pacific has always been at the forefront of e-commerce due to its growing population of young, digital natives. The region's online shoppers know what they like, and it's important to recognize those changing behaviors that could make a significant difference to maintaining customer loyalty. As more of us shop online, we want a smooth experience. This is the entire journey from browsing to deciding if the item suits, to knowing that we have delivery options before making a convenient yet secure payment. Large and small business owners can rely on DHL eCommerce's insights and expertise to curate an experience that meets the needs of their customers," said Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce.
Shopping powered by AI: Smarter Journeys, Higher Expectations
Advancements in generative AI are ushering in the next industrial revolution. But how will AI impact online shopping? DHL's latest e-commerce trend report reveals that AI is one of the most highly anticipated and demanded innovations among consumers, with 81% of shoppers in Asia Pacific wanting retailers to offer AI-powered shopping features. Virtual try-ons, AI-powered shopping assistants, and voice-enabled product search top the list of features consumers actively want to use. Shopping via voice commands is already on the rise, where about one in two (47%) of shoppers in the region make hands-free purchases. As digital expectations rise, so does the demand for intuitive, tech-enabled shopping journeys that blend utility with delight.
Social Commerce Becomes the New E-Commerce
The traditional e-commerce website is increasingly being replaced, or bypassed, by social platforms. Consumers are turning to apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook not just for discovery, but for purchase. In Asia Pacific, 85% of shoppers say they have already made a purchase via social media. This is expected to stay with more than eight out of 10 (85%) expect these platforms to become their primary shopping destination by 2030.
The power of influence also plays a critical role: 87% of shoppers in Asia Pacific say viral trends and social buzz influence their buying decisions. TikTok, in particular, is driving change in markets such as Thailand and Malaysia, where 86% and 81% of online shoppers, respectively, report buying through the app. This shift signals a major transformation in the methods brands need to engage with their audiences, and calls for seamless, mobile-native experiences built for in-app conversion.
Delivery and Returns: The Ultimate Conversion Drivers
While new technologies continue to transform the digital shopping experience, the fundamentals of delivery and returns remain the biggest drivers of cart abandonment. Shoppers are not willing to compromise when it comes to convenience, flexibility, and control. 77% of consumers in the region will abandon their purchase if their preferred delivery option is not available. Just as critically, 75% will leave if the return process does not match their expectations. Trust also plays a major role, with 65% of shoppers in Asia Pacific reporting that they will not buy from a retailer if they do not trust the returns provider. These expectations emphasize the importance of transparent, customer-centric logistics strategies — not just as an operational concern, but as a core part of the conversion funnel.
Sustainability and the Circular Economy: From Buzzword to Bottom-Line Impact
Sustainability has evolved from a brand differentiator into a core consumer demand. In Asia Pacific, 79% of shoppers now consider sustainability when making online purchases. A significantly high consensus comes from India, where 92% find sustainability important when making an online purchase. This goes beyond packaging or shipping — one in two (49%) shoppers have abandoned their carts due to sustainability concerns.
Consumers in Asia Pacific are also embracing more circular models of consumption, with 52% opting for pre-owned or refurbished goods, motivated by both environmental values and cost efficiency. Additionally, 72% of shoppers in Asia Pacific express a willingness to participate in recycling or buy-back programs offered by retailers, with 85% of survey respondents from China indicating that they would do so. These behaviors point to a growing expectation that brands will not only reduce their footprint but also actively empower consumers to shop more sustainably.
As we look towards 2030, these insights provide a clear roadmap for retailers aiming to capture the attention of today's diverse shopper demographics. By embracing technology, prioritizing sustainability, and understanding the evolving preferences of consumers, businesses can transform challenges into opportunities. Further insights and information, as well as the full report, are available under the following link: dhl.com/e-commerce-report or dhl.com/reports
About the DHL E-Commerce Trends Report 2025
The E-Commerce Trends Report 2025 surveyed 24,000 consumers from Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. Its findings offer actionable insights for e-commerce brands seeking to meet changing expectations, personalize experiences, and create growth through smarter logistics and innovation. Asia Pacific markets include Australia, China, India, Malaysia and Thailand.
– End –
You can find the press release for download as well as further information on group.dhl.com/pressreleases
On the internet: group.dhl.com/press
Follow us at: X.com/DHLglobal
DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as "The logistics company for the world".
DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
- Lack of delivery options is the number one conversion killer: 77% of shoppers in Asia Pacific abandon their carts when preferred delivery options are missing
- A shift in sustainability: almost half of shoppers in Asia Pacific had also abandoned their carts due to sustainability concerns
- Social commerce takes center stage: By 2030, 85% of consumers in Asia Pacific are expected to shop primarily through social media — bypassing traditional retail websites
- AI becomes essential: 81% of shoppers in Asia Pacific want AI-driven shopping tools — from virtual try-ons to voice search — to guide their decisions
SINGAPORE, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DHL eCommerce has released its E-Commerce Trends Report 2025, drawing on insights from 24, 000 online shoppers across 24 key markets worldwide. For the Asia Pacific region, results show that delivery remains a significant barrier to purchase completion, with 77% of Asia Pacific shoppers abandoning their carts when their preferred delivery options are unavailable. Social commerce continues to rise in popularity, with 85% of the region's consumers expected to shop primarily through social media by 2030, bypassing traditional retail sites. Meanwhile, AI-driven shopping tools are in high demand, as 81% of shoppers seek features such as virtual try-ons and voice search to assist their purchasing decisions.
This year's study comprises eight chapters, featuring six shopper types across four generational segments, and highlights how evolving consumer expectations are reshaping the future of online retail. While the report addresses an extensive range of topics from cross-border purchasing to shoppers' views on sale days like Black Friday, four key findings stand out: the transformative impact of AI and social commerce on online shopping, the crucial role of delivery options in converting carts, and sustainability shaping customer loyalty.
"Asia Pacific has always been at the forefront of e-commerce due to its growing population of young, digital natives. The region's online shoppers know what they like, and it's important to recognize those changing behaviors that could make a significant difference to maintaining customer loyalty. As more of us shop online, we want a smooth experience. This is the entire journey from browsing to deciding if the item suits, to knowing that we have delivery options before making a convenient yet secure payment. Large and small business owners can rely on DHL eCommerce's insights and expertise to curate an experience that meets the needs of their customers," said Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce.
Shopping powered by AI: Smarter Journeys, Higher Expectations
Advancements in generative AI are ushering in the next industrial revolution. But how will AI impact online shopping? DHL's latest e-commerce trend report reveals that AI is one of the most highly anticipated and demanded innovations among consumers, with 81% of shoppers in Asia Pacific wanting retailers to offer AI-powered shopping features. Virtual try-ons, AI-powered shopping assistants, and voice-enabled product search top the list of features consumers actively want to use. Shopping via voice commands is already on the rise, where about one in two (47%) of shoppers in the region make hands-free purchases. As digital expectations rise, so does the demand for intuitive, tech-enabled shopping journeys that blend utility with delight.
Social Commerce Becomes the New E-Commerce
The traditional e-commerce website is increasingly being replaced, or bypassed, by social platforms. Consumers are turning to apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook not just for discovery, but for purchase. In Asia Pacific, 85% of shoppers say they have already made a purchase via social media. This is expected to stay with more than eight out of 10 (85%) expect these platforms to become their primary shopping destination by 2030.
The power of influence also plays a critical role: 87% of shoppers in Asia Pacific say viral trends and social buzz influence their buying decisions. TikTok, in particular, is driving change in markets such as Thailand and Malaysia, where 86% and 81% of online shoppers, respectively, report buying through the app. This shift signals a major transformation in the methods brands need to engage with their audiences, and calls for seamless, mobile-native experiences built for in-app conversion.
Delivery and Returns: The Ultimate Conversion Drivers
While new technologies continue to transform the digital shopping experience, the fundamentals of delivery and returns remain the biggest drivers of cart abandonment. Shoppers are not willing to compromise when it comes to convenience, flexibility, and control. 77% of consumers in the region will abandon their purchase if their preferred delivery option is not available. Just as critically, 75% will leave if the return process does not match their expectations. Trust also plays a major role, with 65% of shoppers in Asia Pacific reporting that they will not buy from a retailer if they do not trust the returns provider. These expectations emphasize the importance of transparent, customer-centric logistics strategies — not just as an operational concern, but as a core part of the conversion funnel.
Sustainability and the Circular Economy: From Buzzword to Bottom-Line Impact
Sustainability has evolved from a brand differentiator into a core consumer demand. In Asia Pacific, 79% of shoppers now consider sustainability when making online purchases. A significantly high consensus comes from India, where 92% find sustainability important when making an online purchase. This goes beyond packaging or shipping — one in two (49%) shoppers have abandoned their carts due to sustainability concerns.
Consumers in Asia Pacific are also embracing more circular models of consumption, with 52% opting for pre-owned or refurbished goods, motivated by both environmental values and cost efficiency. Additionally, 72% of shoppers in Asia Pacific express a willingness to participate in recycling or buy-back programs offered by retailers, with 85% of survey respondents from China indicating that they would do so. These behaviors point to a growing expectation that brands will not only reduce their footprint but also actively empower consumers to shop more sustainably.
As we look towards 2030, these insights provide a clear roadmap for retailers aiming to capture the attention of today's diverse shopper demographics. By embracing technology, prioritizing sustainability, and understanding the evolving preferences of consumers, businesses can transform challenges into opportunities. Further insights and information, as well as the full report, are available under the following link: dhl.com/e-commerce-report or dhl.com/reports
About the DHL E-Commerce Trends Report 2025
The E-Commerce Trends Report 2025 surveyed 24,000 consumers from Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. Its findings offer actionable insights for e-commerce brands seeking to meet changing expectations, personalize experiences, and create growth through smarter logistics and innovation. Asia Pacific markets include Australia, China, India, Malaysia and Thailand.
– End –
You can find the press release for download as well as further information on group.dhl.com/pressreleases
On the internet: group.dhl.com/press
Follow us at: X.com/DHLglobal
DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as "The logistics company for the world".
DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
DHL's E-Commerce Trends Report 2025: AI and social media reshaping online shopping in Asia Pacific
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Global fans to experience the Games of the Future like never before as MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition kickoffs in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, the global promoter of phygital sports, today announces the official launch of the GOTF OTT Platform, the dedicated streaming destination for the Games of the Future 2025 Abu Dhabi powered by ADNOC (GOTF 2025). The platform goes live as this year's competition begins, with its first broadcast featuring the opening rounds of the MOBA PC.Dota 2 discipline on 14 December from Pixoul Gaming in Abu Dhabi.
Accessible at https://tv.gofuture.games, the new streaming hub serves as the central digital home for live broadcasts, full-event replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content spanning all GOTF 2025 disciplines.
Designed for global accessibility and year-round engagement, the platform enables fans everywhere to watch every match live, revisit full replays at any time, and enjoy curated short-form content optimized for social and mobile viewing.
Powered end-to-end by technology partner Asport, the GOTF OTT Platform integrates advanced cloud-based broadcasting, seamless navigation, and real-time highlight creation tools to elevate the fan experience. These capabilities support richer storytelling across all channels and establish tv.gofuture.games as the long-term digital home of phygital sport.
Moba PC.Dota 2 competition to launch platform
The launch coincides with preparations for a spectacular start to the Games, as the MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition brings together iconic players, celebrated legends, and rising regional stars for what promises to be one of the most competitive line-ups in the event's history. All matches from the discipline will stream live on https://tv.gofuture.games.
Teams set to compete include E7, Paper Tigers, Legends Rebooted, Vikings, Team Phoenix, Nigma Galaxy, Win and TraBoTeam each bringing a distinctive mix of elite pro players and influential gaming personalities. One of the leading competitors will be Xu "BurNIng" Zhilei, who will be playing in team Paper Tigers and who iswidely regarded as one of the greatest carry players in Dota 2 history.
With such a stacked international field, fans can expect clashing playstyles, unpredictable upsets, and fresh rivalries, setting the stage for one of the headline showpieces of GOTF 2025.
Following the opening Group Stage, the competition advances into a full double-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in high-stakes best-of-three clashes on 18–19 December at ADNEC, where teams will fight for a place in the final and a shot at international glory.
Commenting on the launch of the platform, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: "The GOTF OTT Platform marks a major milestone in our mission to bring phygital sport to a global audience. This world-class digital destination showcases the energy, innovation, and inclusivity at the heart of the Games of the Future. As Dota 2 opens the competition tomorrow, we're excited to offer millions of fans a new way to experience every moment of this year's Games live."
Growing network of global broadcast partners
In addition to the GOTF OTT Platform, fans can follow the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC across a growing network of international media rights and broadcast partners, ensuring fans around the world can catch all the action.
In the United States, coverage will be available via ESR TV, the leading gaming and esports network reaching mainstream audiences through platforms such as Apple TV, Sling, and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Across Latin America, FOX Sports Mexico and Zapping will deliver both English and Spanish-language broadcasts across the region.
On mobile-first platforms, Bigo Live will act as an interactive real-time streaming hub, offering live competition windows, creator-led co-streams, and fan-generated reactions. With strong Gen-Z and global creator adoption, Bigo Live brings the Games directly into participatory viewing culture. Complementing this, Likee will amplify the emotion and energy of GOTF 2025 through short-form video storytelling, transforming standout moments into shareable narratives.
These partners build on an already confirmed broadcast footprint that includes Sportworld and BIGG TV across EMEA, Huya and SOOP in Asia, and StarTimes and TV BRICS across Africa.
"With these major additions to our broadcast network, we take great pride in ensuring the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are accessible to audiences worldwide. We are delivering a multi-regional, multi-generational platform that matches the scale and innovation of phygital sport," added Hatt.
Tickets for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are now on sale at www.gotfabudhabi.com. Fans can also follow all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @gamesofthefutureofficial and @gotfabudhabi.
About Phygital International (PI):
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.
For further information please visit: https://Phygitalinternational.com
About the Games of the Future (GOTF):
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/
Contact: press@phygitalinternational.com
Global fans to experience the Games of the Future like never before as MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition kickoffs in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, the global promoter of phygital sports, today announces the official launch of the GOTF OTT Platform, the dedicated streaming destination for the Games of the Future 2025 Abu Dhabi powered by ADNOC (GOTF 2025). The platform goes live as this year's competition begins, with its first broadcast featuring the opening rounds of the MOBA PC.Dota 2 discipline on 14 December from Pixoul Gaming in Abu Dhabi.
Accessible at https://tv.gofuture.games, the new streaming hub serves as the central digital home for live broadcasts, full-event replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content spanning all GOTF 2025 disciplines.
Designed for global accessibility and year-round engagement, the platform enables fans everywhere to watch every match live, revisit full replays at any time, and enjoy curated short-form content optimized for social and mobile viewing.
Powered end-to-end by technology partner Asport, the GOTF OTT Platform integrates advanced cloud-based broadcasting, seamless navigation, and real-time highlight creation tools to elevate the fan experience. These capabilities support richer storytelling across all channels and establish tv.gofuture.games as the long-term digital home of phygital sport.
Moba PC.Dota 2 competition to launch platform
The launch coincides with preparations for a spectacular start to the Games, as the MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition brings together iconic players, celebrated legends, and rising regional stars for what promises to be one of the most competitive line-ups in the event's history. All matches from the discipline will stream live on https://tv.gofuture.games.
Teams set to compete include E7, Paper Tigers, Legends Rebooted, Vikings, Team Phoenix, Nigma Galaxy, Win and TraBoTeam each bringing a distinctive mix of elite pro players and influential gaming personalities. One of the leading competitors will be Xu "BurNIng" Zhilei, who will be playing in team Paper Tigers and who iswidely regarded as one of the greatest carry players in Dota 2 history.
With such a stacked international field, fans can expect clashing playstyles, unpredictable upsets, and fresh rivalries, setting the stage for one of the headline showpieces of GOTF 2025.
Following the opening Group Stage, the competition advances into a full double-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in high-stakes best-of-three clashes on 18–19 December at ADNEC, where teams will fight for a place in the final and a shot at international glory.
Commenting on the launch of the platform, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: "The GOTF OTT Platform marks a major milestone in our mission to bring phygital sport to a global audience. This world-class digital destination showcases the energy, innovation, and inclusivity at the heart of the Games of the Future. As Dota 2 opens the competition tomorrow, we're excited to offer millions of fans a new way to experience every moment of this year's Games live."
Growing network of global broadcast partners
In addition to the GOTF OTT Platform, fans can follow the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC across a growing network of international media rights and broadcast partners, ensuring fans around the world can catch all the action.
In the United States, coverage will be available via ESR TV, the leading gaming and esports network reaching mainstream audiences through platforms such as Apple TV, Sling, and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Across Latin America, FOX Sports Mexico and Zapping will deliver both English and Spanish-language broadcasts across the region.
On mobile-first platforms, Bigo Live will act as an interactive real-time streaming hub, offering live competition windows, creator-led co-streams, and fan-generated reactions. With strong Gen-Z and global creator adoption, Bigo Live brings the Games directly into participatory viewing culture. Complementing this, Likee will amplify the emotion and energy of GOTF 2025 through short-form video storytelling, transforming standout moments into shareable narratives.
These partners build on an already confirmed broadcast footprint that includes Sportworld and BIGG TV across EMEA, Huya and SOOP in Asia, and StarTimes and TV BRICS across Africa.
"With these major additions to our broadcast network, we take great pride in ensuring the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are accessible to audiences worldwide. We are delivering a multi-regional, multi-generational platform that matches the scale and innovation of phygital sport," added Hatt.
Tickets for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are now on sale at www.gotfabudhabi.com. Fans can also follow all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @gamesofthefutureofficial and @gotfabudhabi.
About Phygital International (PI):
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.
For further information please visit: https://Phygitalinternational.com
About the Games of the Future (GOTF):
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/
Contact: press@phygitalinternational.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Official streaming platform for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC launches ahead of opening competition
Official streaming platform for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC launches ahead of opening competition
