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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
- Robotic LiDAR volumes surged 1,458.8% year-on-year to 185,500 units in Q1 2026, accounting for approximately 56% of total shipments.
- Total LiDAR shipments reached a record 330,300 units, up approximately 204.1% year-on-year.
- Revenue reached RMB458.8 million, up approximately 39.9% year-on-year.
- ADAS order backlog exceeded 9 million units.
SHENZHEN, China, May 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RoboSense Technology Co., Ltd. ("RoboSense" or the "Company"; Stock Code: 2498.HK), an AI-driven robotics technology company, today announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, delivering a landmark quarter in which the robotics business surpassed 50% of total LiDAR shipments for the first time in the Company's history. Building on the momentum of its first-ever profitable quarter in Q4 2025, RoboSense enters 2026 with strong operational confidence. The Company's dual-engine strategy across ADAS and robotics continues to drive growth, with the robotics segment emerging as the primary growth engine.
Q1 2026 Financial Highlights
In the first quarter of 2026, RoboSense delivered strong top-line growth driven by the continued acceleration of its robotics and ADAS businesses.
- Total LiDAR shipments: 330,300 units, up approximately 204.1% year-on-year.
- Robotic LiDAR shipments: 185,500 units, up significantly 1,458.8% year-on-year, representing approximately 56% of total shipments.
- Revenue: RMB458.8 million, up approximately 39.9% year-on-year.
- Order backlog: Over 9 million units for ADAS.
SHENZHEN, China, May 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RoboSense Technology Co., Ltd. ("RoboSense" or the "Company"; Stock Code: 2498.HK), an AI-driven robotics technology company, today announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, delivering a landmark quarter in which the robotics business surpassed 50% of total LiDAR shipments for the first time in the Company's history. Building on the momentum of its first-ever profitable quarter in Q4 2025, RoboSense enters 2026 with strong operational confidence. The Company's dual-engine strategy across ADAS and robotics continues to drive growth, with the robotics segment emerging as the primary growth engine.
Q1 2026 Financial Highlights
In the first quarter of 2026, RoboSense delivered strong top-line growth driven by the continued acceleration of its robotics and ADAS businesses.
For the very first time, robotics LiDAR sales surpassed ADAS shipments in a single quarter, marking a structural inflection point in the Company's revenue mix. This shift reflects the accelerating commercial adoption of intelligent robotics across a broad range of sectors and underscores RoboSense's strengthening position as the perception backbone of the global robotics industry.
Robotics Business: Sustained No. 1 Across Key Segments
RoboSense maintained its leadership position across five major robotics segments in Q1 2026: robotic lawnmowers, autonomous delivery, humanoid robots, embodied AI, and commercial cleaning robots.
In May 2026, RoboSense ranked No. 1 in GGII's (Gaogong Robot Industry Research Institute) Q1 2026 global 3D LiDAR shipment ranking for robotics.
- Robotic Lawnmowers: Emerging as the fastest-growing robotics category entering 2026, the robotic lawnmower segment saw significant expansion. In May, RoboSense deepened its partnership with Roborock to jointly accelerate the large-scale global commercialization of robotic mowers. The Company also reinforced its collaboration with Willand (Segway Navimow), which named RoboSense its 2026–2027 Strategic Partner and honored it with the 2025–2026 Outstanding Supplier Award. RoboSense supplies its fully solid-state digital LiDAR across multiple Navimow product lines, alongside an ongoing strategic partnership with Mammotion Technology.
- Unmanned Autonomous Delivery: Digital LiDAR solutions from RoboSense have now been adopted by over 90% of leading unmanned delivery vehicle companies, including Neolix, Zelos, Rino.ai, JD.com, Meituan, and Coco Robotics, cementing the Company's role as the de facto perception standard for autonomous logistics.
- Embodied AI and Humanoid Robotics: RoboSense has partnered with nearly 50 top-tier humanoid and quadruped robot companies. In May, the Company was listed in Morgan Stanley's Humanoid 100 and China humanoid value chain mapping, as the only LiDAR-focused firm appearing in both lists.
- Commercial Cleaning Robots: RoboSense leads the commercial cleaning robot segment with a 71% market share across more than 60 key customers, according to YanZhi Robot's recent research. In March, Pudu Robotics launched the world's first AI-native large scrubber-dryer robot, equipped with RoboSense's hemispherical digital LiDAR Airy.
- Active Camera Moves to Mass Production: RoboSense has received a large-scale order from a leading European humanoid robotics company for its new Active Camera solutions, robot vision products built for mobility and dexterous manipulation. Mass production and delivery are set for 2026. The order marks RoboSense's shift from market validation to commercial-scale deployment amid the rising wave of Physical AI.
ADAS Business: Foundation Solidifies with Industry-Leading Pipeline
As of the first quarter of 2026, the Company has accumulated design wins for 177 vehicle models across 36 automotive brands and Tier-1 partners, while successfully achieving Start of Production (SOP) for 69 models. Driven by this sustained momentum, RoboSense's automotive ADAS order backlog has exceeded 9 million units, anchoring a highly predictable growth runway with premier domestic and global automotive leaders — including BYD, Geely, IM Motors, and the Chinese joint ventures of Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen and General Motors. Furthermore, in this quarter, RoboSense officially deepened its industrial ecosystem by being recognized as the 2026 Strategic Partner of Geely Group.
RoboSense will continue to focus on its "ADAS + Robotics" dual-engine strategy. Powered by its core technologies, including proprietary SPAD-SoC chips, the Company is driving the industry's transition toward next-generation digital LiDAR solutions. By empowering a diverse range of applications across both robotics and intelligent automotive sectors, RoboSense is well-positioned to further solidify its leadership in the era of Physical AI.
About RoboSense
RoboSense (02498 HKEX) is an AI-driven robotics company. Leveraging its full-stack, in-house developed digital chips and a robust AI technology system, the company provides core robotic components, perception systems, and manipulation solutions across a wide range of industries, including autonomous passenger and commercial vehicles, Robotaxi, as well as robotics applications in autonomous logistics, robotic lawn mowers, and humanoid robots.
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, RoboSense has grown to a team of over 1,800 employees. The company maintains a strong global footprint, with offices spanning Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hong Kong in China, as well as Stuttgart, Germany, and Detroit and Silicon Valley in the United States.
As a global leader in the LiDAR industry, RoboSense has partnered with over 310 automotive brands and Tier-1 suppliers. In the robotics sector, it is the preferred solution provider for autonomous logistics, robotic lawn mowers, humanoid robots, and other pan-robotics applications, serving more than 3,400 clients worldwide. In 2025, the company ranked top 1 in LiDAR market share in the robotics sector. Building on its globally leading perception capabilities, RoboSense has extended its technology into robotic manipulation, launching robotic vision systems, dexterous hands, and hand-eye coordination solutions, driving the large-scale commercialization in the era of Physical AI.
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RoboSense Asserts Global Dominance in LiDAR for Robotics with 1,458.8% YoY Shipment Surge in Q1 2026