China's online retail sales of goods increased 4.8 percent in the first half of 2026, contributing 1.2 percentage points to the growth of total retail sales of consumer goods, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.
The ministry stepped up efforts to promote innovative e-commerce development in the January-June period, leveraging the sector to boost consumption, accelerate industrial upgrading and expand international trade.
Demand for smart products remained strong. Online sales of smart exoskeletons and smart glasses surged 458.4 percent and 151.7 percent, respectively, according to ministry data.
Online retail sales of services rose 6.0 percent, while online sales of tourism and catering services increased 27.2 percent and 13.9 percent, respectively, the ministry said.
E-commerce also continued to support rural revitalization and industrial upgrading. Online retail sales of agricultural products rose 12.2 percent in the first six months, while e-commerce transactions in industrial products and chemicals increased 5.6 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively, according to the ministry.
Meanwhile, cross-border e-commerce cooperation under the Silk Road E-commerce initiative continued to expand. On major cross-border e-commerce import platforms monitored by the ministry, sales of Brazilian beef, Kenyan coffee beans and fresh Thai durians rose 176.3 percent, 87.1 percent and 75.1 percent, respectively, during the period.
China's online retail sales of goods up 4.8 pct in H1: Commerce Ministry
