China Sees Surge in Online Sales of Digital Products

BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) -- China has reported a notable increase in online sales of digital products, which rose by 8.4 percent year on year during the first four months of 2025, as highlighted by data released by the Ministry of Commerce on Friday. This growth indicates a robust consumer appetite for digital goods amidst a rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.

Among the categories making significant strides, sales of smart robots surged by an impressive 87.6 percent, while sales of smart home systems experienced a healthy growth of 16 percent year on year. These figures underline a growing trend in consumer adoption of advanced technologies that enhance home and daily life.

An official from the Ministry's e-commerce department attributed this upward trajectory in sales to the effective integration of domestic and foreign trade within the e-commerce sector. The official emphasized the industry’s enhanced global industrial and supply chain coordination, which has played a crucial role in supporting the growth of online sales.

Furthermore, data from January to April revealed that online sales across 15 categories of home appliances and digital products benefitting from trade-in programs increased by 11.5 percent year on year. This rise is likely driven by consumers looking to upgrade their technology while taking advantage of such trade-in offers.

In addition to digital products, there was a significant uptick in services consumption, with online entertainment sales soaring by 31.9 percent and travel sales increasing by 25.4 percent year on year. These robust figures reflect a broader recovery and growing consumer confidence in spending on various services.

Overall, the data suggests a promising outlook for China's e-commerce sector as it continues to expand and adapt to changing consumer behaviors. As digital innovation drives new opportunities, the interplay between technological advancement and consumer demand will likely shape the future of online sales.