China’s e-commerce industry maintained growth from January to April 2026, with online consumption continuing to support retail sales and demand across goods and services.
Citing figures published by the Ministry of Commerce, state-backed news agency Xinhua reported that total online retail sales of goods and services increased 6.6% from a year earlier in the first four months.
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The ministry said online retail sales of goods accounted for 72.2% of growth in the country’s overall retail sales of consumer goods, underscoring the channel’s contribution to consumption.
Several segments outpaced the broader market. Online sales of agricultural products rose 12.2% year-on-year while e-commerce transaction values for metal products and chemical products climbed 34.8% and 12.2%, respectively.
Digital platforms also continued to drive spending in services.
In addition, the ministry reported a 33.2% increase in online tourism-related sales and a 20% growth in online catering sales. Cross-border e-commerce activity also strengthened.
Citing the Silk Road e-commerce initiative, the ministry said exports from some partner countries to China recorded sharp increases online during the period.
Sales of Thai durians surged 344.8%, Emirati beverages rose 78.6%, and Italian casual trousers increased 22.8%.
The latest data comes as Chinese authorities refine policy for the sector amid a more complex international trade environment.
Last month, the government issued new e-commerce guidance through the Ministry of Commerce and several other departments responsible for industry, agriculture, tourism, cyberspace and market supervision.
At the time, it was reported that the guidance was aimed at promoting a framework that balances development with oversight and efficiency with fairness, while encouraging closer links between digital commerce and the broader economy.
The document also outlined plans to establish cross-border e-commerce pilot zones, improve sector rules and standards, and support platforms seeking overseas growth.
The policy release followed concerns from European Union (EU) lawmakers over product safety and market access, raised during their first visit to China in eight years.
In March, the EU approved customs reforms that include tighter enforcement provisions, a move expected to affect Chinese e-commerce platforms.
Under the revised system, platforms may face penalties related to the sale of illegal or unsafe products. China’s foreign ministry said the visit by the EU delegation could help better understand the country and contribute to more stable ties.
