Mobile shopping—buying goods and services through smartphones and tablets—has become a dominant force in global commerce.
In 2025, it's projected that mobile commerce will account for approximately 75% of all e-commerce transactions worldwide, totaling around $6.5 trillion . This surge is driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones, improved mobile internet access, and the convenience of shopping anytime, anywhere.
Brazil: A Mobile Shopping Powerhouse
Brazil stands out as a global leader in mobile shopping adoption. As of early 2025, 61% of Brazilian consumers used a mobile phone for their most recent retail purchase, marking a 10% increase since 2022 .
This trend spans all age groups, with 70% of Gen Z and 67% of millennials embracing mobile-first shopping habits.
Several factors contribute to Brazil's mobile shopping dominance:
- Smartphone-Centric Internet Access: Many Brazilians first accessed the internet via smartphones, making mobile devices their primary digital tool .
- Merchant Adaptation: Retailers have optimized for mobile shopping, reducing friction and enhancing user experience .
- Digital Payment Integration: The adoption of digital wallets and mobile payment systems, such as Pix, has streamlined transactions .
- Cultural Factors: High daily mobile usage and a preference for convenience have driven mobile shopping habits .
Southeast Asia: Social Commerce and Mobile Wallets
Southeast Asia is experiencing a mobile commerce boom, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and widespread smartphone usage.
Platforms like Shopee and Lazada dominate the e-commerce landscape, while mobile wallets such as GrabPay and GoPay are becoming increasingly popular . By 2025, mobile wallet transaction value in the region is expected to reach $258 billion.
Social commerce—shopping directly through social media platforms—is also on the rise. In Singapore, for example, 65% of consumers have purchased a product through a social platform in the past year.
Africa: Mobile Money and Financial Inclusion
Africa leads the world in mobile money adoption, with over 1.1 billion registered mobile money accounts as of 2024, representing more than half of the global total . In sub-Saharan Africa, mobile wallets are used by over 70% of adults for transactions, savings, and bill payments.
This widespread adoption is driven by the need for accessible financial services in regions with limited banking infrastructure.
Mobile money platforms like M-Pesa have enabled millions to participate in the digital economy, fostering economic growth and financial inclusion.
Germany: Embracing Mobile Shopping
Germany, traditionally cautious in adopting new technologies, has seen a significant shift toward mobile shopping.
As of January 2025, mobile devices account for 63.67% of total internet traffic in Germany . Approximately 99% of German adults shop online, with 39% making purchases at least once a week.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, as consumers turned to online shopping for convenience and safety. Retailers have responded by optimizing their websites for mobile use and investing in user-friendly apps to enhance the shopping experience.
China: The Mobile Commerce Giant
China's e-commerce industry is the largest in the world, with retail e-commerce sales exceeding $2.68 trillion in 2023, accounting for nearly 50% of all online transactions globally .
This dominance is fueled by a massive mobile user base—approximately 975 million smartphone users—and the widespread use of mobile payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay.
The integration of shopping with social media and live-streaming platforms has further propelled mobile commerce in China, creating a seamless and engaging shopping experience for consumers.
Conclusion: The Global Shift to Mobile Commerce
The rise of mobile shopping is a global phenomenon, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and the pursuit of convenience
. Countries like Brazil, Southeast Asian nations, African countries, Germany, and China exemplify how diverse factors—such as smartphone penetration, digital payment systems, and cultural preferences—contribute to the adoption of mobile commerce.
As mobile technology continues to evolve, businesses worldwide must adapt to meet the demands of mobile-first consumers, ensuring seamless, secure, and engaging shopping experiences across all devices.
