B2B E-commerce Market Regional Analysis
North America: Dominant Region
Some of the key B2B marketplaces in the U.S. include Amazon, Alibaba, eBay, Global Sources, and Made in China. A recent survey of B2B vendors revealed that 57% of B2B organizations believe that e-commerce is shifting from offline to online, which is validated by the significant investments made by B2C giants such as Amazon, eBay, and Google. B2B e-commerce is a billion-dollar industry, and various companies are generating a significant amount of revenue through the marketplace. The below graph shows the revenue generated in 2015 by some of the key B2B companies located in the U.S.
Europe
Europe is a prominent consumer base for the e-commerce sector with its 20 national commerce associations. It includes the Greek e-commerce Association (Greece), e-Commerce Poland Chamber of Digital Economy (Poland), and KAUPPA.FI (Finland), among others. According to export.gov, in France, 20% of French business firms purchase via B2B online marketplaces. The below figure depicts the segment-wise share of B2B e-commerce in France.
Improving infrastructure facilities and the rising number of internet users are envisaged to propel the market growth in Asia-Pacific. The ubiquity of smartphones in the region contributes to the growth of the B2B e-commerce market. According to GSMA, smartphone users in Asia-Pacific reached 2.5 billion, and this momentum is expected to remain strong in the coming years.
Latin America is projected to witness significant growth in the global b2b e-commerce platform market during the forecast period, owing to the increasing number of internet users and rising social media user base. According to Internet World Stats, the number of Internet users in Latin America was around 417 million in 2018. B2B online transactions in Latin America have been growing considerably on account of the increasing shift of wholesalers and manufacturers from traditional systems to online platforms.
The Middle East and Africa region are expected to witness considerable growth in the B2B e-commerce market, owing to the region’s high spending potential as a result of a high per capita income. Additionally, constructive regulations related to e-commerce in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are likely to encourage the growth of the B2B e-commerce market in progressive economies.
B2B E-commerce Market Segmentation Analysis
By Supply
The global B2B Ecommerce is segmented into Office Supplies, FMCG, IT Products, Industrial, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Repair, and Janitorial and Sanitation. Office supplies dominate a significant portion, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations in corporate environments. FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) in B2B caters primarily to retailers and bulk buyers, offering essential consumable goods. The IT products segment focuses on the provision of tech hardware, software, and solutions tailored for organizational demands. The industrial and manufacturing categories cater to the heavy-duty needs of factories and production units, providing machinery, equipment, and parts. Maintenance and repair offer specialized tools and services to ensure the longevity and functionality of equipment. Lastly, the janitorial and sanitation category ensures businesses maintain a clean and hygienic environment, which is especially vital in the current health-conscious era.
By Deployment
Supplier-Oriented" segment in the B2B eCommerce market focuses on platforms and solutions that cater specifically to suppliers. These solutions help suppliers manage their products and sales more effectively. They offer features like easy product listing, real-time inventory updates, and smooth order processing. Suppliers can also handle pricing and logistics through these platforms, making their operations more efficient. By using supplier-oriented tools, suppliers can reach more potential buyers, streamline their processes, and boost their competitiveness in the market.
Buyer-Oriented" segment in the B2B eCommerce market focuses on platforms and solutions designed to cater primarily to the needs and preferences of buyers. They offer features like advanced search options, personalized recommendations, and easy ways to compare products and request quotes. The idea is to create a smoother, more intuitive buying experience so that businesses can streamline their purchasing processes and make smarter decisions. This focus on the buyer helps companies improve their procurement practices and stay competitive in a fast-paced market.
Intermediary-Oriented segment in the B2B eCommerce market refers to platforms and solutions that facilitate transactions between buyers and suppliers by acting as intermediaries. These platforms are designed to streamline the procurement and sales processes for businesses that operate as intermediaries rather than direct suppliers or buyers. They typically offer features that enhance the efficiency of transactions, such as multi-channel integration, advanced analytics, and automated processes for order management and payment handling.
By Channel
Direct Sales channel represents a crucial segment where businesses engage in transactions directly with their clients, bypassing intermediaries. This approach allows companies to maintain a closer relationship with their customers, offering tailored solutions and personalized service. Direct sales channels enable businesses to leverage their own sales teams, websites, and digital platforms to reach buyers, manage orders, and handle customer interactions efficiently.
Marketplace Sales segment refers to transactions conducted through online platforms that facilitate buying and selling between businesses. These marketplaces act as intermediaries, connecting sellers and buyers within a digital environment. They offer various advantages, such as streamlined transaction processes, a broad reach to potential buyers, and built-in payment and logistics solutions. Marketplaces can be either general, covering a wide range of industries and products, or specialized, focusing on specific sectors or product categories.
By End User
The B2B eCommerce market segment focused on the automotive industry involves the integration of digital platforms to streamline and enhance the procurement, sales, and distribution processes specific to automotive parts, components, and services. This segment caters to a diverse range of stakeholders within the automotive sector, including manufacturers, suppliers, dealerships, and service providers. By leveraging B2B eCommerce solutions, automotive businesses can achieve greater efficiency in managing supply chains, reducing procurement costs, and accelerating order fulfillment.
Manufacturers rely on a wide range of products and services to optimize their production processes, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality. This segment encompasses a diverse range of businesses, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and more. The manufacturing sector is a significant driver of economic growth, and understanding its specific needs and preferences is crucial for businesses targeting this market. Manufacturers often have unique requirements in terms of durability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, which must be carefully considered when developing products and services for this segment.
Telecom and Media is a crucial end-user segment for various industries. In the context of technology and services, this segment encompasses telecommunications companies, media organizations, content providers, and related businesses. These entities rely heavily on advanced technologies to deliver their products and services. The telecom and media sector is a driving force behind innovation and technological advancements, constantly seeking new ways to improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and monetize digital content.
This segment refers to the final consumers of IT products and services, such as individuals, businesses, and organizations. This market segment is driven by the increasing demand for technology solutions to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and improve decision-making. The IT end-user market encompasses a wide range of products and services, including hardware (like computers, laptops, and smartphones), software (operating systems, applications, and databases), networking equipment, and IT consulting services.
This segment encompasses businesses involved in the sale of products or services directly to distributing goods to retailers or other businesses. The retail and distribution sector is a driving force behind economic growth, providing employment opportunities and contributing to consumer spending.
