China's eBay merchants post sharp growth on overseas demand

Defying the lingering economic malaise, online sellers from the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan are ringing up brisk sales outside their home markets through eBay's international e-commerce platform.

According to the e-commerce giant's newly published Greater China Exporters' Index, about 7,500 eBay merchants from the mainland achieved revenue of more than US$100,000 and posted 68 per cent sales growth on average in the 12 months to June. That robust gain has solidified their status as eBay's biggest exporters from Asia.

John Lin, the vice-president at eBay Greater China, said yesterday the market's eBay sellers were forecast to ship about 200 million parcels worldwide by next year. That would equal the estimated number to be shipped by eBay merchants from the whole of Asia this year.

"Business is booming for Chinese entrepreneurs who use eBay and PayPal as their global sales channel," Lin said.

PayPal, which supports 25 currencies, is the online payments processing system promoted by eBay in more than 190 markets where it operates.

The top five product categories sold by eBay sellers from China in the 12 months to June were consumer electronics, such as notebook computers; clothing and accessories; mobile phones and accessories; jewellery, gems and watches; and car parts.