The number of internet users worldwide is predicted to reach 655 million by the end of this year, according to the United Nations. This is equivalent to one-tenth of the global population and represents a 30% increase on last year’s total of 500 million.
According to 2001 figures, the US was the country with the most internet users, nearly 143 million, and accounted for almost 45% of total world ecommerce. However, the market is approaching saturation point and Canada and the USA saw numbers increase by just 10% last year while other parts of the world experienced more significant growth. In recent months, Nua has produced figures showing that Europe and the Asia/Pacific region have now surpassed North America in terms of number of users (see Global Internet Population Tops 600 Million).
Growth In Internet Users, By Region 2001 | |
Region | % Growth |
Asia | 44 |
Africa | 43 |
Latin America | 33 |
Europe | 33 |
North America | 10 |
Source: United Nations, November 2002 |
E-commerce forecasts Despite the worldwide economic slowdown, e-commerce continues to thrive and estimates show that revenues will total $2.3 billion in 2002, an increase of 50% on last year’s figure. It is forecasted that the trade will be worth $3.9 million in 2003 and if growth is maintained, e-commerce will account for approximately 18% of worldwide B2B and retail transactions by 2006. M-commerce is still in its infancy but the UN claims that revenues will increase from $50 million this year to $225 million in three years time.
Worldwide E-Commerce Estimates & Forecasts ($ billion) | |||||||
Source | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 |
Forrester Research | 2,293.50 | 3,878.80 | 6,201.10 | 9,240.60 | 12,837.30 | ||
IDC | 354.90 | 615.30 | 4,600.00 | ||||
eMarketer* | 278.19 | 474.32 | 823.48 | 1,408.57 | 2,367.47 | ||
* B2B only | |||||||
Source: UNCTAD, November 2002; various, as noted |