Chinese e-commerce platform AliExpress said on Jan. 27 that its analysis of Koreans' 2025 cross-border online shopping spending data showed "spending for myself" and "improving quality of life" as key trends.

By 2025 sales volume, "stationery and office supplies" were the most popular, followed by "digital goods", "lighting and bulbs" and "home appliances". Half of the popular products recorded an average rating of 4.9 or higher.

Everyday-use IT devices such as earbuds, tablets and mini PCs also ranked among top-selling products. It said more consumers are buying overseas products through cross-border shopping in categories with limited options in domestic distribution channels.

Computer and office products such as keyboards and mice also accounted for a large share of the top 20 products, as demand for "desk interior" spread. More consumers sought to make their personal workspaces comfortable and efficient.

Spending also increased on home appliances and household goods such as ceiling fans, projectors and vacuum cleaners. With more time spent at home, interest grew in making homes comfortable and enjoyable spaces.

Apparel and automotive products such as windbreakers and in-car monitors were also included among popular items, as demand for cross-border shopping spreads across diverse categories.

According to a "2025 cross-border shopping platform awareness and usage survey" conducted last October by Embrain Trend Monitor, AliExpress' main user base was concentrated among men in their 30s and 40s, and it also showed high brand awareness among women in their 20s and 30s.

AliExpress said, "We plan to continue strengthening a broader range of product categories, reasonable prices and a convenient shopping environment to support domestic customers' smart spending and diverse options."