The Crossing

Insights

The Crossing is Peacroft’s journal about Asian markets: how people shop, discover and build online, and what that means for businesses thinking of growing here. Every figure links to its source.

Researched and written by Peacroft from public sources. Curated by hand, not updated in real time.

The CrossingDigital economy
Southeast Asia’s digital economy is heading for $368 billion
14 November 2026 · 3 min read
The 2026 e-Conomy SEA report projects $368 billion in gross merchandise value this year, up 17%, with e-commerce still the engine. What the figures say, and what they don’t.
The CrossingCreators and commerce
Video commerce now drives a quarter of e-commerce in Southeast Asia
14 November 2026 · 3 min read
In three years, buying through live streams and short videos went from a niche to an estimated 25% of e-commerce GMV in six Southeast Asian markets.
The CrossingPayments
One QR code, many countries: payments are crossing borders in Asia
14 November 2026 · 4 min read
Indonesia’s QRIS now works in Singapore, Japan, South Korea and China, and eight Southeast Asian markets offer cross-border QR payments.
The CrossingRules and trade
Small parcels, new rules: low-value imports in Southeast Asia
14 November 2026 · 4 min read
Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia have all changed how they treat small cross-border orders. A short guide before you ship.

Southeast Asia’s digital economy is heading for $368 billion

Video commerce now drives a quarter of e-commerce in Southeast Asia

One QR code, many countries: payments are crossing borders in Asia

Small parcels, new rules: low-value imports in Southeast Asia