Southeast Asia digital economy set to reach $368 billion in 2026
What's new: A Bain, Google and Temasek report projects e-commerce at $226 billion next year, with AI lifting seller conversions by 10% to 15%.
Southeast Asia’s digital economy is projected to grow to $368 billion in gross merchandise value in 2026, up 17% from $315 billion in 2025, according to the latest e-Conomy SEA report by Bain & Company, Google and Temasek. The report forecasts the region’s digital economy will reach $1.1 trillion by 2035 despite macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures. E-commerce is expected to remain the main driver, rising to $226 billion in 2026 from $191 billion a year earlier. The report also points to growth in online travel and online media. Bain partner Florian Hoppe said AI tools are helping merchants create product content, improve recommendations and boost campaign targeting, with sellers seeing conversion gains of 10% to 15%.