HANGZHOU, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The global digital trade sector has demonstrated significant growth momentum, with export value rising from 4.59 trillion U.S. dollars in 2020 to 7.23 trillion U.S. dollars in 2024, achieving an average annual growth rate of 12.1 percent, according to a report released Friday in east China's Zhejiang Province.

The growth rate outpaces that of total global trade during the same period, underscoring the robust expansion of digital trade, said the report titled "Global Digital Trade Development Report 2025" unveiled at the ongoing fourth Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, the provincial capital.

The report was jointly compiled by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the organizing committee of the expo.

The report indicates a more diversified global digital trade landscape, with the European Union, the United States, China, Britain and India ranking as the top five economies.

Notably, China's digital trade exports surged 10.7 percent year on year to 793.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, helping steer the global digital trade landscape toward greater diversity and balance.

The report also calls for greater support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and women entrepreneurs engaging in digital trade. An ITC survey revealed that women in developing countries still face barriers in international trade, while digital trade offers flexible employment opportunities, breaking time and geographical constraints.

Robert Skidmore, in charge of sector and enterprise competitiveness at ITC, urged governments, businesses and international organizations to collaborate in fostering innovation and ensuring the benefits of the digital economy reach everyone, particularly the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries. ■