Digital exports

In 2023, developing countries surpassed the USD 1 trillion mark in digitally deliverable services exports contributing to a global total of USD 4.5 trillion. The Covid pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies as businesses and individuals adapted to remote work and online interactions. In fact, exports of digitally deliverable services from developing countries increased 54% between 2019 and 2023 according to United Nations data. Some developing countries grew exports much faster. For instance, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Lithuania grew their digital services exports over 200% between 2019 and 2023. Large digital exporter India, with USD 289 billion in 2023, grew exports 86% since 2019. There are two important caveats to make. First, a service being digitally deliverable does not mean it is always digitally delivered when traded internationally. Second, some counties, especially those neighboring Russia, experienced substantial growth only after the invasion of Ukraine and trade sanctions being imposed on Russia as they potentially benefited from trade diversions.

Source: UN Trade & Development, December 2024. Note: excluded companies with less than USD 1 billion in digitally deliverable services exports.