B2B Market Monitor 2026
The annual study by ECC Cologne and IFH Cologne: the latest market figures, trends and AI agents in B2B commerce – with a free download.
The B2B Market Monitor 2026 presents the latest market figures, trends and opportunities for manufacturers and wholesalers – particularly regarding the use of autonomous AI agents in B2B commerce.
5.5 per cent
Expected growth in B2B eCommerce in 2026
+7.9%
Growth in B2B eCommerce in 2025
€549 billion
Turnover from online shops and marketplaces
What is the study about?
The study is compiled and published annually by ECC Cologne, a subsidiary brand of IFH KÖLN (Institute for Retail Research), in collaboration with partner companies, including Intershop. It examines the development of eCommerce turnover in the B2B segment, the number of B2B companies, and current and future trends in B2B trade in Germany.
This report covers the following topics:
- B2B retail turnover (retail trade, eCommerce, online retail)
- Breakdown of turnover by EDI, online shops and marketplaces
- Industry insights and differentiation (e.g. wholesale versus manufacturing)
- Developments and outlook
- Trends in data, personalisation and AI in B2B eCommerce
The study is published annually, usually in the autumn. The latest edition, the B2B Market Monitor 2026, was published on 5 October 2026.
Excerpts from the Key Facts on B2B eCommerce 2025:
“B2B E-COMMERCE IS EXPERIENCING SUSTAINED GROWTH – Overall, the total B2B eCommerce market (including EDI) across all economic sectors1 under consideration is set to reach a volume of over 2.0 trillion euros in Germany by 2025. This means that just under 30 per cent of turnover will be generated via online channels. eCommerce in the B2B sector will continue to grow in importance: growth of an estimated 5.5 per cent is expected for 2026, corresponding to a turnover of 2.1 trillion euros.”
“B2B ONLINE RETAIL SHOWS STRONGEST GROWTH – Among wholesalers and manufacturers, eCommerce turnover grew by 5.4 per cent in 2025, whilst B2B online retail* increased by 7.9 per cent. Whilst B2B online trade continues to drive the greater growth momentum, this has slowed significantly compared with recent years. Overall, wholesalers and manufacturers together generate B2B eCommerce turnover of just under 1.6 trillion euros, of which 549 billion euros is accounted for by online shops and marketplaces. “
Free download
Further interesting information, specifically for manufacturers and wholesalers, can be found in the report’s more than 70 pages, which is available to download free of charge here.
B2B Market Monitor 2026
ECC WEB TALK
In addition to the latest study, the ECC Cologne organises regular web talks on fascinating topics arising from its analytical work.
The ECC WEB TALK provides in-depth insights into the latest market figures and highlights the direction in which B2B eCommerce is heading. It also offers insights into how data and AI can help businesses position themselves for the future.
Next ECC WEB TALK:
15
Oct 2026
Topic: B2B eCommerce in focus: market figures and trends
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The annual study by ECC Cologne and IFH Cologne: the latest market figures, trends and AI agents in B2B commerce – with a free download.
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