APAC cross-border payments surge as trade drives $24t outlook

The region is projected to account for 36% of global outbound flows by 2033.

Asia-Pacific’s (APAC) outbound cross-border payments market is expected to grow faster than the global average, driven mainly by business transactions and rising regional trade activity.

The report estimated that outbound retail cross-border payments from the APAC region will reach $13.5t in 2025, accounting for 31% of global outflows, according to FXC Intelligence’s The New Era Of Asia’s Cross-Border Payments report.

Most of the payment volume comes from business-related transactions.

Business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) payments make up 83% of the region’s outbound flows, whilst consumer-to-consumer (C2C) and consumer-to-business (C2B) payments account for the remaining share. This is slightly below the global average of 84%.

APAC’s outbound cross-border payment volume is projected to grow at a faster pace than global averages, reaching $24t by 2033. 

At that level, the region is expected to account for 36% of global outbound payment flows, including 35% of global B2B and B2C payments.

The data showed that APAC’s outbound B2B and B2C payment volume is expected to rise from $11.3t in 2025 to $19.8t in 2033. 

Meanwhile, C2C, C2B and other payment categories are projected to increase from $2.2t to $4.2t over the same period.

Globally, outbound cross-border payment volumes are forecast to increase from $37t in 2025 to $56.3t by 2033 for B2B and B2C payments. 

C2C, C2B and other categories are expected to grow from $7t to $11t.

FXC Intelligence said trade and supply chain activity remain major drivers of payment flows in the region, particularly for goods-related B2B transactions.

The report also noted that rising demand for overseas software and services is expected to support B2B growth, whilst expanding online retail activity and international tourism are likely to contribute to higher consumer-related payment volumes, especially in Southeast Asia.