World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) record-setting 2016 retail sales of USD 182.6 billion

On June 4, 2017, the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) announced year-end 2016 figures, which set a record. THANKS to all local DSAs, their member companies, members of the Global Research Subcommittee, and to outside third party vendor Nathan Associates for devoted support for the annual data gathering process.
Following are highlights of the announcement:

• In 2016, global direct sales increased 1.9% … from US$179.2 billion in 2015 to $182.6 billion in 2016, a new global record.
• The global growth was driven by increases in all regions. As well, 81% of countries around the world showed sales increases.
• Not only was there year-over-year growth, but the direct selling channel has shown sustained growth with a 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% (2013-2016).
• The story of sustained growth over time is one that can be told in all regions:
  • Asia-Pacific, which accounts for 46% of global direct sales, shows a 3-year CAGR of 6.7% for the period from 2013 to 2016.
  • Americas, accounting for 33% of global sales, shows a 3-year CAGR of 3.3%.
  • Europe, with 20% of global sales, has a CAGR of 4.9%,
  • And Africa-Middle East, at about 1% of global sales, has a CAGR of 6.0%.
• Sales were generated by the world’s 107 million independent representatives, another record. These are the career-minded entrepreneurs who build their own businesses marketing the products/services of a Direct Selling company, as well as the part-time micro-entrepreneurs who earn extra income by doing so. This sales force of independent representatives was up 3.1% year-over-year.
• Accounting for 80% of global sales are the world’s Top 10 direct selling markets: United States, China, Korea, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, France, and United Kingdom.
• Direct Selling shows success in both advanced and developing economies: Of the Top 10 markets, 6 are Advanced economies and 4 are Developing economies, according to the International Monetary Fund.