DIRECT SELLING REMAINED STEADY IN 2024 AMID GLOBAL ECONOMIC SHIFTS, ACCORDING TO WFDSA STATS REPORT

Core Insights - The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) reports a global direct selling industry retail sales of approximately $164 billion, reflecting a growth of $675 million compared to pre-pandemic levels, with 45% of markets showing increases [1][2] - The number of independent representatives in the industry has slightly increased to 104.3 million, with 72.1% being women [1][5] - The U.S. remains the largest market, while significant growth is observed in Brazil, India, and China [2][3] Market Performance - The Asia-Pacific region holds the largest market share, driven by emerging markets like Malaysia, while the Americas experienced the most growth in 2024 [2] - The number of "billion-dollar markets" remains stable at 21, accounting for 92% of global sales [5] - Key sectors within the industry include wellness products, cosmetics, personal care, and household goods [5] Industry Dynamics - Direct selling is characterized by low start-up costs, strong community support, and high-quality products, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs, particularly women [3] - The STATS report provides insights from 55 markets and anticipates potential factors affecting the industry in 2025, such as tariffs, global trade, technology, and rising interest in entrepreneurship [4]