GLOBAL INDUSTRY

Global direct selling estimated retail sales grew 1.2% year-over-year to reach USD 192.9 billion in 2018, up from USD 190.6 billion in 2017. The global growth was driven by increases in all regions and 79% of countries around the world who showed sales increases.

In 2018 over 118 million independent direct sellers were involved in direct selling globally, up by 1.7% from 2017.

In 2018 the top 10 global markets account for 79% of global sales and the top 6 global markets were: China, USA, Korea, Germany, Japan and Brazil.

WFDSA

The global industry is supported by the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), of which the Direct Selling Association of South Africa is a member.

The WFDSA mission is to build understanding and support for direct selling worldwide and achieves this through:

Developing, maintaining and promoting the highest global standards for responsible and ethical conduct
Advocating the industry''s positions and interest with governments, media and key influencers
Serving as a trusted global resource for information on direct selling
Facilitating interaction among direct selling executives on issues of importance to the industry

LOCAL INDUSTRY STATISTICS

In Africa, total estimated retail sales for DSA member companies increased by 1% in 2018 over 2017, totalling R16,3 billion.

In 2018 around 1.2 million independent direct sellers were involved in direct selling locally.