The Rising Popularity of Trading Cards in Cross-Border E-Commerce with Buyee Connect

In an era where online shopping transcends borders, Buyee Connect has made significant strides in facilitating cross-border e-commerce for trading cards. According to BEENOS Solutions, part of the BEENOS Group dedicated to supporting the overseas expansion of Japanese content, the number of trading card specialized EC site implementations has surged 3.1 times by the end of 2025, compared to the data from the end of 2024.

What is Buyee Connect?

Buyee Connect is part of BEENOS Solutions' cross-border e-commerce infrastructure offerings, designed specifically for e-commerce operators. This platform empowers Japanese businesses to tap into international markets effectively. Notably, the gross merchandise volume (GMV) for trading cards during the first quarter of 2026 showed a promising 35.8% increase from the previous quarter, underscoring the upward trend in this niche market.

The Trading Card Renaissance

Trading cards are now trending particularly well in the world of e-commerce, representing one of the most purchased product categories through the Buyee platform in 2024 and 2025. Market analysts project that the global trading card market will grow from $7.8 billion in 2025 to $11.8 billion by 2030. Domestically, Japan’s trading card market is expected to grow significantly, reaching approximately ¥300 billion by 2024, which constitutes 27.5% of the total toy market. This growth is aided, in part, by thriving secondary markets, with the toys and models sector witnessing an increase of 9.2%, landing at ¥277.9 billion.

Pokémon cards and other intellectual property (IP) related trading cards have spurred significant sales figures, indicating a growing interest from international collectors. In particular, rare cards like Art Rare (AR) and Special Art Rare (SAR) have seen a notable increase in demand among overseas customers. Additionally, the acquisition of graded cards, such as those rated PSA10, has also doubled, reflecting the rising trust and interest in top-condition collectibles.

Ensuring Authenticity in Cross-Border E-Commerce

For overseas customers purchasing trading cards through cross-border e-commerce platforms, ensuring the authenticity of items is of utmost importance. A survey conducted among Buyee users indicated that 67.3% prioritize reliability when shopping abroad. This highlights the increasing necessity for reputable trading card stores in the international marketplace. As the reuse market continues to expand, these specialized stores must capitalize on the growing recognition among overseas customers and maintain their offerings as a “trustworthy platform” for e-commerce transactions.

Future Outlook and Expansion

As the trading card market flourishes, BEENOS Solutions aims to enhance the connections between overseas customers eager to purchase these collectibles and Japanese businesses. The company recognizes the importance of establishing transparent and reliable services that empower international users to confidently engage in purchases.

Commentary from BEENOS Solutions

Natsuki Iwamoto, an executive at BEENOS Solutions, emphasized the burgeoning demand for trading cards among international customers. She noted that both collection and gameplay cards are gaining traction outside Japan. The data gathered through platforms like Buyee helps refine strategies for overseas sales, offering insights that are often unavailable until after market entry. BEENOS Solutions is dedicated to providing resources and guides tailored for businesses seeking to expand globally, contributing to their mission of guiding Japanese companies towards replicable success in the cross-border trade landscape.

For more resources, businesses can visit the helpful guide provided by BEENOS Solutions here.

About BEENOS Solutions

BEENOS Solutions specializes in facilitating the overseas expansion of Japanese enterprises through comprehensive support in cross-border e-commerce and market development, ensuring the value of Japanese products reaches a global audience. Their dedication to this cause reflects an understanding of the unique logistics and market dynamics involved in international trade.