NIQ: Gen X in APAC to Spend USD 4.4 Trillion by End of 2025, Rising to USD 5.7 Trillion by 2030

• 61% of the global Gen X population resides in Asia, and 37% were born in China, making the region a critical frontier for brands across CPG, Tech & Durables, and retail.
• Their dual role as caregivers and consumers positions them as the "bridge generation," especially relevant in Asia where shared family living remains prevalent.
• Per Capita Spend Growth: from USD 5,000 in 2025 to USD 6,700 in 2030

NielsenIQ ("NIQ") (NYSE:NIQ), a leader in consumer intelligence, in collaboration with World Data Lab (WDL), today reveal that Generation X is emerging as a trillion-dollar consumer powerhouse in Asia Pacific — and yet, remains under-recognized in marketing strategies across industries.

Often referred to as the "invisible generation," Gen X (born 1965–1980) wields extraordinary economic influence, especially in multigenerational households common across the region. The global generational spending report, The X Factor: How Generation X is quietly driving trillions in consumer spending, found that Gen X in Asia Pacific is projected to spend an estimated USD 4.4 trillion by end of 2025. The figure is expected to rise to USD 5.7 trillion by 2030, reflecting a steady growth as Gen X continues to support multigenerational households and drive demand across essential and premium categories. This cohort is in its peak earning and spending years, driving growth across consumer packaged goods (CPG) and tech & durables (T&D) categories.

"Marketers have been busy chasing Gen Z and Millennials, but Gen X is the one quietly holding the purse strings," said Roosevelt D'Souza, Customer Success Leader for Asia Pacific at NIQ. "In many Asian households, they manage the family budget, influence what gets purchased, and take care of both their children and aging parents. That's a level of influence brands cannot afford to ignore."

Gen X's dual role as caregiver and consumer is becoming even more pronounced. NIQ's latest findings reveal that 27% of Gen X consumers in Asia Pacific expect to spend more time caring for senior relatives over the next 2-5 years—while also supporting their children or extended family. Meanwhile, 43% say that investing in health and wellness has become more important, as they recognize they may only be at the midpoint of their lives.

Strategic Imperative

The next five years represent a once in-a-lifetime window to capture GenX's loyalty. By 2030, their share of global spending will begin to decline as Millennials take the lead. In China, Millennials are set to overtake Gen X spending by 2027. Brands that act now can secure long-term Gen X consumer behavior, championing brand innovation, and staying attuned to the shifting priorities and expectations of this influential cohort.

"Gen X is not a transitional generation—it's the region's present-day profit center," stated Terence Colle, Managing Director, Strategic Analytics & Insights at NIQ Asia Pacific. "They are pragmatic, digitally fluent, and deeply influential. Our analysis shows that Gen X's consumer behavior reflects both stability and high expectations. Brands that want to win in Asia Pacific must act now—by decoding Gen X's decision-making patterns, anticipating their needs, and delivering meaningful innovation. The Gen X decade is underway, and the opportunity to earn their loyalty—and lifetime value—is closing fast."

What Drives Gen X in APAC

Gen X consumers in Asia Pacific are financially confident, brand-loyal, and pragmatic —making them a key consumer segment across FMCG and Tech & Durables categories. Their shopper journey is marked by a practical approach to research, brand comparison, and multi-channel purchasing — blending in-store familiarity with digital convenience. Their spending is measured and intentional, reflecting the weight of multigenerational caregiving responsibilities. They prioritize trusted brands for daily essentials and selectively upgrade to premium products that offer quality and value, especially for shopping for their families. Health and wellness is a growing focus, with rising demand for vitamins, supplements, and aging-related products. They also embrace technology with a balanced mindset, favoring useful AI tools while maintaining data privacy concerns. Sustainability is a strong purchase driver, with many willing to switch retailers for greener alternatives. This high-intent, values-driven behavior positions Gen X as a commercially active and influential cohort for brands in Asia Pacific.

What Sets APAC Markets Apart

While APAC Gen X shares common consumer behaviors—such as trust in brands, digital fluency, and thoughtful spending—distinct market behaviors present critical opportunities for tailored strategies. Below are country-specific insights revealing what makes each market unique:

About The X Factor

The X Factor: How Generation X is quietly driving trillions in consumer spending provides a global analysis of Gen X consumer behavior and spending trends, based on proprietary NIQ and World Data Lab (WDL) data, including WDL's consumer spending forecasts. This report will show why the next decade represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for brands and retailers to capture Gen X loyalty and lifetime value. Download a free copy of the report.

About NIQ

NielsenIQ (NIQ) is a leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. Our global reach spans over 90 countries covering approximately 85% of the world's population and more than $7.2 trillion in global consumer spend. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™.

For more information, please visit www.niq.com.

About World Data Lab

World Data Lab (WDL) creates forward-looking proprietary data to quantify and forecast consumer trends, consumer spending, demographic shifts, and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals up to 2034. Our advanced data science approach, which has been peer-reviewed and published in Nature, delivers unrivaled accuracy, freshness, and consistency across all demographic groups in 180 countries and more than 6,000 cities.

For more information or questions, please visit https://worlddatalab.com or contact [email protected]

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding anticipated consumer behaviors, market trends, and industry developments. These statements reflect current expectations and projections based on available data, historical patterns, and various assumptions. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "believes," "forecasts," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future outcomes and are subject to inherent uncertainties, including changes in consumer preferences, economic conditions, technological advancements, and competitive dynamics. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. While we strive to base our insights on reliable data and sound methodologies, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, except to the extent required by applicable law.

© 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Media Contact:

Liza Martija

Communications Lead, APAC

Email: [email protected]