19 Auction Industry Statistics Provide Insight in 2025
In March of 2021, Beeple made global headlines with the news that his NFT artwork — Everydays: The First 5000 Days — sold for $69.3 million during a Christie’s auction. This sentence alone shows auction industry is constantly evolving and changing to meet consumer needs and demands.
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insights from 149,000+ hours of professional services marketing experience
On this page, we’ll cover auction industry statistics that show you how the industry currently operates and what’s trending. Keep reading to learn more!
1. The sales value at public auctions amounts to $25.1 billion
Public auctions generate over $25 billion in sales. The industry is still thriving, and more people are buying and selling through auctions.
2. The total global auction house market is predicted to reach $12.35 billion by 2027
House auctions are becoming more popular. This auction industry statistic shows that the sector is expected to grow in the coming years.
3. The sales value at public auctions in the U.S. amounts to $7.8 billion
Public auctions in the U.S. drive sales. This industry drove over $7.8 billion last year.
4. Christie’s has seen the most global sales, amounting to $6.2 billion
Christie’s is one of the most popular auction houses across the globe. It holds a large market share and drove over $6.2 billion in sales.
5. Fine art auctions have driven over $5.2 billion in revenue
Fine art is one of the most common things auctioned. As this auction industry statistic shows, fine art auctions have driven over $5.2 billion in revenue.
6. The global fine art auction industry turnover was $1.3 billion in the first quarter of 2024
Auction houses are able to replace their inventory with valuable pieces. The fine art auction industry had a turnover of $1.3 billion in the first quarter of 2024.
7. The vehicle auction industry is expected to reach $248 million by 2027
The vehicle auction industry is a growing sector in the auction industry. As this stat shows, it’s expected to reach nearly $250 million by 2027.
8. 12 million vehicles were entered in vehicle auctions last year
Vehicle auctions are becoming more common. Over 12 million vehicles went to auction in 2023.
9. 7.3 million vehicles were sold in auction last year
Though 12 million vehicles entered auction, not all of them were sold. Only 7.3 million were sold to consumers.
10. 162,000 lots of fine art were sold in the first quarter of 2024
To kick off 2024, fine art auction houses sold over 162,000 lots of art. This is on pace to match last year’s numbers.
11. 53% of commercial vehicles were purchased online
It’s not just everyday cars that go to auction. Commercial vehicles often appear in car auctions across the globe. Over 50% of them get purchased through online auctions.
12. 50% of vehicles were sold to in-lane bidders
Not all auctions happen online. In fact, 50% of the vehicles sold last year were sold to people at in-person auctions.
13. 50% of vehicles were sold to online bidders.
For regular cars, the divide was even. 50% of people bought cars through online auctions, while the other 50% attended in-person auctions for cars.
14. 47% of commercial vehicles were bought in-lane.
As for commercial vehicles, 47% of them were purchased at in-person auctions.
15. Manheim Auctions holds 42% of the vehicle auction market.
Manheim Auctions is one of the biggest players in the vehicle auction market. They account for 42% of the market share, which is slightly less than prior years.
16. The U.S. accounts for 31% of public auction sales worldwide.
The auction market is big in the U.S. and accounts for 31% of public auction sales across the globe.
17. KAR Auction Services holds 27% of the vehicle auction market.
Another big player in the car auction market is KAR Auction Services. While their share has dwindled along with Manheim Auctions, they still account for 27% of the vehicle auction market share.
18. Copart, a car auction company, held 17% of the vehicle auction market in 2023.
New players in the vehicle auction space are taking control. Last year, Copart accounted for 17% of the vehicle auction market.
19. Electric vehicles account for 1% of total auction sales net volume.
Despite Tesla’s gaining popularity, electric vehicles aren’t often auctioned. Electric vehicles only account for 1% of total auction sales for cars.
Generate more auction revenue with WebFX
Whether you’re hosting auctions online or selling items at physical locations, your auction house will benefit from strategic digital marketing services. Marketing your auction house will help you reach more sellers looking to auction their items and more buyers looking to purchase those items.
If this sounds exciting to you, consider partnering with WebFX for a customized digital marketing strategy for your auction business. WebFX has over 500 subject matter experts who have experience in a comprehensive range of digital marketing services and have generated more than $10 billion billion in revenue for our clients.
Call 888-601-5359 or contact us online to speak with a WebFX strategist today!
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