The number of overseas deliveries from UK shops could double within three years, according to new figures.

The IMRG MetaPack UK Delivery Index shows that 161 million cross-border orders will be placed in the UK this year and will rise to 384 million by 2017 if current growth rates are maintained.

Total orders dispatched by UK retailers will top £1 billion next year, rising to £1.3 billion in 2017.

Meanwhile, deliveries are timelier than ever with 95 per cent reaching their destination o or before the stated day.

Andrew Starkey, head of e-logistics at IMRG, said: “It is a testament to UK retailers that so many orders are coming from overseas, and we think these numbers will continue to rise.

“Within the UK the growth in orders is underpinned by the quality of delivery provided by our carriers with 95 per cent of deliveries were made on time last month.

“We have already said that the UK e-retail is emerging from the economic doldrums, but it looks like we could see some major milestones reached in the next few years.”

In other findings from the index, the average order value for cross border orders was £55 within the EU and £61 outside the EU.