The CENTRstats Global TLD Report Edition 4/2022 has been released, detailing the worldwide status and registration trends across all top-level domains, including legacy gTLDs, new gTLDs, and ccTLDs.



The report also contains a specific focus on the European ccTLD market, where these domains alone account for 57% of the region's domain name market.

In contrast, .com domains represent 32% of the market, while other gTLDs make up 11%. Nevertheless, demand for European ccTLDs has returned to pre-pandemic levels reminiscent of 2018 and 2019, despite the median growth rate of domains hitting a 10-year low of 1.4%. Renewals, however, have remained stable at 84.3%.

Highlights from the report reveal that there are an average of 15 domains (to include ccTLD and gTLDs) per 100 people throughout Europe. Moreover, the median growth rate for domains hit a 10-year low of 1.4% in 2022 with renewals remaining steady at 84.3%.

Regarding the market share of European ccTLDs, estimates indicate 53% based on locally registered domains within a country and 42% based on popular websites. The median retail price for a European ccTLD increased to 10.4 EUR in 2022, while .com domains were being sold by the same sample of registrars at 12.7 EUR. Both prices rose by 5% YoY.

DNSSEC adoption remains low for most European ccTLDs, with rates of signed domains mostly under 10%. However, approximately seven ccTLDs have over half their zone signed. Finally, the report highlights that 46% of European ccTLD domains are utilized for developing web content with active websites, and over 2022, the growth rate for SSL-secured developed ccTLD websites increased from 66% to 70%.

Domain growth rates taking a hit across the board refers to a decline in the rate at which various domains are growing. This can encompass different sectors such as technology, finance, education, and more. When domain growth rates take a hit, it indicates a slowdown or stagnation in the development and expansion of those domains.

There could be several reasons why this decline occurs. It could be due to economic factors, such as a global recession or market saturation. Additionally, shifts in consumer behavior and preferences, changes in government policies, or technological advancements can also impact domain growth rates.

For example, in the technology sector, if there is a decrease in the number of new startups or a decline in investments in emerging technologies, it could lead to a drop in domain growth rates. Similarly, in the education sector, a reduction in enrollment rates or a shift towards online learning can impact the expansion of educational domains.

When domain growth rates take a hit across the board, it often requires businesses and industries to adapt their strategies and find innovative ways to stimulate growth. This might involve exploring new markets, investing in research and development, or focusing on improving existing products and services to attract customers.

points to consider regarding domain growth rates taking a hit across the board:

1. Market Saturation: In some cases, a decline in domain growth rates may be a result of market saturation. When there are already numerous players and businesses serving a particular domain, it becomes increasingly challenging for new entrants to gain market share and sustain growth.

2. Economic Downturn: Economic recessions or unfavorable economic conditions can significantly impact domain growth rates. During financial crises, businesses often reduce their investments and consumers may cut back on spending, leading to a decrease in demand across various domains.

3. Technological Disruption: Technological advancements can disrupt existing domains and industries, causing growth rates to fall. For example, the rise of e-commerce has had significant impacts on traditional brick-and-mortar retail, causing a decline in growth rates for physical stores.

4. Regulatory Changes: Changes in government regulations and policies can also influence domain growth rates. For instance, stricter regulations on certain industries can impede growth, while favorable policies can stimulate growth and innovation.

5. Shifts in Consumer Behavior: Changes in consumer preferences and behavior can affect domain growth rates. For instance, if consumer demand shifts towards sustainable products or digital services, domains that do not adapt to these trends may experience slower growth.

6. Global Events and Uncertainty: Major global events such as pandemics, natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, or political instability can create uncertainty and negatively impact domain growth rates. Businesses may become more cautious with their investments and expansion plans during such periods.