AliExpress Launches “Local+” Fulfillment Service in Europe
China-based e-commerce giant AliExpress is launching its fulfillment solution “Local+” in Europe.
AliExpress is following in the footsteps of competitors such as Amazon, Temu, and Shein in Europe. The company is launching a fulfillment service called “Local+” for European sellers. The new service allows retailers to outsource their shipping processes. The company, which has purchased 10 warehouses in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany for the fulfillment service, aims to accelerate the shipping process.
AliExpress Promises Delivery Within 7 Days at the Latest
E-commerce sellers in Europe have been able to sell on AliExpress since 2022. However, sellers were managing shipping processes themselves or through third-party providers. The new fulfillment warehouses will facilitate the shipping processes for European e-commerce sellers.
Products of sellers using the Local+ fulfillment solution will feature a special badge. AliExpress states that the products will be delivered to end consumers within seven days at the latest. Return processes will also be handled by AliExpress through Local+.
A Strategic Move Against Competitors!
The company states that the new fulfillment service has been launched to provide customers with a more familiar and practical shopping experience. However, experts interpret this move as “a strategic step aimed at maintaining competitiveness against rivals.” This is because Temu began using local warehouses for products belonging to sellers in Europe in recent months.
Duty-Free Import Threshold to Be Removed by 2028
On the other hand, due to VAT reforms, importing products from outside the European Union will become more expensive. The duty-free import threshold will be removed by 2028 at the latest. The European Commission is also considering applying an additional import tax of around two euros on orders coming from outside the EU.