E-Commerce News & Trends

E-Commerce Council Established in India

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has launched an e-commerce council to bring the country’s rapidly growing digital commerce sector together under a single umbrella. The new body aims to contribute to policy development processes by strengthening cooperation among public institutions, industry representatives, and other stakeholders. Expected to represent a digital commerce ecosystem worth approximately $120 billion, the council will carry out joint initiatives in critical areas such as e-commerce, artificial intelligence, logistics, and consumer trust.

E-Commerce Council to Become the Industry’s Common Voice

Operating under the umbrella of IAMAI, the e-commerce council will enable India’s digital commerce sector to establish stronger dialogue with regulatory authorities. The council will represent the industry’s common position on issues such as digital commerce policies, logistics infrastructure, artificial intelligence applications, consumer trust, and improving market access for SMEs. Promoting best practices and supporting industry research are also among its priorities.

More Than 70 Companies, Including Amazon and Flipkart, Have Joined

The first members of the e-commerce council include leading companies in the digital commerce ecosystem such as Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Meesho, Uber, Rapido, Zepto, IndiaMART, eBay, Shiprocket, Tata 1mg, MakeMyTrip, and Ixigo. IAMAI announced that the initiative brought together more than 70 companies within a short period.

Artificial Intelligence and Retail at the Center of the Agenda

The new e-commerce council will work to expand the use of artificial intelligence in digital commerce, improve logistics processes, increase consumer trust, and shape the regulatory framework in line with industry needs. The council also plans to establish regular consultation mechanisms between public institutions and the industry.

Indian E-Commerce Summit to Be Held Every Year

IAMAI announced that a national summit titled the “Indian E-Commerce Summit” will be held annually as part of the e-commerce council. At the summit, industry leaders, public-sector representatives, technology companies, and other stakeholders will come together to discuss digital commerce, retail technologies, artificial intelligence, and the future of the sector. IAMAI emphasized that India’s digital commerce market has undergone a major transformation over the past decade and that the industry needs a common representative mechanism to sustain this growth.

EAEU Council Approves Draft Agreement to Standardize E-Commerce Rules and Customs Limits

Shein IPO Valuation Slips as Regulatory Pressure Weighs on Growth Prospects

Shein’s long-awaited initial public offering is facing fresh headwinds as tightening regulations on cross-border e-commerce threaten to slow growth and reduce investor enthusiasm. The fast-fashion giant, which is preparing for a Hong Kong listing later this year, is now expected to command a significantly lower valuation than previously anticipated as new import rules in Europe begin to impact sales and profitability.

The company is reportedly seeking a valuation between $40 billion and $50 billion, a sharp decline from the $100 billion valuation achieved during its 2022 fundraising round. Some market analysts believe investors may only be willing to support a valuation closer to $30 billion given the evolving regulatory environment and increasing competitive pressures.

Europe Becomes a Key Pressure Point

A major challenge comes from the European Union’s latest measures targeting low-value e-commerce imports. The bloc recently introduced additional fees on inexpensive parcels entering the region, aiming to create fairer competition for domestic retailers and address the surge in direct-to-consumer shipments from Asian online marketplaces.

Europe accounts for roughly one-third of Shein’s global revenue, making the region particularly important to its expansion strategy. The new charges have reportedly increased shopping costs for consumers, reduced conversion rates, and forced the retailer to reassess marketing expenditures across several European markets.

Growth Remains Strong Despite Headwinds

Despite mounting regulatory challenges, Shein continues to post substantial financial results. Sources familiar with the company’s performance say the retailer generated more than $40 billion in revenue during 2025, while net profit approached $2 billion, highlighting the resilience of its ultra-fast fashion business model.

To strengthen its European operations, Shein has expanded warehouse capacity in Poland and continues investing in logistics infrastructure to improve delivery times and reduce operational costs. However, these investments may not fully offset the impact of stricter trade policies and rising compliance costs.

Competition Intensifies Across Global E-Commerce

Beyond regulation, Shein is navigating an increasingly competitive online retail landscape. Rivals including Temu and other cross-border marketplaces continue to compete aggressively on pricing and customer acquisition, while geopolitical tensions and changing trade policies add further uncertainty for investors.

The company’s reduced valuation expectations also reflect broader concerns over whether the rapid growth enjoyed by ultra-fast fashion platforms can be sustained under tighter regulatory scrutiny in major consumer markets.

IPO Still Expected This Year

Despite the challenges, Shein is continuing preparations for its Hong Kong debut after receiving key regulatory approvals. Investor roadshows are expected to begin ahead of a potential listing later this year, although the final valuation will largely depend on market conditions and institutional investor demand.

For global e-commerce investors, the offering is expected to become a key test of how regulators, geopolitical risks, and changing cross-border trade rules are reshaping valuations for digital retail companies in 2026.

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Vietnam and Cambodia Target $20 Billion Trade with Cross-Border E-Commerce Push

PHNOM PENH – Vietnam and Cambodia are strengthening cooperation in cross-border e-commerce as both nations seek to accelerate exports, deepen digital trade ties, and achieve an ambitious bilateral trade target of $20 billion in the coming years.

The initiative was highlighted during a seminar in Phnom Penh jointly organized by Vietnam’s E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the Vietnam Trade Office in Cambodia, and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC). The event brought together government officials, business leaders, and exporters to discuss how digital commerce can expand market access and create new growth opportunities for companies in both countries.

Bilateral Trade Continues to Grow

Trade between Vietnam and Cambodia exceeded $11.3 billion in 2025, reflecting growing economic ties between the neighboring countries. Officials believe cross-border e-commerce will play a critical role in nearly doubling that figure by enabling businesses-particularly small and medium-sized enterprises-to sell directly to consumers across borders.

Nguyen Anh Vu, head of the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade delegation, described digital commerce as a new engine for economic growth that can strengthen supply chains while expanding export opportunities for local businesses.

Digital Economy Creates New Opportunities

Vietnam remains one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing e-commerce markets. The country’s online retail sector reached an estimated $31 billion in 2025, growing more than 25% year over year, with around 60% of the population shopping online. Cambodia, meanwhile, is experiencing rapid digital transformation driven by increasing internet penetration, a young consumer base, and wider adoption of digital payment solutions.

Officials from both countries noted that their geographic proximity and improving logistics networks create favorable conditions for cross-border online trade, allowing businesses to reach customers more efficiently through digital platforms.

Focus on Business Collaboration

The seminar also explored policies supporting online exports, consumer purchasing trends, e-commerce infrastructure, and future cooperation between Vietnamese and Cambodian businesses. Companies from both countries showcased products and discussed potential commercial partnerships during networking sessions.

Cambodia Chamber of Commerce Vice President Tan Monivann said the country’s digital economy is still developing but can benefit from Vietnam’s experience in e-commerce regulation and digital trade. He also reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to supporting investment in manufacturing, food processing, and technology sectors.

Industry representatives believe stronger digital cooperation will not only increase bilateral trade but also improve supply chain efficiency and enhance regional competitiveness as Southeast Asia’s e-commerce market continues to expand.

As ASEAN economies accelerate digital transformation, Vietnam and Cambodia are positioning cross-border e-commerce as a strategic pillar for export growth, offering businesses faster access to regional and global consumers.

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WORLDEF Prime Antalya 2026 Will Host Strategic Collaborations

WORLDEF Prime Antalya 2026 will bring together leading representatives of the e-commerce, retail, and modern commerce ecosystem at Kremlin Palace Antalya on 8–10 December 2026. The three-day, two-night event will offer a closed-loop, performance-driven business development platform for retail brands, marketplaces, technology companies, and service providers from Türkiye, Europe, the Balkans, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Russia.

WORLDEF Prime Antalya Designed with an AI-Powered Matchmaking Model

At the heart of the event will be an AI-powered matchmaking system designed to connect the right buyers with the right solution providers. Participating companies will share their technology requirements, operational challenges, and areas in need of solutions 30 days before the event. Meetings will be scheduled in advance once mutual interest and alignment between needs and capabilities have been confirmed.

Under the WORLDEF Prime format, only senior executives with purchasing and budget authority will be admitted to the one-to-one meeting areas. Retail and brand representatives are expected to consist of C-level executives, vice presidents, directors, and department heads.

Participation from More Than 80 Countries Targeted

The event is expected to host more than 3,000 participants, representatives from over 80 countries, more than 500 retail brands, over 150 participating companies, and more than 50 speakers. Sessions on the main stage will address e-commerce, artificial intelligence, data analytics, logistics, payment systems, omnichannel strategies, technology, and retail operations.

The event’s target audience includes multinational companies, SMEs, manufacturers, sellers, investors, public institutions, retail brands, and service providers. Companies operating in logistics, fintech, digital marketing, marketplaces, store automation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, consulting, and fulfilment will also present their solutions at the event.

Business Relationships Will Continue After the Event

Following the summit, participants will receive a GDPR- and KVKK-compliant verified contact directory for their scheduled meetings. Continued collaboration and commercial discussions will also be supported through the WORLDEF Prime digital follow-up platform.

Industry professionals seeking to meet decision-makers shaping the future of e-commerce and retail, connect with new suppliers and technology partners, and explore regional growth opportunities are invited to attend WORLDEF Prime Antalya 2026 on 8–10 December 2026.

WORLDEF PRIME ANTALYA 2026

Saudi Arabia Sees 23% Surge in E-Commerce Business Registrations in Q2 2026

Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector continued its rapid expansion during the second quarter of 2026, with the number of commercial registrations for online businesses increasing by 23% year over year, underscoring the Kingdom’s accelerating digital transformation and growing entrepreneurial activity.

According to newly released official figures, commercial registrations for e-commerce businesses reached 48,497 by the end of Q2 2026, up from 39,366 during the same period a year earlier. The figures highlight the sustained momentum of Saudi Arabia’s online retail ecosystem as digital commerce adoption continues to rise across consumers and businesses.

Digital Economy Continues to Accelerate

The increase reflects the Kingdom’s broader efforts to diversify its economy through digital innovation under Vision 2030. Government initiatives supporting entrepreneurship, digital payments, logistics modernization, and SME development have helped create a favorable environment for online businesses.

The growing number of licensed e-commerce companies also indicates increasing confidence among entrepreneurs looking to establish digital-first businesses across retail, services, and marketplace platforms.

Strong Momentum Across Online Retail

Saudi Arabia has become one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing e-commerce markets, driven by high internet penetration, widespread smartphone usage, and expanding digital payment infrastructure.

Industry analysts note that consumer demand for convenient online shopping, combined with investments in fulfillment networks and last-mile delivery services, continues to encourage new businesses to enter the market.

The continued rise in commercial registrations suggests that competition within the Kingdom’s e-commerce sector is expected to intensify as more merchants transition to digital channels.

Vision 2030 Driving Digital Business Growth

The latest registration figures align with Saudi Arabia‘s long-term strategy to build a diversified digital economy. Authorities have introduced multiple initiatives aimed at simplifying business formation, encouraging innovation, and increasing private-sector participation in technology-driven industries.

As digital commerce becomes an increasingly important contributor to economic activity, continued growth in business registrations is expected to support employment, investment, and cross-border trade opportunities throughout the Kingdom.

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UK and Kenya Open Negotiations on Landmark Digital Trade Agreement

The United Kingdom and Kenya have officially launched negotiations on a comprehensive digital trade agreement designed to strengthen economic ties, expand digital commerce, and attract greater technology investment between the two countries.

The proposed agreement is expected to establish a modern framework for digital trade by improving the flow of online services, supporting innovation, and reducing barriers for businesses operating across both markets. The initiative reflects the growing importance of digital economies in international trade and builds on the long-standing commercial relationship between the UK and Kenya.

Focus on E-Commerce and Digital Innovation

Negotiators aim to create rules that facilitate cross-border digital transactions while encouraging investment in technology-driven industries. The agreement is expected to benefit businesses ranging from startups and fintech firms to e-commerce platforms and digital service providers.

Among the key objectives are improving regulatory cooperation, promoting trusted digital trade, supporting secure data flows, and creating a more predictable business environment for companies expanding internationally.

The partnership is also intended to encourage innovation by enabling businesses to adopt new digital technologies and expand access to international markets.

Strengthening Kenya’s Digital Economy

For Kenya, the negotiations represent another step in advancing its ambition to become a leading digital economy in Africa. The country has experienced rapid growth in mobile payments, online retail, financial technology, and digital entrepreneurship over the past decade.

A digital trade agreement with the UK could help Kenyan businesses access new export opportunities while attracting foreign investment into technology infrastructure, digital services, and innovation ecosystems.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up a significant share of Kenya’s economy, are also expected to benefit from simplified digital trade processes and improved market access.

Expanding Opportunities for UK Businesses

For the United Kingdom, the agreement supports its broader strategy of deepening trade relationships with high-growth economies following Brexit. By strengthening digital cooperation with Kenya, British companies could gain greater access to one of Africa’s fastest-growing technology markets.

The agreement is expected to create new opportunities for businesses operating in sectors including cloud computing, financial technology, cybersecurity, digital logistics, artificial intelligence, and professional digital services.

Building on Existing Trade Relations

The negotiations complement the existing trade partnership between the UK and Kenya while shifting greater attention toward the digital economy. As global commerce increasingly moves online, both governments are seeking to establish trade rules that reflect modern business practices and support long-term economic growth.

If concluded, the agreement could become one of Africa’s most significant bilateral digital trade partnerships, serving as a model for future digital economy agreements between developed and emerging markets.

Officials from both countries will continue discussions over the coming months as they work toward a comprehensive framework that promotes innovation, enhances digital connectivity, and supports sustainable growth in cross-border e-commerce and technology investment.

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Galaxus Becomes Switzerland’s Largest Online Retailer, Overtaking Zalando

ZURICH – Swiss online retailer Galaxus has become the country’s largest e-commerce platform by online revenue, surpassing fashion marketplace Zalando in a shift that underscores the growing competitiveness of domestic digital retailers in Europe.

The latest annual ranking of Switzerland’s biggest online stores, compiled by Swiss e-commerce consultancy Carpathia, estimates Galaxus generated approximately CHF 2.3 billion in online sales, moving ahead of Zalando by roughly CHF 480 million. The milestone marks the first time the Migros-owned marketplace has claimed the top position in the Swiss e-commerce market.

Galaxus Claims the Top Spot in Swiss Ecommerce

The rankings also reveal the increasing scale of online retail in Switzerland, with four companies now exceeding CHF 1 billion in annual online revenue. Alongside Galaxus and Zalando, electronics retailer Digitec and international marketplace Temu have joined the billion-franc club, reflecting both sustained consumer demand and intensifying competition across digital commerce.

Four Retailers Now Generate More Than CHF 1 Billion Online

The emergence of four billion-franc ecommerce businesses highlights the continued maturity of Switzerland’s digital retail market. While established players continue to grow, newer entrants are reshaping consumer expectations through competitive pricing, broader product assortments, and enhanced digital shopping experiences.

Growth Fueled by Marketplace Expansion and Customer Demand

Galaxus’ rise has been driven by years of investment in marketplace expansion, logistics infrastructure, and product assortment. Originally focused on electronics through its sister platform Digitec, the company has steadily broadened its offering to include categories ranging from home and garden to fashion, beauty, sports equipment, and groceries. That diversification has helped position the platform as a comprehensive online shopping destination for Swiss consumers.

According to company figures, the Galaxus Group reported 17% growth in platform sales during 2025, reaching CHF 3.8 billion across all markets. The retailer also added approximately 500,000 new customers over the year, bringing its customer base to around 5 million. While Switzerland remains its core market, Galaxus has continued expanding its footprint in neighboring European countries, particularly Germany, where it has invested in localized operations and customer services.

Expansion Beyond Switzerland

Although its domestic business remains the foundation of its success, Galaxus has accelerated international growth by strengthening logistics capabilities and tailoring its marketplace to local customer needs. The company’s expansion strategy reflects a broader trend among European retailers seeking growth beyond their home markets.

Competition Intensifies Across the Swiss Ecommerce Market

Industry analysts say Galaxus’ performance reflects a broader trend in European e-commerce, where regional marketplaces are strengthening their positions by leveraging local market expertise, reliable delivery networks, and customer trust. Rather than competing solely on price, many domestic platforms have differentiated themselves through wider product availability, responsive customer support, and integrated marketplace ecosystems that connect third-party merchants with consumers.

The latest rankings also illustrate the increasingly diverse nature of Switzerland’s e-commerce landscape. While Zalando remains one of the country’s leading online retailers in fashion, newer entrants such as Temu have rapidly expanded their presence by attracting price-conscious shoppers with extensive product selections and aggressive promotional strategies. Established retailers, meanwhile, continue investing in omnichannel capabilities to meet changing consumer expectations.

What Galaxus’ Leadership Means for European E-commerce

Despite growing international competition, Switzerland remains one of Europe’s most mature e-commerce markets, supported by high internet penetration, strong purchasing power, and widespread adoption of digital payment solutions. Consumers are also placing greater emphasis on delivery speed, product availability, and post-purchase service, encouraging retailers to strengthen their logistics capabilities and invest in technology-driven customer experiences.

Galaxus’ ascent to the top of the Swiss online retail rankings signals more than a change in market leadership. It highlights the ability of regional e-commerce platforms to compete successfully against international players by combining localized expertise with scalable digital operations. As competition intensifies across Europe, retailers are expected to continue investing in marketplace expansion, fulfillment efficiency, and customer experience as key drivers of long-term growth.

For the broader European e-commerce industry, the Swiss market offers an important example of how domestic platforms can thrive in an increasingly global marketplace. While international brands continue to expand across borders, Galaxus’ success demonstrates that local knowledge, operational excellence, and sustained investment can remain powerful competitive advantages in the evolving digital economy.

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NIQ and Lula Commerce Collaborated for AI-Powered Digital Retail

Lula Commerce signed a strategic collaboration with NielsenIQ to enable retailers operating in the convenience retail field to transition to digital commerce more quickly. Bringing together NIQ Product Intelligence capabilities and Lula Commerce’s AI-powered e-commerce platform, the collaboration aims to provide retailers with more accurate product data, a branded ordering experience, and scalable digital infrastructure.

Digitalization in Retail Will Accelerate with Lula Commerce

The collaboration between NIQ and Lula Commerce focuses on two fundamental needs of e-commerce: reliable and complete product content and a quickly deployable branded digital commerce experience. While Lula Commerce helps retailers create first-party ordering channels through their own websites and mobile applications, it also integrates them with third-party delivery providers.

The platform supports processes such as location analysis, communication with delivery providers, digitization of store menus, and management of orders from a single system. It is stated that Lula Commerce serves more than 165 regional brands across 44 states.

NIQ Product Intelligence Prepares Product Data for AI

NIQ Product Intelligence provides product content, structured attributes, and contextual data intelligence built on the Brandbank infrastructure. This structure aims to ensure that products are interpreted more accurately and consistently in e-commerce systems, search experiences, and AI-powered shopping environments.

Gregory Hunter, Vice President of Retail Digital Shelf Content at NIQ U.S., stated that as commerce becomes increasingly digital and AI-focused, the role of product information is also changing. According to Hunter, NIQ Product Intelligence contributes to helping retailers go beyond managing product content and create a connected intelligence layer that supports products being discovered, interpreted, and selected.

Speed and Accuracy Come Together in the Same Infrastructure

Lula Commerce Co-Founder and CEO Adit Gupta emphasized that retailers should not have to “choose between speed and accuracy.” Gupta stated that the collaboration with NIQ Product Intelligence will help retailers launch e-commerce faster and meet consumers’ expectation for complete and reliable product information.

The collaboration aims to reduce issues such as fragmented supplier structures, slow digital launch processes, and inconsistent product data. With this model, NIQ and Lula Commerce aim to enable convenience retailers both to launch e-commerce quickly and to create a scalable roadmap for long-term digital maturity.

China’s E-Commerce Law Is Changing: A New Era Begins for Platforms, Sellers, and Digital Retail

A draft legal amendment aiming to regulate the platform economy more comprehensively in the field of China’s e-commerce has been submitted for public feedback. Prepared by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation and the Ministry of Commerce, the draft aims to strengthen the responsibilities of platforms, protect consumer rights, prevent unfair competition, and establish a more effective governance model in the digital retail ecosystem.

China’s E-Commerce Regulation Consists of 20 Articles

According to the statement, the draft amendment consists of 20 articles and envisages innovations in five main areas. The regulation aims to expand the scope, which in the current structure is limited only to platforms and sellers within platforms, and to clarify the rights and obligations of other participants in the platform economy as well. The draft highlights the closure of regulatory gaps and the creation of a more clearly defined responsibility framework for all actors in the platform economy.

Platform Responsibility and Algorithm Oversight Will Be Strengthened

The new regulation in China’s e-commerce law envisages improving responsibility mechanisms and diversifying oversight tools to ensure that platforms fulfill their obligations. In addition to existing sanctions such as fines and suspension of operations, broader regulatory tools that will support routine supervision are planned to be introduced.

The draft of China’s e-commerce law also emphasizes strengthening oversight over platform companies’ data, algorithms, traffic, and operating rules. This issue is important in terms of AI-supported recommendation systems, digital advertising, product visibility, and online retail operations.

Joint Oversight in Online and Offline Retail

The new regulation for e-commerce in China aims to introduce a consistent oversight approach in online and offline business models by taking into account cross-sector activities in the platform economy. Increasing coordination between central and local authorities and different public institutions is also among the prominent topics of the draft. The draft envisages updating the relevant provisions against consumer rights violations, unfair competition, and unlawful practices that have drawn public reaction.

International Alignment and Overseas Expansion Are on the Agenda

Chinese officials stated that alignment with international rules and standards in the field of e-commerce in China will be increased, sector self-regulation will be encouraged, and the orderly overseas expansion of China’s e-commerce companies will be supported. Officials also stated that the draft will be improved in line with feedback from the public and that the legal amendment will be advanced as soon as possible. The regulation aims to create a stronger legal foundation for innovation and healthy development in the platform economy.

China Expands Cross-Border E-Commerce Strategy Amid Global Trade Shifts

Türkiye Introduces New Rules to Combat Misleading Advertising and Strengthen Consumer Protection

Türkiye has enacted comprehensive amendments to its advertising regulations, introducing stricter rules for digital advertising, influencer marketing, AI-generated content, and discount campaigns. The new framework aims to protect consumers from misleading advertising practices and increase transparency across digital commerce channels.

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has announced a series of regulatory changes designed to address the growing influence of digital advertising and safeguard consumers against deceptive marketing practices. Published in the Official Gazette, the updated rules introduce new obligations for advertisers, social media creators, and online platforms operating in Türkiye.

New Standards for Targeted and Digital Advertising

Under the revised regulations, businesses using targeted advertising based on consumers’ online behavior and personal data must clearly explain why specific advertisements are being shown and provide accessible information on how these targeting criteria can be modified. The measures aim to increase transparency and give consumers greater control over personalized advertising experiences.

One of the most significant changes is a ban on targeted advertising directed at children through profiling methods that rely on personal data. The regulation seeks to provide stronger protection for minors in increasingly data-driven digital environments.

Influencers and AI-Generated Advertising Face New Disclosure Requirements

The new framework also tightens rules around social media marketing. Content creators who receive payments, free products, discounts, or other benefits in exchange for promoting products or services will now be required to clearly indicate that their posts constitute advertising or promotional content.

Additionally, the regulations address the growing use of artificial intelligence in advertising. Advertisers must clearly disclose AI-generated digital characters that cannot be easily distinguished from real individuals. The rules also prohibit the use of AI-generated personas that could create the false impression that a real person has used or endorsed a product.

Stricter Rules for Discount Campaigns and Consumer Reviews

The revised regulation extends discount advertising requirements to conditional sales campaigns, where discounts or benefits depend on fulfilling specific conditions. For discounted products, advertisers may only display as the pre-discount price the lowest price applied within the previous ten days before the campaign began. Exceptions apply to perishable goods and certain services.

The Ministry has also shortened the period granted to sellers and service providers to respond to consumer complaints before publication, reducing the timeframe from 72 hours to 48 hours. If no response is submitted within this period, consumer evaluations may be published directly.

The new regulations, which come into force on 1 August 2026, form part of Türkiye’s broader effort to strengthen oversight of digital commerce and advertising practices while improving consumer trust in online marketplaces and promotional content.