Wedbush Securities forecasts that 2026 will be a decisive year for consumer internet companies, with the gap between winners and losers widening. The firm states that this shift will occur due to artificial intelligence (AI) monetization, the disruption caused by autonomous vehicles, and investors’ closer evaluation of sustained investment cycles in the sector.

Wedbush analysts predict that 2026 will clearly mark a year of “winners” and “losers” for the consumer internet sector. The report highlights that 2025 delivered solid performance for the group, with an average return of 23% for the covered universe, compared to the Nasdaq Index’s return of about 19%.

With new technologies and investment priorities being examined more closely, Wedbush believes that sharper differentiation will take place in 2026. The firm expects investors to focus on topics like disruption from autonomous vehicles (AVs), AI monetization in consumer products, ongoing investment cycles, and the growing adoption of agency AI.

The report states, “We believe 2026 will be the year of winners and losers as investors discuss various issues such as disruption from autonomous vehicles (AVs), AI monetization in consumer products, ongoing investment cycles, and increasing adoption of agency AI.”

Top Picks for 2026: Amazon, Meta, MercadoLibre, and DoorDash

Wedbush ranks Amazon.com, Meta Platforms, MercadoLibre, and DoorDash Inc. as the best picks for 2026. These companies are expected to benefit from ongoing changes in the sector.

For Amazon, Wedbush continues to call it the “best e-commerce pick” as it enters 2026, citing renewed confidence in the company’s AI strategy and improvements in its cloud and retail operations. Analysts stated, “Following a renewed acceleration in AWS growth and positive comments from last quarter, we believe investors have regained confidence in management’s ability to maintain its leadership position in AI.”

Wedbush expects a strong year for Amazon Web Services (AWS), considering it a major driving force for Amazon’s stock throughout the year. The firm also highlighted the continued strength of Amazon’s core retail business, noting that consumer-focused AI tools are generating additional sales. Wedbush anticipates margin expansion in 2026, supported by improved fulfillment efficiencies and a higher mix of more profitable advertising and AWS revenues.

Wedbush also highlighted MercadoLibre as a top choice while it goes through its current investment cycle, focusing on its demand trends, competition in key markets, logistics and sales investments, spending increases, and the company’s ability to manage risks while scaling its credit operations.

For Meta Platforms, Wedbush believes it remains the top advertising pick for 2026 due to the resilience of the company’s digital ad trends and the continued adoption of Advantage+ tools. The firm noted encouraging progress from newer monetization channels, despite investors’ cautious outlook on increased AI and infrastructure spending.

DoorDash: A Strong Mobility Pick for 2026

Wedbush ranks DoorDash as the best mobility pick for 2026, emphasizing the company’s leadership position in the U.S. food delivery market and its practices in new ventures. While the firm anticipates higher short-term spending will pressure margins, it also notes that these investments are expanding DoorDash’s global total addressable market and supporting long-term growth.

Amazon to Invest $50 Billion to Expand AI and Supercomputer Infrastructure for U.S. Government Agencies

United Nations Trade and Development Conference (UNCTAD), aiming to close the large data gaps in the rapidly growing digital economy, brought into life the world’s first global database that brings together national e-commerce value estimates. The initiative, was announced at an international expert meeting attended by representatives from 42 countries and revealed that the need for reliable measurement for effective policy production is increasingly growing.

The new database, aims to present a clearer picture regarding the scale of e-commerce at the global level and to make visible the ongoing serious information deficiencies especially in developing countries. Experts, emphasized that without accurate and comprehensive data countries face the risk of falling behind in regulating digital trade and benefiting from it.

There Are No Statistical Systems That Can Capture the Volume of Social Media E-Commerce

E-commerce and digitally delivered services, in recent years took place among the fastest growing areas of the global economy and their growth rates exceeded overall economic growth. Despite this, in most countries there are no statistical systems that can comprehensively capture the value of online sales, cross-border digital trade and the rapidly increasing volume of commerce conducted through social media.

At the sixth meeting of the UN Trade and Development’s Working Group on Measuring E-Commerce, it was stated that these data gaps weaken evidence-based policy production. Insufficient measurement, while limiting the effectiveness of tax policies, competition regulations, consumer protection mechanisms and digital trade agreements, also hides inequalities in digital access. In addition, it disrupts efforts to support the participation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in online markets.

At the meeting, it was emphasized that measurement and governance are inseparable. Without reliable data, it is not considered possible to accurately evaluate the economic impact of digitalization and to ensure that the benefits of e-commerce are shared in an inclusive manner across society.

Call for Standard and Technology-Neutral Frameworks

Experts participating in the meeting, called for the development of comparable, simple and technology-neutral statistical frameworks among countries. It was stated that such frameworks, while preventing fragmentation and duplication in data collection, would enable meaningful international comparisons to be made.

Participants also drew attention to the importance of innovative tools in measurement methods. The use of electronic payment records, administrative data and data mining techniques in addition to traditional surveys, was shown among methods that could increase the accuracy and timeliness of e-commerce statistics. It was stated that this approach could also reduce the reporting burden on businesses.

Throughout the meeting, the importance of cooperation among governments, the private sector and international organizations was emphasized. While concerns over the decrease in international development financing were voiced, it was stated that coherent and coordinated measurement practices at the global level are critical for countries wishing to keep pace with digital transformation.

Preparation For New Elements Of The Digital Economy

The working group, recommended that core e-commerce indicators be comprehensively reviewed in 2026. It was stated that this evaluation could include new elements of the digital economy such as artificial intelligence, platform-based business models, remote work and fully digital services.

At the same time, the Task Group on Measuring E-Commerce Value was encouraged to complete detailed guidelines and recommendations regarding the measurement of e-commerce. It is planned that these guidelines be disseminated through expanded capacity development programs to be carried out via cooperation with international and regional organizations.

It was stated that the support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would contribute to the scaling up of technical assistance activities, especially in developing countries.

With the implementation of the global database and the advancement of a common measurement agenda, UN Trade and Development aims to make the digital economy statistically more visible and understandable. Officials stated that this step is of critical importance for rapid digital transformation to contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic development worldwide.

What Should E-Commerce Sellers Expect from Q4 2025?

LOJEL, the globally renowned design-focused luggage and everyday carry brand, has launched its dedicated e-commerce platform for the United Arab Emirates. In this regard, the company has partnered with Kling Trading, the exclusive distributor of LOJEL in the country.

LOJEL’s new platform will offer customers across the UAE the opportunity to explore its full range of products online. New arrivals, seasonal launches, limited-edition collections, and region-specific events will be available for access at any time.

“UAE is a Region That Embraces Innovation, Mobility, and Purposeful Living”

An Chieh Chiang, CEO of LOJEL, stated, “Launching our e-commerce platform in the UAE is a meaningful step in strengthening our connection with design-conscious travelers. The UAE is a region that embraces innovation, mobility, and purposeful living—values that are at the heart of LOJEL. We are excited to offer our customers a smoother way to experience our products and the philosophy of mindful movement.”

LOJEL’s New Stores Will Offer an Interactive Brand Experience

LOJEL will further strengthen its physical presence in the UAE with two new stores set to open in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi in 2026. These stores will solidify the UAE as a strategic hub for global travelers and creatives, offering an immersive brand experience centered around LO JEL’s core principles of craftsmanship, mindful movement, and user-centric design.

Saeed Kamali, CEO of Kling Trading, added, “The UAE has shown significant interest in premium, thoughtful travel solutions, and LO JEL’s growth reflects this demand. With the new online store and the upcoming retail stores in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, we are proud to bring LO JEL closer to customers who value quality, durability, and modern design.”

Holiday Campaign: “Carry On With Us” and Indigo Color Launch

This holiday season, LO JEL is launching its global campaign, “Carry On With Us,” emphasizing that the holiday season is not an ending but a step toward what comes next. The campaign invites customers to move forward with clarity, reflection, and purpose. As part of this campaign, LOJEL unveils a new limited-edition Indigo colorway for its Cubo and Niru collections. This darker, refined, and modern tone is designed to be versatile for both everyday use and travel.

The 29-article regulation, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the Cyberspace Administration of China, introduces detailed compliance obligations for internet platforms. The regulation directly addresses long-standing concerns that dominant e-commerce platforms have developed practices detrimental to merchants and consumers by using their scale, data, and algorithms.

E-Commerce Platforms Are Prohibited From Forcing Merchants Into Predatory Discounts

Under the new rules, platforms are explicitly prohibited from imposing “lowest price” agreements on merchants or forcing them into predatory discounting. E-commerce platforms are also prevented from using methods such as traffic throttling, lowering search rankings, or imposing algorithmic penalties to compel merchants into exclusive pricing arrangements or to force them to match prices offered elsewhere. Authorities state that these measures aim to restore merchants’ autonomy over pricing and to promote fair competition within the platform economy.

Restrictions Are Introduced on Algorithmic Price Discrimination

The regulation also tightens oversight of algorithm-based pricing practices. E-commece platforms are prohibited from applying different prices or pricing standards for the same goods or services, without user consent, based on data such as consumers’ willingness or ability to pay, spending habits, or preferences.

This provision targets opaque or unfair dynamic pricing practices that have recently drawn increasing criticism from policymakers and consumers. Authorities aim, through consent and transparency requirements, to prevent data-driven pricing from undermining consumer trust.

Regulations Aim to Protect Consumers’ Right to Information and Choice

As part of efforts to combat “false price traps,” the rules mandate clearer price labeling. E-commerce platforms will be required to clearly distinguish between estimated prices and final settlement prices, and they will be prohibited from displaying lower prices on homepages or prominent areas that differ from those shown on product detail pages. Advertising transparency is also being strengthened.

Goods or services appearing in paid search results must be clearly labeled as advertisements. For services such as password-free payments, bundled sales, express checkout, or automatic renewals, platforms will be required to obtain explicit consumer consent and provide easily visible cancellation options. These measures aim to protect consumers’ rights to information and choice, particularly in areas where convenience-oriented services have led to unintended charges or confusion.

“Lowest Price Guarantees Undermine Merchants’ Operational Autonomy”

Li Chengdong, founder and chief analyst of Beijing-based e-commerce consultancy Dolphin, said that large platforms have long used their scale advantages to demand that brands guarantee the lowest prices on their platforms, undermining merchants’ operational autonomy. According to Li, this situation has increased operational costs by pushing brands to produce product variants with minor differences for different platforms.

The new regulation follows a series of steps taken this year against aggressive pricing strategies in the platform economy. Last week, the market regulator warned that e-commerce platforms imposing the lowest prices across the internet could face antitrust penalties. This warning came after draft guidelines published in November that addressed the hidden risks of algorithm-based price manipulation.

The New Regulation Will Take Effect on April 10, 2026

The rules are scheduled to come into effect on April 10, 2026. Authorities announced that major platform operators will be required to carry out self-inspection processes to ensure compliance with the new standards. Officials describe the regulation as part of a broader effort to support the healthy and sustainable development of the platform economy while encouraging innovation. These measures, which aim to limit price unfairness and increase transparency, are intended to strike a balance between growth and the protection of consumers and merchants.

China’s Impact on Global Markets

TikTok has signed an agreement to transfer its U.S. operations to a joint venture formed by three investors: Oracle, Silver Lake, and UAE-based MGX. The deal aims to ensure the social media platform continues to operate in the U.S. while addressing concerns regarding data security.

According to internal communications, the new U.S. venture will be 50% owned by the investor consortium, with each investor Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX holding a 15% stake. ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, will retain a 19.9% stake, while ByteDance-affiliated investors will hold the remaining 30.1%. The new entity will operate independently and will have a seven-member board, the majority of whom will be American.

TikTok to Focus on Data Security and Algorithm Independence

This deal addresses U.S. concerns regarding the Chinese government’s access to American user data. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew stated in internal communications that the U.S. venture will have full authority over data protection, algorithm security, content moderation, and software assurance. This will ensure the platform complies with U.S. regulations.

An important condition of the deal is that U.S. user data will be stored in a local system managed by Oracle. This will ensure the data is protected from foreign interference. Additionally, TikTok’s algorithm, which powers its video feed, will be retrained using U.S. user data, thus ensuring the platform’s protection from external manipulation. This step is intended to alleviate concerns that the Chinese government could access data or manipulate content on the platform.

TikTok to Continue Managing Certain Commercial Activities

Chew also noted that TikTok’s global entities would continue to manage product interoperability and certain commercial activities, including e-commerce, advertising, and marketing. This sale comes after months of speculation regarding who would acquire Tik Tok’s U.S. operations. The U.S. Congress had called for Tik Tok to be sold to a U.S.-based company due to concerns that ByteDance’s Chinese ownership could lead to American user data being transferred to Beijing.

Facilitated by Washington, this sale resolves one of the largest points of tension between the U.S. and China. The agreement is seen as a significant step in reducing national security risks posed by foreign ownership of social media platforms. According to the deal, ByteDance will license its AI-based recommendation technology to the newly established U.S. TikTok entity. This technology is at the core of Tik Tok’s success and will operate securely through a partnership with Oracle.

TikTok Restructures E-Commerce and Data Teams

European Union finance ministers have agreed to impose a customs duty of €3 ($3.52) on low-value parcels entering the bloc, as part of measures targeting cheap Chinese-origin e-commerce imports from China-based online platforms such as Shein and Temu.

According to the regulation adopted by EU Member States, this represents a significant departure from the “de minimis” exemption applied to low-value parcels, which has so far allowed such shipments to be exempt from customs duties. EU institutions argue that this exemption has, over time, distorted competition and placed EU-based retailers at a disadvantage, as they are subject to stricter tax, labor, and regulatory obligations.

In a statement made on behalf of the 27 Member States, the EU Council said: “This temporary measure responds to the fact that such parcels currently enter the EU duty free, leading to unfair competition for EU sellers, health and safety risks for consumers, high levels of fraud, and environmental concerns.”

Taxation of Low-Value Parcels Was Planned to Enter Into Force in 2028

According to officials, the new duty is intended as a temporary solution ahead of a comprehensive customs reform for low-value parcels that was planned to enter into force in 2028. As part of this reform, the EU Customs Data Hub will be established to collect new customs data on all goods entering and leaving the Union within a single digital platform. This will enable customs authorities to monitor e-commerce flows more effectively, strengthen the fight against fraud, and increase product safety controls.

The rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce has also increased pressure on the EU to act earlier. While billions of low-value parcels enter Europe every year, this creates a significant administrative burden on customs authorities. At the same time, concerns are increasing regarding counterfeit products, environmental impacts, and consumer safety. EU institutions are of the view that the current system is inadequate in light of the scale and speed of digital trade.

The New Customs Duty Is Separate From the “Handling Fee”

It should also be noted that the €3 customs duty is separate from the EU-wide “handling fee” currently under discussion. While the customs duty aims to level competitive conditions, the handling fee is intended to compensate customs authorities for increasing inspection and processing costs. According to current proposals, this fee is expected to enter into force in the later months of 2026; however, its amount and exact implementation date will be finalized depending on negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council.

A New Customs Regime Will Be Implemented Once the EU Customs Data Hub Becomes Operational

Once the EU Customs Data Hub becomes fully operational, this temporary measure will be replaced by a permanent e-commerce customs regime. EU officials emphasize that, in the long term, this system will strengthen the customs union, protect European businesses and workers, and ensure that the growth of online trade does not come at the expense of fair competition and consumer safety.

For global e-commerce platforms and international sellers, this move is seen as a signal of a more stringent regulatory period in the European market, while for EU retailers it is considered an important step toward the long-demanded goal of “equal competitive conditions” in the digital marketplace.

Background of the New Customs Reform

At present, parcels valued below €150 that are sent directly from a third country to a consumer in the EU are exempt from customs duties. The European Commission proposed the removal of this exemption in May 2023 as part of the customs reform. The initial proposal envisaged the application of the measure from mid-2028. The Council adopted the removal of the exemption on 13 November 2025 and called for the measure to be applied earlier, in 2026.

In addition, in its communication on e-commerce in February 2025, the European Commission introduced the idea of a Union-level handling fee for goods imported directly to consumers. This fee was included in the customs reform proposal under the negotiating mandate adopted by the Council in June 2025. The handling fee is intended to compensate customs authorities for the increasing costs incurred in ensuring the release of those goods for free circulation.

According to the Council’s mandate, the handling fee is expected to enter into force in November 2026. The content of the fee and its exact date of entry into force are currently under discussion between the Council and the European Parliament within the framework of the ongoing customs reform proposal trilogue negotiations.

The Number of Low-Value E-Commerce Parcels Reached 4.6 Billion Last Year

Online platforms such as Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and Amazon Haul send clothing, accessories, and electronic products manufactured in factories in China directly to consumers at extremely low values. Due to the customs exemption, the number of low-value e-commerce parcels entering the Union doubled last year to 4.6 billion, with more than 90% of these parcels originating from China. Import volumes are expected to increase further this year.

Eight European Countries Call for Action Against Chinese E-Commerce Platforms

Dubai CommerCity participated in the first edition of the Global Forum on Digital Trade and Digital Platforms, organized by Ministry of Economy and Tourism in collaboration with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), as a key national partner shaping the future of digital trade.

Dubai CommerCity’s participation in this event builds on its role in supporting national digital trade legislation, having been adopted as a reference use case during the drafting of the UAE’s law on trading through modern technological means, alongside other national entities.

Dubai CommerCity: A Pioneering Model in Digital Trade

The Kingdom of Spain joined the UAE’s proposal to UNCITRAL to develop a model law for digital trade and platforms, using the UAE’s legislation as a baseline. UNCITRAL has launched the exploratory phase, highlighting Dubai CommerCity as a leading example of an advanced business ecosystem driving the growth of digital trade.

About the Global Summit on Digital Trade and Digital Platforms

The inaugural session of the Global Summit on Digital Trade and Digital Platforms, launched by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in collaboration with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), featured six panel discussions and a roundtable meeting. The event witnessed wide participation from ministers, government officials, legal experts, private sector innovators, policymakers, and other stakeholders in digital trade and platforms from over 17 countries.

These sessions established a new roadmap for developing a comprehensive and competitive legislative framework for digital trade and platforms at both regional and global levels, leveraging the UAE’s technology-enabled trade laws and aligning with the rapid transformations of the digital economy.

Dubai CommerCity: The ideal hub for digital commerce businesses

European countries are uniting against ultra-fast fashion e-commerce platforms. Eight countries, led by France, have called for a mobilization from Brussels to address the challenges posed by third-country e-commerce platforms, particularly those based in China.

In a joint letter to the European Commission and member states, the eight countries Austria, Belgium, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Hungary, and Poland urged the Commission to strengthen its collective response to what they perceive as “systemic risks” created by platforms like Shein, Temu, and TikTok Shop. The letter, sent to Brussels, emphasizes the need for the European Commission to take decisive action against unfair competition stemming from third-country e-commerce platforms.

“Additional Sanctions Should Be Imposed on Temu and AliExpress”

The European Commission has sent information requests to Shein, which could lead to an official investigation. This request for an inquiry was made by French Minister of Commerce Serge Papin, the initiator of the letter. During the Competition Council meeting in Brussels, Minister Papin stated that this investigation should be supported by temporary measures to mitigate the uncontrolled systemic risks arising from platforms like Shein. He also called for additional sanctions against Temu and AliExpress, urging further action in the ongoing legal proceedings.

Facing the possibility of failure at the national level, France is now calling on the European Commission to act. Earlier this month, the French government attempted to suspend Shein through an administrative procedure but was unsuccessful. A court ruling on the case is expected to be announced on December 19. Addressing systemic risks posed by large platforms falls within the European Union’s jurisdiction.

Call for a “European Tax” on Low-Value E-Commerce Packages

The signatory countries are also calling for strict enforcement of existing laws, such as the Digital Services Act (DSA), to protect consumers and businesses from risks such as illegal product sales or unfair commercial practices. They argue that coordinated efforts are needed to strengthen controls by customs and consumer protection authorities. Furthermore, they urge the European Commission to play a more active role, review current regulations, and, if necessary, enhance online platforms’ obligations.

Finally, the signatories are calling for the introduction of a “European tax” on low-value packages, a measure particularly planned by France at the national level. It is worth noting that EU finance ministers approved the removal of customs duty exemptions for small import packages in mid-November, with the new measure expected to come into effect in the first quarter of 2026.

France to Open and Inspect Every Parcel from Shein as Crackdown on Chinese E-Commerce Escalates

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has taken another significant step toward establishing unified rules for digital trade. The Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) has approved a draft agreement that outlines regulations for e-commerce and updated customs thresholds.

Daniyar Amangeldiev, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, participated in the EEC Council meeting via videoconference. During the session, the Council approved the draft Agreement on Electronic Commerce within the EAEU.

The approved draft aims to create a unified regulatory framework for e-commerce activities across all EAEU member states. The document introduces harmonized approaches to consumer protection, taxation, customs controls, and the movement of goods purchased online. Officials highlight that this step will provide a clearer and more predictable environment for both consumers and sellers.

Establishing Common and Transparent Rules for E-Commerce in the EAEU Internal Market

The agreement aims to facilitate mutual e-commerce within the EAEU, protect the rights and legitimate interests of participants, and define rules of interaction between them. The EEC Council established value thresholds allowing individuals to import e-commerce goods into the EAEU customs territory duty-free up to 200 euros.

The Council also set a unified customs duty rate for electronic goods purchased by individuals 5% of the item’s value, but not less than 1 euro per kilogram, excluding certain specific product categories. Additionally, the Council decided to introduce mandatory labeling for certain food products, perfumes and cosmetics, personal hygiene items, and household chemicals. Member states will independently determine the implementation date and specific procedures for labeling products subject to identification marking.

“Kyrgyzstan Played an Active Role in This Process”

Amangeldiev noted that the draft agreement represents significant progress in harmonizing the union’s digital trade ecosystem and will strengthen cooperation among member states. He emphasized that Kyrgyzstan played an active role in the process and that unified digital trade rules are essential for enhancing economic integration and improving the business environment.

Harmonizing Customs Exemption Thresholds for Cross-Border E-Commerce

One of the key elements of the draft agreement is the unification of customs exemption limits applied to cross-border e-commerce purchases. Currently, these thresholds differ from country to country, resulting in inconsistent processing of online imports. The new framework aims to simplify and standardize the handling of low-value shipments. The EEC Council stated that the proposed limits will strengthen oversight while maintaining convenient access to online purchases for consumers.

Supporting Long-Term Growth of E-Commerce

The draft agreement will now undergo further refinement by member states before it is submitted for final approval and signing. Officials note that the regulation aims to support the long-term growth of e-commerce and establish a more predictable regulatory environment across the region. Once adopted, the agreement is expected to streamline e-commerce processes, improve customs efficiency, and strengthen digital trade cooperation among EAEU member states.

Kyrgyzstan to Launch E-Commerce Park Supporting SMEs & Digital Infrastructure