According to new forecasts published by the Asian Development Bank, Azerbaijan’s e-commerce market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, with revenues projected to nearly double by 2027. The projections place Azerbaijan among the leading e-commerce markets in the Central Asia region.

The Asian Development Bank projected that Azerbaijan’s e-commerce revenues would rise from $1.762 billion in 2022 to approximately $3.5 billion in 2027. The estimates reported by Report with reference to ADB data pointed to sustained momentum supported by the expansion of internet usage, the adoption of digital payment systems, and broader access to online retail platforms.

E-Commerce Revenues in China Are Forecast at $2.3 Trillion

According to the bank’s analysis, this level of growth would place Azerbaijan fourth among the countries participating in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC). During the same period, only Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and China are expected to generate higher e-commerce revenues.

ADB data showed that Kazakhstan’s e-commerce revenues were forecast to reach approximately $6 billion, while Pakistan’s market was expected to reach $8.1 billion. China, with an estimated revenue of around $2.3 trillion, continues to remain by far the largest market, reflecting its global dominance in digital commerce.

An Increase in the Number of E-Commerce Users in Azerbaijan Is Expected

In addition to revenue projections, the Asian Development Bank also shared its expectations regarding user growth in Azerbaijan’s e-commerce sector. The number of e-commerce users in the country is expected to reach 3.9 million by 2025. According to the projections, this figure will remain at the same level in 2026 and then increase slightly to 4 million in 2027.

These projections indicated that the pace of new user acquisition may slow in the medium term, but that increases in spending per user and the expansion of online product and service diversity would continue to support overall market growth. This trend was assessed as being consistent with regional patterns observed in maturing digital markets, where rapid user growth gives way to deeper engagement and higher transaction values.

Azerbaijan Will Rank Fourth in CAREC by E-Commerce Revenues

ADB’s forecasts also revealed Azerbaijan’s increasing role within the CAREC region. Within the CAREC framework, which aims to promote economic cooperation and development across the region, Azerbaijan’s projected fourth-place ranking in e-commerce revenues is expected to strengthen the country’s position as an emerging digital trade hub in the South Caucasus.

The bank’s analysis drew attention to the uneven but accelerating development of e-commerce across CAREC countries. While large markets such as China continue to dominate overall volumes, mid-sized economies such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are expected to record the fastest relative growth rates due to improvements in infrastructure, logistics, and digital payment ecosystems.

The E-Commerce Sector in Azerbaijan Will Reach 4 Million Users

ADB projections emphasized the growing importance of e-commerce within Azerbaijan’s broader digital economy. Growth in online retail is expected to support small and medium-sized enterprises, expand consumer choice, and contribute to the diversification of the economy beyond traditional sectors.

While the forecasts focused on revenue and user metrics, the bank’s broader assessments of regional digital development pointed to the importance of supportive regulations, cross-border connectivity, and investments in logistics and payment systems. These factors were noted as being critical to sustaining growth and ensuring that rising e-commerce activity translates into broader economic benefits.

Overall, the Asian Development Bank’s outlook indicated that Azerbaijan’s e-commerce sector would reach approximately $3.5 billion in revenue and 4 million users by 2027, reinforcing its position among the leading digital markets in the CAREC region.

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