E-Commerce News & Trends

TikTok Shop Reshapes Spain E-commerce Market

TikTok Shop is rapidly becoming one of the most closely watched forces in Spain’s ecommerce market. According to research cited by TikTok from NielsenIQ, 18.7% of Spanish ecommerce businesses now use TikTok Shop, while the platform has already become the sixteenth-largest online retailer in Spain by sales volume. For a market long shaped by established marketplaces, search-led shopping and traditional retail brands, this marks a significant shift in how online commerce is being built.

Between November 2025 and April 2026, TikTok counted 21,000 local sellers active on TikTok Shop in Spain. The figure is particularly striking when compared with Amazon’s own statement from July 2024 that more than 15,000 Spanish SMEs sell through Amazon. Amazon.es launched in 2011 and welcomed third-party sellers from the beginning, while TikTok Shop has reached this scale in Spain in a much shorter period.

The comparison does not mean TikTok Shop has replaced Amazon in Spain. Amazon remains a dominant ecommerce infrastructure player, especially in logistics, trust, product selection and cross-border selling. However, the speed of TikTok Shop’s seller adoption shows that Spanish merchants are increasingly willing to test social commerce as a serious sales channel rather than treating it only as a marketing platform.

TikTok Shop Spain ecommerce growth highlights the rise of social commerce in European retail

The core difference lies in the shopping journey. Traditional e-commerce is often search-based: consumers enter a marketplace with a specific product in mind. TikTok Shop, by contrast, is built around discovery commerce. Consumers encounter products through short videos, creator recommendations, livestreams and algorithm-driven content. The purchase is not always planned; it can emerge naturally from entertainment, trust and real-time interaction.

This model is especially powerful in categories where visual demonstration, creator credibility and impulse buying matter. Beauty is one of the clearest examples. NIQ has described TikTok Shop as a strategic risk for brands that ignore it, noting that the platform brings discovery, validation and purchase into a single native environment. In Spain, TikTok Shop is reportedly already the seventh-largest online player in the beauty category by trade volume.

The platform’s demographic reach is also notable. While TikTok is often associated with Gen Z, adoption in Spain appears broader. The reported figures show that 23% of Gen Z consumers have purchased through TikTok Shop, compared with 30% of millennials and 40% of Generation X. This suggests that social commerce is no longer limited to younger consumers; it is becoming part of mainstream digital retail behavior.

TikTok has also strengthened its retail infrastructure in Europe. Spain was the first country in continental Europe where TikTok Shop launched, in December 2024. The company has also developed fulfillment capacity through Fulfilled by TikTok, allowing sellers to use TikTok’s services for storage, picking, packing, shipping and returns. This logistics layer is important because it helps transform TikTok Shop from a content-led sales feature into a more complete marketplace ecosystem.

For retailers and brands, Spain is becoming a test case for the future of European ecommerce. The lesson is clear: visibility, conversion and fulfillment are moving closer together. Content is no longer only a tool for awareness; it is becoming the storefront, sales assistant and checkout trigger at the same time.

For marketplaces, this creates a new competitive reality. For brands, it raises a strategic question: should TikTok Shop be managed as a social media channel, a retail channel, or both? The Spanish example suggests that the answer is increasingly both. Social commerce is not replacing ecommerce, but it is changing the rules of customer acquisition, product discovery and online retail growth.

Colombia’s E-Commerce Market Broke a Record; The Number of Digital Transactions Reached 186 Million

Colombia’s e-commerce sector reached one of the highest performances in its history in the first quarter of 2026.

According to data announced by the Colombian Chamber of Electronic Commerce (CCCE), the country’s online commerce volume reached 39.7 trillion Colombian pesos in the first three months of the year. This figure corresponds to approximately $10.8 billion at the current exchange rate.

According to the announced data, while e-commerce sales in Colombia grew by 14.5% compared to the same period last year, the total number of digital transactions reached 186.4 million. Thus, the country recorded its highest e-commerce transaction volume to date in a three-month period.

The Number of Digital Transactions in Colombia Is Growing Faster Than Sales

One of the most striking data points in the report was that growth in the number of transactions outpaced growth in sales volume. While total sales value increased by 14.5%, growth in the number of online transactions reached 22.2%. In particular, the digitalization of daily consumption categories such as grocery shopping, transportation services, bill payments and pharmacy products is cited among the main reasons for the rapid increase in the number of transactions.

Digital Payment Systems Are Transforming the Market

The increase in digital financial inclusion is shown as one of the most important factors behind the growth in Colom bia. According to Banca de las Oportunidades data, the share of adults in the country who have at least one formal financial product or digital account reached 92% as of 2024.

Thus, for the first time in Colombia’s history, the majority of the adult population gained access to the financial infrastructure needed to make online payments. CCCE analysts expect Colombia’s e-commerce sector to show a compound annual average growth of 11% until 2029.

Egypt’s Carpet Giant Oriental Weavers Launches Unified E-Commerce Platform

Oriental Weavers, one of the world’s leading carpet and flooring solutions manufacturers based in Egypt, has launched its new unified e-commerce platform to strengthen its digital trade strategy. The company aims to improve the online customer experience by bringing its different brands and product categories together in a single digital infrastructure.

Thanks to the new platform, users will be able to access carpets, home decoration and different living space products from a single center. The company management states that this step is critically important for its digital growth targets in both local and international markets.

All of Oriental Weavers’ Digital Operations Have Been Gathered on a Single Platform

In the statement made by Oriental Weavers, it was stated that online sales operations previously managed in different systems will now be carried out through a single e-commerce infrastructure. The company’s new platform will have an infrastructure capable of centrally managing product management, order processes, customer experience, digital marketing and logistics operations. Officials emphasized that the unified system will provide significant advantages especially in operational efficiency, stock management and delivery processes.

Online Customer Experience Will Be Strengthened

It was announced that significant investments were also made in user experience with the new platform. Oriental Weavers has launched new digital features so that customers can discover products more easily, filter them and shop faster from mobile devices. The company also aims to increase conversion rates with personalized recommendation systems and an advanced user interface.

In the statement, it was stated that the digital platform is positioned not only as a sales channel, but also as a strategic customer interaction area that strengthens the brand experience.

The Share of E-Commerce Is Increasing

Oriental Weavers management drew attention to the rapid shift of consumer habits to digital and stated that online sales channels are playing an increasingly larger role in the company’s growth. While it was stated that online demand for home decoration and living space products increased significantly especially in the post-pandemic period, it was noted that the company aims to grow its e-commerce revenues with its new platform investment.

It is stated that Oriental Weavers’ new platform move is not limited only to the Egyptian market. The company aims to reach international customers faster and grow its cross-border e-commerce operations thanks to its digital infrastructure.

While it is known that the company exports to more than 150 countries worldwide, it is stated that the new system will provide stronger integration in global customer management and multi-market operations.

Dubai CommerCity Unites E-Commerce Logistics and Customs Processes in a Single Ecosystem

Dubai has signed a new collaboration that will strengthen its cross-border digital trade infrastructure in line with its goal of becoming one of the global e-commerce hubs. Dubai CommerCity, the region’s first free zone focused exclusively on digital commerce, announced that it has established a strategic partnership with Dubai Customs, Dubai Municipality and logistics company NAQEL Express.

Under the new collaboration, it is aimed to accelerate customs processes, optimize logistics operations and create a more integrated digital trade infrastructure for companies engaged in international e-commerce.

Customs and Logistics Processes Are Becoming Digital

Together with the partnership model, it is aimed to process products entering and leaving the United Arab Emirates more quickly, reduce operational bottlenecks and accelerate delivery processes. Digital integration systems will be implemented especially to reduce delays experienced in cross-border e-commerce operations.

Abdulrahman Shahin, Senior Vice President of Operations at Dubai CommerCity, stated that the collaboration would strengthen connectivity within the digital trade ecosystem and used the following statements: “This integration is an important step that will enable seamless operations between free zones, regulatory authorities and logistics providers. We are creating an integrated digital structure that supports companies in scaling faster.” Shahin also emphasized that the project was designed in line with the UAE’s “Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme” vision.

Dubai Customs Will Accelerate Processes

Under the agreement, Dubai Customs will make processes more efficient through advanced digital customs systems. It was stated that the authority will focus especially on reducing paperwork, shortening product transit times and increasing processing speed in international shipments. Officials aim to minimize the operational difficulties faced by online sellers when shipping products to different markets through this system.

Emphasis on Product Safety and Regulation

Dubai Municipality will be responsible for product safety, quality standards and inspection processes. While the authority checks whether imported and exported products comply with health and quality criteria, it will also ensure that processing times proceed quickly. Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafee, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, stated that public and private sector coordination is critically important in regulatory processes. The new model is expected to create a more transparent structure for sellers trying to manage regulatory processes in different countries.

NAQEL Express Will Strengthen Last-Mile Deliveries

NAQEL Express, one of the region’s important logistics companies, will also provide end-to-end transportation and fulfillment services in the project. The company aims to increase delivery reliability with its regional distribution network and last-mile delivery infrastructure.

Dr. Adnan Ibrahim Al Marzooa, Deputy CEO of NAQEL Express, stated that a significant transformation had taken place in the operational model thanks to the integration and made the following statement: “Thanks to this structure, which reduces processing times and automates customs and delivery processes, supply chain efficiency and service quality have increased significantly.”

Cross-Border E-Commerce Is Growing Rapidly in the Gulf Region

According to industry experts, the collaboration is seen as an important part of the Gulf countries’ strategy to gain a larger share from the rapidly growing digital trade market. In the Middle East, cross-border e-commerce has recorded significant growth in recent years with the increase in smartphone use, the spread of digital payment systems and the rise in demand for international brands.

The fact that companies operating under Dubai CommerCity will be able to receive warehousing, customs support, logistics and regulatory consultancy within a single ecosystem is considered an important advantage that could accelerate especially SMEs’ regional growth processes.

Dubai Aims to Become a Regional Digital Trade Hub

The new initiative is expected to make Dubai more attractive for international brands and SMEs seeking to enter the Middle East market. With the simplification of operational processes and the strengthening of delivery infrastructure, it is stated that Dubai aims to become a competitive hub for digital trade companies. Experts agree that integrated digital solutions, fast logistics networks and public-private sector collaborations will play a critical role for success in the e-commerce sector in the future.

Jordanian Youth Launches 2026 World Cup Export Initiative to Promote National Products

A group of young Jordanians living in the United States has launched a new initiative aimed at turning the FIFA World Cup 2026 into a global opportunity for Jordanian exports, tourism, and digital commerce. The project focuses on promoting Jordanian products in the US market through e-commerce platforms, digital campaigns, and partnerships with Arab-American communities.

Jordan Targets Global Visibility Through E-Commerce

Launched from New Jersey, the initiative aims to strengthen the international presence of Jordanian products while leveraging the global attention surrounding Jordan’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Organizers say the campaign is designed to transform the sporting milestone into a long-term economic and branding opportunity for Jordanian businesses.

The initiative is centered around the concept of “economic soft power,” using Jordanian products as a representation of the country’s culture, heritage, and production quality in international markets. The team plans to support local producers by connecting them with consumers in the US through digital commerce channels and targeted marketing strategies.

According to the organizers, the campaign will focus on products that reflect Jordan’s national identity and export potential. These include olive oil, zaatar, dates, spices, herbs, traditional food items, Dead Sea products, handicrafts, and heritage-inspired goods.

Digital Platform to Connect Jordanian Sellers With US Consumers

Ali AlQudah, coordinator of the initiative, stated that the team is currently developing a specialized digital platform that will help Jordanian producers access the US market more efficiently. The platform is expected to support logistics, product promotion, and distribution operations.

The initiative reportedly started with four Jordanian youth volunteers in New Jersey and has now expanded to include entrepreneurs, media professionals, and community members across several US states. Organizers expect participation to increase significantly as the World Cup approaches.

Jordan’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is also expected to create new opportunities for tourism promotion. Organizers believe that introducing consumers to Jordanian products can also encourage interest in destinations such as Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Ajloun, and the Dead Sea.

The initiative highlights the growing role of diaspora communities in supporting cross-border commerce and digital trade while showcasing how major international sporting events can create long-term opportunities for e-commerce and export growth.

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UAE Strengthens Global Position as a Leading Hub for Company Formation

The United Arab Emirates is further strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for company formation, entrepreneurship, and international investment. Driven by pro-business reforms, digital transformation, and innovation-focused economic strategies, the UAE continues to attract startups, investors, and multinational corporations seeking regional and global expansion opportunities.

According to insights shared through the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the UAE’s business-friendly environment and modern regulatory framework are playing a key role in accelerating corporate growth across multiple sectors. Industry experts noted that the country has successfully created an ecosystem that combines ease of doing business, strategic connectivity, and advanced infrastructure.

UAE Strengthens Global Appeal for Entrepreneurs and Investors

The UAE’s geographic position between Europe, Asia, and Africa remains one of its strongest competitive advantages. Combined with world-class airports, logistics networks, and free economic zones, the country offers companies direct access to rapidly growing international markets.

Government initiatives have also contributed significantly to the country’s attractiveness for entrepreneurs. Policies allowing 100% foreign ownership in several sectors, long-term residency options for investors, and streamlined licensing procedures have encouraged global businesses to establish regional headquarters in the UAE.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to lead the country’s innovation and startup ecosystem growth. Financial and technology hubs such as Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and Hub71 are supporting both early-stage startups and established enterprises through funding opportunities, accelerator programs, and international partnerships.

The UAE’s digital economy ambitions are also accelerating investment in sectors including artificial intelligence, fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and smart mobility. Experts believe these industries will play a major role in shaping the country’s next phase of economic growth while strengthening its competitiveness on the global stage.

The country’s strong entrepreneurial performance has been recognized internationally as well. The UAE ranked among the world’s leading countries in entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem development, reflecting its growing influence in the global business landscape.

As global competition for innovation and investment intensifies, the UAE is positioning itself as a long-term hub for entrepreneurs and high-growth companies. Analysts believe the country’s ability to combine regulatory flexibility, advanced infrastructure, and international connectivity will continue driving strong business formation activity in the coming years.

With ongoing investments in technology, digital transformation, and business-friendly reforms, the UAE is expected to further expand its role as a global center for entrepreneurship, company formation, and cross-border trade.

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

China is accelerating its efforts to strengthen the country’s e-commerce ecosystem, with a growing focus on artificial intelligence, cross-border trade, and global digital commerce expansion. The move comes as international competition and regulatory pressure around global e-commerce continue to intensify.

China Prioritizes AI and Cross-Border E-Commerce

Several Chinese government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, recently released new guidance aimed at supporting the high-quality development of the country’s e-commerce sector. The policy highlights “AI-powered e-commerce” and the expansion of cross-border e-commerce as major strategic priorities.

China has remained the world’s largest online retail market for 13 consecutive years, and authorities are now focusing on integrating digital commerce more deeply with the real economy. The guidance encourages platform innovation, international market expansion, overseas procurement networks, and improved global supply-chain infrastructure.

The new framework also supports Chinese companies in establishing overseas warehouses and procurement centers while creating faster import channels for international products entering China. Analysts say the strategy reflects Beijing’s long-term ambition to strengthen its role in global digital trade and cross-border commerce.

Global Digital Trade Faces New Challenges

China’s latest e-commerce push arrives during a period of increasing global debate around digital trade regulation, customs duties, platform responsibility, and product safety standards. European regulators have recently raised concerns over low-value imports and marketplace accountability, especially related to Chinese e-commerce platforms.

At the same time, discussions at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding e-commerce duties have created uncertainty across the global digital economy. Several countries, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea, recently agreed on a separate pact to maintain duty-free digital trade after WTO negotiations failed to reach a broader consensus.

Industry experts believe the future of cross-border e-commerce will increasingly depend on regulatory alignment, platform compliance, data governance, and international cooperation rather than pure growth alone.

Cross-Border E-Commerce Market Continues Rapid Growth

Despite growing geopolitical and regulatory complexity, China’s cross-border e-commerce market is expected to maintain strong momentum over the coming years. Market forecasts project the sector could exceed $300 billion by 2034, driven by AI integration, social commerce, digital payment adoption, and expanding global logistics infrastructure.

Experts say the latest policy direction signals that China aims not only to expand its global e-commerce footprint but also to play a more active role in shaping the future rules of international digital trade.

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Egypt’s First Integrated Digital Automotive E-Commerce Platform

In a landmark development for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) retail technology sector, Valu, Egypt’s leading universal financial technology powerhouse, has partnered with the digital automotive services marketplace, ElTawkeel.com. Executed through Valu’s specialised automotive financing arm, Valu Shift, this strategic alliance marks the official launch of Egypt’s first fully integrated digital automotive e-commerce platform dedicated exclusively to the brand-new car segment.

The groundbreaking initiative introduces a unified ecosystem where customers can browse, compare, book, pay for, and finance a new vehicle within a single, frictionless digital journey.

Overcoming Friction via Seamless Digital Automotive E-Commerce

Traditionally, purchasing a new vehicle in Egypt has been an offline, heavily fragmented process characterized by information ambiguity, tedious paperwork, and prolonged coordination between dealerships and financial institutions. By embedding Valu Shift’s fintech capabilities directly into ElTawkeel.com, the new platform fundamentally resolves these legacy pain points, establishing a high benchmark for the region’s digital automotive e-commerce sector.

The end-to-end digital architecture allows consumers to explore a diverse range of brand-new vehicles, leverage detailed comparison tools, and access transparent, official pricing. Most notably, buyers can now secure financing pre-approval within just one hour, eliminating the logistical bottlenecks that typically stall high-ticket retail transactions.

“This initiative marks an important milestone in further advancing Valu Shift’s role within Egypt’s automotive financing landscape,” said Mostafa El-Sahn, Chief Risk Officer of Valu. “Through our partnership with ElTawkeel.com, Valu Shift enables customers to receive financing pre-approvals within just one hour, delivering a fully digital and documented journey that removes the need to move between multiple entities to complete a vehicle purchase. By embedding financing directly within the new car-buying experience, we are simplifying a traditionally complex process while advancing greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility across Egypt’s automotive market.”

Reorganizing Egypt’s Auto Market Through Digital Automotive E-Commerce

Beyond transactional speed, the platform is designed to structurally transform consumer behavior by offering comprehensive, native value-added services. Alongside flexible financing options, the interface integrates digital insurance solutions, allowing users to choose from competitive packages provided by leading insurance companies in real time.

This holistic approach shifts the industry from standard online listings to a robust digital automotive e-commerce ecosystem tailored specifically for modern, digital-first consumers.

“We are not just launching a car sales e-commerce platform; we are establishing a new model that completely reorganizes the automotive market in Egypt,” stated Ali Shaaban, Founder of ElTawkeel.com. “Our goal is to provide a transparent and integrated buying experience. We believe true digital transformation in this sector requires the integration of sales, financing, and insurance within one system, which is exactly what we have built at ElTawkeel.com.” Shaaban emphasized that Valu’s rapid, adaptable financing engine serves as the vital cornerstone required to build consumer trust and simplify complex multi-party procedures.

Scalable Fintech Backing the Future of Digital Automotive E-Commerce

The initiative relies heavily on Valu’s advanced financial technology stack and massive market footprint. As the first consumer finance-focused fintech company to list on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX: VALU.CA), Valu has maintained an aggressive growth trajectory. The company’s dynamic business model is further validated by a direct equity stake from global e-commerce giant Amazon.com.

Valu’s continuous scaling, including its recent expansion into Jordan under a specialised finance license from the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ), provides the operational stability required to handle high-volume, large-scale transactions on ElTawkeel.com.

As global B2B and B2C retail trends increasingly shift toward embedded finance, this partnership demonstrates how digital marketplaces can successfully capture value in high-value sectors. By combining industry expertise with fintech innovation, Valu and ElTawkeel.com have created a sustainable roadmap for the evolution of digital automotive e-commerce across the wider MENA region.

Shein Reportedly Buys Everlane for $100 Million

In a major development for the global cross-border digital trade sector, fast-fashion powerhouse Shein is reportedly acquiring United States-based apparel retailer Everlane from its majority owner, private equity firm L Catterton. According to initial reports by Puck News and The Information, the transaction values the San Francisco-born direct-to-consumer (DTC) pioneer at approximately $100 million.

The transaction highlights a massive valuation drop compared to the multi-million-dollar heights the brand commanded during the pandemic-era online shopping boom.

The board of Everlane reportedly signed off on the deal on Saturday, May 16, 2026. A note distributed to shareholders indicated that common stockholders will not receive a payout, reflecting a harsh exit for the startup’s early backers. While details remain unconfirmed regarding whether preferred shareholders will receive cash or equity in Shein, the underlying economic factors driving this consolidation are entirely clear.

This buyout is symptomatic of a broader consolidation wave sweeping the modern digital retail landscape. Many digital-first pioneers that flourished during the e-commerce surge of the early 2020s have since struggled to sustain operational momentum amid rising customer acquisition costs, mounting logistics expenses, and cooling macroeconomic consumer demand.

Strategy of Shein

For Shein, the corporate buyout serves multiple strategic objectives beyond simply absorbing a domestic competitor. Historically criticized by global environmental advocates for its hyper-frequent production cycles, absorbing Everlane offers Shein immediate entry into a premium, eco-aware consumer segment. It provides an immediate path to diversifying its massive portfolio into timeless, higher-margin wardrobe staples.

Ultimately, this transaction establishes a definitive precedent for the global retail industry. Brand identity and ethical marketing are no longer a sufficient safety net in a retail downturn if they lack a high-velocity backend logistics engine. This historic e-commerce brand acquisition demonstrates that the future of digital commerce belongs to conglomerates capable of marrying localized brand affinity with heavy-duty algorithmic supply chains.

$45.2B UAE-Türkiye Trade Momentum Drives New KEZAD-Trendyol Logistics Partnership

KEZAD Group and Trendyol Group, Türkiye’s first decacorn and one of the region’s leading e-commerce platforms, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of an e-commerce logistics cluster within KEZAD in Abu Dhabi.

The agreement was signed during the UAE-Türkiye Joint Business Council Forum held in Istanbul, where senior business leaders and government representatives from both countries gathered to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and private-sector cooperation.

The partnership aims to support Trendyol’s regional expansion strategy by leveraging KEZAD’s integrated logistics and industrial ecosystem. Through the proposed collaboration, the companies plan to evaluate opportunities that would enhance supply chain efficiency, accelerate regional distribution capabilities, and improve market access across the Middle East and surrounding markets.

Trendyol currently serves more than 40 million customers and works with approximately 250,000 sellers across its e-commerce ecosystem, offering over 40 million products on its platform. The company has rapidly expanded its international footprint in recent years, positioning itself as one of the most influential technology and e-commerce companies in the region.

UAE-Türkiye Trade Relations Continue to Strengthen Under CEPA

The signing reflects the growing economic relationship between the UAE and Türkiye following the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which continues to accelerate bilateral trade and investment flows between the two countries.

During the forum, Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities and Free Zone and Co-Chair of the UAE–Türkiye Joint Business Council, highlighted the significance of the agreement and emphasized the increasing strength of UAE–Türkiye economic ties.

According to officials, the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade with Türkiye exceeded $45.2 billion in 2025, underlining the rapid growth of commercial cooperation between the two markets.

The UAE delegation participating in the forum was led by H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and included more than 65 business leaders and representatives from Emirati companies.

KEZAD Group stated that the partnership reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a strategic logistics and trade gateway for international companies seeking faster regional market access, resilient supply chains, and integrated distribution infrastructure.

As regional e-commerce and cross-border trade continue to expand, collaborations between major logistics operators and digital commerce platforms are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the Middle East’s supply chain ecosystem.

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