By Dr. Hallow Talabani | Chairman of the Board and CEO, Galina Express

When we launched Galina Express, we weren’t just building a company, we were solving a national problem. Iraq, a country full of promise and potential, lacked the infrastructure to support standard e-commerce. Parcels were delayed or lost, online payments were limited, and international players saw Iraq as too difficult to access. We saw this not as a roadblock, but as an opportunity. Today, we are proud to say that Galina Express is more than a logistics company. We are a digital ecosystem, a combination of e-logistics, e-commerce, and fintech services — designed to make the Iraqi market accessible, seamless, and scalable for everyone.

Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Business

At Galina, we operate with three core pillars: Galina Marketplace, Eagle Post, and Galina FinTech.

Galina Marketplace is an all-in-one platform that connects international sellers from Türkiye, China, GCC, and Europe to the Iraqi consumers. Through our platform, buyers can shop in their local language and currency, while sellers receive secure payouts in theirs. We manage everything in between: product localization, inventory, warehousing, money collection, return handling and customer support.

Our logistics arm, powered by EaglePost, is the official postal service for the Kurdish Regional Government, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. With 80 warehouses, three major sorting hubs, and 5,510 trained delivery agents, we now complete over 45,000 deliveries per day, 77% of them within 24 hours throughout Iraq.

And through Galina FinTech, we’ve tackled the cash-first culture of Iraq with practical, digital solutions. Our Galina Card allow customers to pay online with ease. Meanwhile, international merchants benefit from weekly or customized payout cycles, currency exchange support, and instant reconciliation, all under one roof.

We’ve always believed that for e-commerce to truly take root in Iraq, it needed local solutions, not imports. That’s exactly what we’ve built.

As Galina Express, We Faced Iraq’s Logistics Challenges Head-On

The challenges we faced weren’t small. Iraq has long suffered from limited infrastructure, inconsistent postal services, and complicated customs processes. When we started, people told us it couldn’t be done — that you couldn’t guarantee delivery in 24 hours, that you couldn’t make cash-on-delivery efficient, and that international companies would never trust the system. We’ve proven otherwise.

To address last-mile delivery, we deployed a national fleet supported by smart route mapping. Today, we handle real-time tracking, returns, and support in every province of Iraq. Our operations are staffed by nearly 1,900 full-time employees, all trained to maintain high delivery and service standards.

For warehousing, we established a vast national network capable of holding over 100,000 items at any time only in one of our warehouse. We stock goods based on local demand forecasts, which allows us to offer same-day or next-day delivery with minimal friction.

We also tackled the most difficult pain point: cash-on-delivery. It’s the most used payment method in Iraq, and we knew we couldn’t just replace it — we had to improve it. So, we built a system where our drivers act as trusted payment processors, collecting, reconciling, and refunding payments in real time. And for customers ready to go digital, our fintech tools provide a secure, contactless alternative.

Cross-border logistics was another major issue. Our Istanbul office functions as a key consolidation and customs coordination point, and our customs clearance partner helps fast-track clearance into Iraq. We’ve streamlined the journey for every merchant who once saw Iraq as “too complicated” to consider.

The result? A complete, reliable ecosystem where global sellers can ship to Iraq, get paid, and offer local-level service — all without setting foot in the country.

Scaling Up, and Looking Forward

Right now, we’re in growth mode. The demand is there: Iraq has a young, digitally connected population, a rapidly expanding mobile base, and an increasing appetite for global products. In the short term, we’re focusing on expanding our warehouse network, doubling our delivery volume, and onboarding hundreds of new sellers to Galina Marketplace.

We’re also evolving Galina Card into more than just a payment solution. We’re developing loyalty programs, cashback rewards, and retail integrations. Our vision is a cashless Iraq — and we’re building the tools to help get us there.

Medium-term, we see Galina becoming a regional logistics leader for e-commerce. Iraq is uniquely positioned between the Gulf, Türkiye, and the Levant. We plan to establish faster cross-border corridors to support not just inbound commerce, but exports as well.

Our expansion will also include stronger partnerships with banks and fintechs, joint ventures with technology providers, and even government-backed initiatives to support national digital transformation. We are also working to expand our London office to better serve European brands eager to tap into Iraq’s market. Whether it’s a clothing brand from Milan or an electronics distributor in Dubai, we want to be their trusted gateway to Iraq — handling everything from customs to cash collection.

Why This Mission Matters

Our mission is not just about business growth. It’s about impact. We’re not just delivering goods — we’re delivering trust. In a country that’s seen years of instability, the ability to track a package, pay securely, and get support in your own language builds confidence. It strengthens the economy. It empowers people to participate in global commerce. E-commerce isn’t just about convenience — it’s about inclusion. And for Iraq to take its place in the global digital economy, companies like ours need to take the lead. That’s why we’ve built what we have. And that’s why we’re just getting started.

The future of Iraqi commerce is fast, digital, and connected. We’re proud to say: we’re already delivering it.

After an integration process of approximately 1.5 years, MNG Kargo will continue its operations in Türkiye under the name “DHL eCommerce.” The name change was announced at a launch event held in Istanbul.

Speaking at the press conference, DHL eCommerce Türkiye CEO Kağan Gündüz said, “This strategic step following a successful integration process shows the trust DHL has in us and in Türkiye. The fact that DHL eCommerce considers Türkiye a critical market within the scope of ‘Strategy 2030’ is the clearest expression that the company has long-term growth plans in our country. This transformation should be seen as a major investment move that strengthens Türkiye’s logistics infrastructure.”

Gündüz added: “A global brand entering the Turkish market under its own name is a sign of how strong and future-ready our country’s logistics infrastructure is. By combining MNG Kargo’s years of local expertise with DHL’s global network and logistics competence, we aim to expand Türkiye’s role in international trade and turn our country into a regional logistics hub.”

DHL eCommerce’s €250 Million Investment Plan

Gündüz continued: “Our €250 million investment plan is ongoing. These investments will enable us to establish new transfer centers, develop automation systems, expand our operational network, modernize our vehicle fleet, and focus on sustainable logistics solutions. Our goal is to double our current capacity within the next three years. While we deliver world-class service to 600,000 addresses daily, from one end of Türkiye to the other and in more than 220 countries worldwide, these investments will raise our capacity to 1.2 million parcels per day. Our aim is to further strengthen our operational structure and make Türkiye a regional hub.”

“We Reach More Customers Through Our Global Network”

Explaining the transition to DHL eCommerce following the successful integration process after the 2023 acquisition, Kağan Gündüz said: “We launched new projects that allow our customers to benefit from DHL’s global expertise and operational experience. While we reshape our domestic services with a focus on customer satisfaction, we also partnered with other DHL companies to support our customers who want to engage in cross-border e-commerce and expand into new markets.

In this context, in addition to the domestic shipping solutions we offer, we made it easier for customers looking to sell internationally to deliver their products to end buyers with more competitive prices and faster delivery options. In the upcoming period, we will continue to provide world-class service to our customers, backed by DHL’s global power.”

Providing Employment to Over 50,000 People

DHL eCommerce, which will continue under its own brand in Türkiye, operates in domestic parcel transportation not only in Türkiye but also in several European countries, the United States, and select Asian countries, particularly India. Also offering cross-border e-commerce solutions, DHL eCommerce continues to provide its customers with reliable, flexible, and high-quality logistics services thanks to this strong operational network.

With more than 50,000 employees, over 26,000 vehicles, and 8 cargo aircraft worldwide, DHL eCommerce transported more than 1.8 billion shipments in 2024. The company is a global logistics leader that offers customized e-commerce solutions tailored to individual and corporate customer needs, simplifying delivery processes.

No Changes in Shipment Process Due to Name Change

Following MNG Kargo’s decision to continue operations in Türkiye under the name DHL eCommerce, a major brand transformation operation is underway across the country. All necessary precautions have been taken to ensure no disruption in the shipping process during this transition.

Accordingly:

• With the brand transformation, MNG Kargo’s name and logo on all branches and vehicles will gradually be replaced with the DHL eCommerce name and logo. MNG Kargo’s more than 850 branches, 28 transfer centers (7 of which are technological hubs), 14 regional directorates, over 4,100 vehicles, and more than 11,000 employees and business partners will operate under the DHL eCommerce brand.
• The shipment process will continue in the same way under DHL eCommerce as it did under MNG Kargo. Customers will be able to send parcels online through the Individual Online Shipment option or by visiting the nearest DHL eCommerce branch.
• Tracking shipments previously made under the MNG Kargo brand will now be carried out via the DHL eCommerce website, where customers can easily follow real-time updates on the status of their shipments.
• DHL eCommerce’s move in Türkiye also represents a strong contribution to the country’s economy. Investments in the sector’s infrastructure aim to directly support employment growth and contribute to Türkiye’s trade volume by offering competitive advantages to producers and exporters. This new structure, which reaches every corner of Türkiye and more than 220 countries worldwide, lays the foundation for a success story that spans from local to global.

About DHL eCommerce Türkiye

DHL eCommerce Türkiye was established through the brand transformation process of MNG Kargo, which became part of the DHL Group in October 2023. Operating across Türkiye with over 850 branches, 28 transfer centers, more than 4,100 vehicles, and over 11,000 employees, the company combines DHL’s global logistics strength with MNG Kargo’s local expertise to provide fast, reliable, and sustainable parcel solutions for individual and corporate customers. DHL eCommerce is a global business unit of DHL Group focused on e-commerce transportation, operating in more than 15 countries and employing over 50,000 people.

With its Türkiye operations, DHL eCommerce completes its European delivery network and aims to strengthen Türkiye’s logistics infrastructure and position the country as a regional distribution hub through end-to-end solutions and technology investments. It also contributes to the Turkish economy by supporting local companies in entering global markets through its e-export solutions.

About DHL

DHL is the world’s leading brand in the logistics industry. Its divisions offer a unique portfolio of logistics services ranging from domestic and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express shipping, road, air, and ocean freight to industrial supply chain management.

With around 400,000 employees in over 220 countries and territories, DHL enables global, sustainable trade flows by securely and reliably connecting people and businesses. Through specialized solutions for fast-growing markets and sectors such as technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, automotive, and retail, DHL maintains a strong position as “The logistics company for the world.”

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenue of approximately €84.2 billion in 2024. Through sustainable business practices and its commitment to society and the environment, DHL Group contributes positively to the world. The Group continues to work toward its goal of zero-emission logistics by 2050.

The Bulgaria-based marketing and e-commerce agency Mediaposte Hit Mail aims to expand its services across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). In 2025, it plans to expand to Türkiye, North Macedonia, and Serbia, offering its comprehensive services in these countries. Since its growth in 2005, the company sees great potential, especially in the Western Balkans region. Mediaposte Hit Mail Bulgaria Country Manager Hristo Radichev shared the company’s goals with WORLDEF E-COMMERCE magazine.

Hristo Radichev said, “Our group has two brands in Bulgaria. Mediaposte Hit Mail Bulgaria is a full-service marketing and ecommerce agency based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Metrica is a fulfillment operator and customer service provider. We are part of the French group La Poste.” ifadelerini kullandı.

“We aim to expand our services across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), including Türkiye.”

He also shared the following information regarding the question, “What are your goals, mission, vision, and objectives in Europe?”; “We have an impressive range of services for ecommerce brands, including digital marketing, email marketing, full serviced cross-border expansion, orders fulfillment, and call center. These services are designed to help businesses get more sales, engage more customers, and achieve much better, measurable results. The mission is to provide clients with fully measurable and improved results for their marketing campaigns, utilizing data-driven strategies and innovative approaches.

The vision focuses on building the most reliable marketing agency team in the region, delivering superior return on investment for clients through effective communication channels and top quality logistics infrastructure. Our objectives include expanding our services across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), including Türkiye. In short, we help ecommerce merchants jump from their local market to others and reduce time to market with at least 6 months.”

“The transport is quite expensive, the timeframe for delivery is very long, and there are customs involved”

According to the information provided by Mediaposte Hit Mail Bulgaria Country Manager Hristo Radichev, Mediaposte Hit Mail Bulgaria currently serves more than 10 EU countries. Its most active markets are Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. For 2025, the company aims to expand to Türkiye, North Macedonia, and Serbia, offering the same comprehensive services. Regarding this, Radichev shared the following information:

“We see a great potential in the Western Balkans region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), where there are plenty of people having issues with online orders from merchants abroad. The transport is quite expensive, the timeframe for delivery is very long, and there are customs involved. Our team has worked hard in the last 3 years to provide a good solution for all these challenges and in 2025 we will start offering all these services to merchants interested in the region.

What does Mediaposte Hit Mail Bulgaria promise to e-commerce companies?

It provides time, resource, and cost savings for companies. They have strong experience in areas such as performance-focused digital marketing, email automation, creative solutions, end-to-end product information management, technical integrations, order fulfillment, last-mile delivery, and customs procedures. Their network of partners for fulfillment and logistics currently covers more than 15 EU countries and continues to grow. The company is well aware of the challenges faced by e-commerce retailers looking to expand abroad, and it has solutions for each of them.

“We are also ready to help Turkish retailers sell directly or via marketplaces to the EU”

Radichev continued as follows; “We are also ready to help Turkish retailers sell directly or via marketplaces to the EU. All this without the hassle of establishing a local company, dealing with shipping companies, customs, or last mile delivery couriers. They don’t have to change their operations in any way. All we need from them is just to give us their well structured and accurate products’ data.

Then we help them spread it across various sales channels, like ecommerce websites and marketplaces. The merchants get all the orders in one place through a convenient platform. Then they just have to prepare the parcels and ship them. We take care of the rest, including payments, customs, last mile delivery, returns management etc.”

Hristo Radichev stated that they currently do not have any goals in the Gulf region due to the long distance that needs to be covered. He also said, “However, we offer an online platform that makes product information management, logistics and customs clearance smooth and much easier. This could be quite interesting for any company in the Gulf region dealing with cross-border sales.

 “The digital team is managing 6-digits monthly budgets across 10+ countries in Europe”

Hristo Radichev said the following about the company’s experienced team: “All of them are remarkable experts in their field. The digital team is managing 6-digits monthly budgets across 10+ countries in Europe. The cross-border team has helped many e-retailers grow big much faster than expected in new countries.

The orders fulfillment team has processed millions of parcels in the last few years. All of them are focused, enthusiastic, and practical people. They are ready to share their know-how to our ecommerce customers in order to help them avoid common mistakes, scale up their sales, and save both time and money during their business expansion.”

“We realized that the WORLDEF team is truly amazing”

Finally, Radichev made the following assessment about the collaboration with WORLDEF: “We collaborate with WORLDEF since 2022, when we visited the event in Istanbul for the first time. The team is really amazing, helping us not only to set up properly our expo stand, but to meet new potential clients and partners from different countries. The growth of the event is truly remarkable in the last few years. I can only encourage WORLDEF to dream even bigger and to keep being a top benchmark for all ecommerce-related forums worldwide.”

About Mediaposte Hit Mail

Mediaposte Hit Mails is a company with a rich history in Bulgaria. It was founded in 2005 under the name “Hit Mail” as a specialized agency for direct marketing. In 2009 the French group La Poste acquired a majority stake and renamed it to “Mediaposte Hit Mail”. Since 2010 a number of new services have been added, mainly in the field of digital marketing: email marketing (sending email broadcast and newsletter), PPC advertising, development and optimization of landing pages, management of promotional campaigns and loyalty programs, etc.

In 2014 the company was already 100% owned by the French group. In 2015 the owner of “Mediaposte Hit Mail” also acquired a majority stake in the firm “Metrica”. The new company in the group specializes in call-center services (telemarketing, customer service, info-lines, etc.) and fulfilment for e-shops. Since 2018 Mediaposte Hit Mail is a member of the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRCCI).

Founded in 2025 by Jennifer Cohen Solal and Riad Djabri, the Hushday offers consumers access to surplus stock of luxury and premium brands through an invitation-only model. It allows brands to maintain control over their pricing and positioning.

The startup, designed with a focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, offers a solution that provides exclusivity, experience, and execution for both brands and consumers. The platform is strategically built to allow brands to conduct curated sales and reach valuable new audiences in an environment with high conversion rates.

Launching on May 2!

Hushday, the region’s first premium sales platform, has secured a pre-seed investment of $550,000 (2 million AED) from regional tech investors. The platform will be accessible exclusively via invitation in the UAE starting May 2, 2025. The startup plans to expand to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait by 2026. Additionally, it aims to develop a new channel for the growth of luxury and premium brands in the Middle East.

Jennifer Cohen Solal, Co-Founder and CEO of Hushday, said, “We are not trying to solve the stock problem. Our goal is to open a new and scalable growth path that allows brands to reach a young, price-sensitive, digital-first audience without compromising their identity.”

About Hushday: Exclusivity, Experience, Excellence

Global luxury brands have faced challenges in key markets like China in recent years. Consumer behaviors across the GCC are shifting towards value-driven, digitally-first experiences. In this context, Hushday aims to reshape premium retail for a new generation of shoppers and brands.

The startup draws inspiration from models like Veepee and Gilt in Europe. This GCC-focused, locally designed model offers exclusivity, experience, and excellence for those seeking more. The platform provides members with access to limited-time sales in categories such as fashion, beauty, accessories, electronics, home goods, and entertainment. Each sale is designed to be personalized, mobile-first, and geared towards creating rarity and excitement.

The founding team of Hushday has deep expertise in fashion, e-commerce, technology, and operations. They also have a proven track record of scaling high-growth businesses in Europe and the Middle East.

JAFZA to Strengthen UAE’s Logistics Infrastructure with $24.5 Million Investment

Following the Lunar New Year, air cargo volume from China to the US experienced a sharp decline. According to data tracking organization WorldACD, a weekly decrease of 20% was recorded at the end of January, followed by an additional 28% drop at the beginning of February. On an annual basis, tonnage decreased by 41%. WorldACD reported that air cargo volumes from China and Hong Kong to the US had declined for four consecutive weeks; during the week ending April 20 (Week 16), volumes fell by 7% compared to the previous week.

“E-Commerce Shipment Volume Dropped by 50%”

WorldACD also shared the following information: “Compared to Week 16 of last year, total traffic from China and Hong Kong to the US has dropped by 16%. In contrast, shipments from the entire Asia-Pacific region to the US only declined by 3%. This was due to strong exports from countries such as Vietnam (up 42%), Taiwan (up 30%), Thailand (up 24%), and Japan (up 12%). These figures do not include increased charter activities.”

Overall, e-commerce shipment volume has fallen by about 50% since mid-April compared to the same period last year. This decline in air cargo coincided with the US government’s suspension of the Section 321 “de minimis” exemption, which allowed low-value goods from China to enter duty-free.

Air Cargo Charter Flights Canceled

In response to the drop in demand, many e-commerce platforms and logistics providers canceled their charter flights. Global logistics company Dimerco reported ongoing cancellations of BSAs (block space agreements) and charters, particularly for shipments to the US, due to excess capacity relative to demand. The Loadstar described the market as “complete chaos” and added that Chinese shippers, due to falling air cargo rates, were looking to move from contracted rates to spot rates.

“Many Companies Avoid Placing New Orders”

Kathy Liu, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Dimerco Express, stated: “Many shippers have entered a wait-and-see mode for shipments to the US. Due to uncertainty surrounding new tariffs between the US and China, many companies are avoiding placing new orders. Interestingly, however, demand out of Southeast Asia and Taiwan has remained relatively stable. We believe this is likely due to the 90-day tariff exemption granted by the US government for shipments from this region. This provides shippers there with a breathing space.”

Shift Toward Southeast Asia

As trade tensions between the US and China escalate, companies are restructuring their supply chains. German container shipping company Hapag-Lloyd announced that 30% of shipments from China to the US have been canceled and that demand is shifting toward Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia. This trend reflects businesses’ efforts to diversify production bases and reduce dependence on China.

Fluctuations in Air Cargo Will Continue!

Industry experts predict that fluctuations in the air cargo market will continue.
The combination of declining e-commerce demand, changing trade policies, and restructured supply chains suggests that the current downturn may persist in the short term.

Stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, noting that further disruptions could occur if trade tensions increase or if demand fails to recover. This situation once again highlights the fragility of global supply chains and the need to adapt to changing economic and geopolitical conditions.

“De Minimis” Exemption Expected to End on May 2

The “de minimis” exemption applicable to goods from China and Hong Kong is expected to end on May 2. Meanwhile, the US has implemented customs duty exemptions for smartphones and other technology products imported from China. These products are typically transported via air cargo.

Trump Administration Ends Duty-Free Status for E-Commerce Shipments from China

euShipments offers premium logistics and cross-border delivery solutions specifically designed for e-commerce businesses. By simplifying cross-border e-commerce, the company supports online merchants in growing within the European markets.

With a vision to become the essential logistics partner for e-commerce in Europe, euShipments strives to deliver efficiency and scalability in every aspect of its services. It aims to offer innovative solutions such as Returns Management, Cash-on-Delivery (COD), Refunds, and logistics operations that enhance the online user experience. We spoke with Vichren Bisset, CCO and Board Member of euShipments, about the brand’s story.

“Our logistics and fulfillment network covers over 27 European countries”

Vichren Bisset shared the following regarding the countries they currently serve and their target markets: “Currently, our fulfillment and logistics network covers over 27 European countries, enabling our clients to penetrate diverse and dynamic markets. We operate with 15 fulfillment centers strategically located across Europe and partner with 60+ last-mile couriers, offering the impressive over 800 delivery methods. In the near future, we aim to further strengthen our presence in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) while exploring growth opportunities in Western European markets.”

“We aim to support Gulf-based online merchants in establishing their e-commerce presence in Europe”

Bisset also shared the company’s goals regarding the Gulf region: “While our primary focus is Europe, we are open to exploring partnerships and expansion opportunities that align with the needs of our over 1000 clients. Also, we aim to support Gulf-based online merchants in establishing and expanding their eCommerce presence in Europe. Our tailored fulfillment and delivery solutions ensure Gulf eCommerce businesses can meet the expectations and preferences of European online users and grow their market share effectively.”

The services euShipments offers to e-commerce brands

• Warehousing and inventory management
• Cross-border deliveries with optimized transit times via 60+ integrated carriers
• Cash-on-Delivery (COD) solutions with daily payouts in multiple currencies and to diverse bank/fintech accounts
• Returns management, including automated pickup requests and locker drop-offs
• Real-time tracking and customer support

Vichren Bisset said, “Our services enable online merchants to expand into new markets, improve their operational efficiency, and enhance the customer experience. By taking care of logistics complexities, we allow merchants to focus on growing their businesses.”

“We have strategically grown by acquiring key e-commerce fulfillment and logistics companies in Europe”

Bisset stated, “Our team at euShipments.com is a dynamic mix of eCommerce logistics experts, IT specialists, and customer service professionals dedicated to delivering tailored eCommerce solutions. We have built a culture of innovation and problem-solving, ensuring that we provide the right logistics services to meet the unique needs of our clients. In recent years, euShipments.com has strategically expanded by acquiring key eCommerce fulfillment and logistics companies across Europe.

The combined experience of euShipments.com and its acquired companies – Croatian Pick&Pack, Romanina Helpship, and Slovak Swiss Point Data, exceeds 40 years in the eCommerce logistics industry. This extensive expertise enables us enhancing our logistics network and service offerings, providing client-centric custom solutions that meet the diverse needs of eCommerce businesses.”

Finally, euShipments CCO and Board Member Vichren Bisset said the following: “Our collaboration with WORLDEF has been extremelly useful in reaching new audiences and fostering connections within the global eCommerce ecosystem. As our dear partner, WORLDEF has provided us with valuable platform to share insights, engage with eCommerce professionals, and showcase our expertise. Together, we are contributing to the growth of eCommerce by promoting innovative logistics solutions and supporting online merchants in achieving their expansion goals. We look forward to strengthening this partnership further.”

Amazon FBA fees were increased in 2023. In March 2025, Amazon made a change to the fees for consumers in Germany. In order to encourage box-free returns, customers who returned a product with a box were required to pay a fee.

Amazon has announced that it will reduce FBA fees. The fee adjustment to be made for online sellers covers a large portion of products in the clothing, accessories, backpack, and handbag categories. No information was provided on how much sellers will save in these categories or which products will be affected by this change.

“Package size and unit weight will be taken into account in Amazon FBA fees”

Previously, the higher value between unit weight and dimensional weight was used in FBA calculations. In a statement from Amazon, it was noted that shipping and packaging fees will now be calculated using a different method, saying, “As of May 15, 2025, we will calculate Amazon FBA fees for products in these categories based only on package size category and unit weight.”

According to the regulation, along with the existing 16 package size categories, 7 new package sizes will be added for the designated categories. In addition, products with high return rates will be exempt from the previously introduced return processing fee. This will apply to backpack and handbag products. Return processing fees collected for products in these categories since February 1 will now be removed or refunded. The Amazon FBA fee changes will apply in European markets.

Germany-based logistics company DHL has made a significant decision within the scope of new regulations enacted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection on April 5. Accordingly, formal entry procedures are now mandatory for all shipments with a customs value exceeding $800. This situation directly affects the company’s operations.

DHL: The shipment of B2C deliveries will be temporarily suspended

In a statement regarding the matter, DHL Express noted that multi-day delays were occurring in packages sent to the U.S. due to increased customs procedures and stated that, to ease this burden, high-value shipments directed to individual consumers (B2C) would be temporarily halted.

The company’s statement included the following: “This change has led to an increase in formal customs procedures, which are being carried out by us 24/7. Although we are working intensely to manage this increase, shipments exceeding $800 — regardless of origin — may experience delays lasting several days. In order to manage this situation, as of Monday, April 21, 2025, until further notice, the shipment of goods with a declared value exceeding $800 to individual consumers (B2C) in the U.S. will be temporarily suspended.”

B2B Shipments Will Continue

The decision only covers shipments made to individual recipients. Business-to-business (B2B) shipments will continue. However, it was stated that delays may occur in these shipments as well. Shipments with a declared value under $800 will not be affected by this practice. DHL announced that shipments falling under the scope of the new practice will not be collected as of April 21 and will be temporarily suspended until further notice.

Tension Originating from Hong Kong

On the other hand, recently, Hongkong Post also took a similar step by announcing that it had suspended shipments to the U.S. via sea route. The institution described the U.S. decision to revoke duty-free trade privileges for packages arriving from China and Hong Kong as “bullying.”

DHL, however, stated that shipments originating from Hong Kong will continue to be processed in compliance with U.S. customs regulations and that they will support their customers in adapting to this process. The new regulation is expected to have serious effects on the global e-commerce chain, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses and individual consumers.

As of April 5, 2025, formal entry procedures are now required for all shipments sent to the U.S. with a declared customs value exceeding $800. This threshold was previously set at $2,500. This change was made due to the new U.S. customs regulations.

DHL and Temu Sign Memorandum of Understanding

This move by Quiqup is supported by the strategic backing of the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF). This support will help the company expand its operations and double its business volume over the past two years.

Founded in the UAE in 2017, Quiqup offers comprehensive logistics services focused on SMEs. The company provides warehousing, sorting, packaging, and delivery services. With this expansion into Saudi Arabia, commercial customers in the Kingdom will now have access to Quiqup’s reliable and efficient order fulfillment services.

“Our strong track record in the UAE forms a solid foundation for our operations in Saudi Arabia”

Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Support Services Sector at the UAE Ministry of Finance and MBRIF Ministry Representative, said the following on the matter: “Quiqup’s journey demonstrates how strategic support, when combined with innovation and market expertise, can support a company’s growth and create meaningful economic impact.”

Quiqup CEO Bassel El Koussa said, “Our expansion into Saudi Arabia was the natural next step in line with the evolving needs of our customers. In response to the increasing demand for seamless cross-border logistics solutions, we are proud to offer our services to neighboring markets. We view the GCC as a connected e-commerce ecosystem, where operational efficiency in one market boosts overall regional performance. Our strong track record in the UAE forms a solid foundation for our operations in Saudi Arabia.”

Quiqup doubled its business volume within two years

Thanks to MBRIF support, Quiqup scaled its operations and doubled its business volume within two years. It also grew its customer base by 77% annually between 2023 and 2024. Since 2021, the company has increased its number of customers 25-fold. Quiqup is on track to reach profitability in the fourth quarter of 2025. In 2024, Quiqup facilitated a trade volume of AED 580 million. Thus, it further solidified its role in strengthening the e-commerce supply chain. Quiqup also plans to expand into other markets within the GCC.

Saudia Cargo Focuses on E-Commerce with New Asia-Europe Route

Saudia Cargo’s new cargo flights will be operated twice a week between Liège Airport (LGG) in Belgium and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) in China. Saudia Cargo’s direct flights from LGG to Dammam started on April 3. The company has increased the total number of weekly flights departing from Liège to 11.

The airline will also operate a weekly cargo flight from LGG to King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia. The China flights are offered particularly in cooperation with e-commerce platforms, e-commerce sellers, and logistics providers. The airline has a cargo fleet consisting of seven “Boeing 747” and one “Boeing 777.”

“New Routes Support the Growth of the E-Commerce Sector”

In a statement from Saudia Cargo on the subject, it was said: “This strategic move aims to expand our global network and support the rapid growth of the e-commerce sector and trade between Asia and Europe via the Kingdom in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals.” It was also stated: “This highlights the company’s strong presence in the European continent and its role in the transportation of shipments requiring fast delivery.”

“Supports Saudi Arabia’s Position as a ‘Global Logistics Hub’”

Marwan Niazi, Senior Vice President of Commercial at Saudia Cargo, said: “These new strategic routes offer promising opportunities for our customers, contributing to the shaping of a new global trade era between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia while supporting Saudi Arabia’s position as a ‘global logistics hub’.”

Niazi also added: “The addition of the Liège and Zhengzhou routes will be a game changer in our operations. This will not only increase our capacity to meet the growing demand in the region but also further strengthen our position as one of the leading global air cargo companies. This expansion will allow us to offer advanced solutions that support the sustainable growth of our customers and partners and reflect our commitment to mutual success.”

Saudia Cargo Receives CEIV Fresh Certification

Meanwhile, the new flights of the Saudi air cargo company marked the second announcement the company made this week. Saudia Cargo has also been awarded IATA’s CEIV Fresh certification to support its growing operations in the transportation of perishable products. This certificate confirms the airline’s competence in transporting temperature-sensitive perishable products in accordance with IATA’s globally recognized standards.

DHL eCommerce enters Saudi Arabian market