Bol.com has opened its doors to e-commerce sellers outside the European Union (EU). Accordingly, the first 100 sellers are expected to join the platform in 2025. The company emphasizes that it will apply strict quality controls, especially for products coming from countries such as China. Products must be stored within Europe.
Unlike the five largest e-commerce markets in Europe, Amazon is not the market leader in the Netherlands and Belgium. Bol has maintained its leadership in both countries for years. The platform has a trade volume of €5.9 billion, revenues of €3.1 billion, and an operating profit (EBITDA) of €185 million. However, Amazon is closing the gap.
Bol Opened to EU Sellers in 2011
Bol opened its platform to third-party sellers in 2011. The number of partners—first from the Netherlands and Belgium, then from other European countries—exceeded 50,000. At one point, about two-thirds of Bol’s total trade volume came from these third-party sellers. In recent years, this ratio dropped to half, along with a slight decline in the number of partners. Like Amazon, Bol also offers services in areas such as logistics and advertising.
On the other hand, Bol is increasingly facing pressure from international e-commerce competition, especially from China. In response, the market leader is now opening its platform to non-EU sellers.
“We Don’t See a Major Direct Impact from Foreign Competitors’ Growth”
Oscar Hundman, Bol’s Director of E-Commerce, said in a statement, “We are doing quite well.” He added: “When we look at ourselves, we don’t currently see a major direct impact from the growth of foreign competitors. However, we do notice that there is a change in the market, and we want to be part of this change.”
Regarding the broader expansion of the platform, Hundman said: “We see that consumer needs are changing. People are increasingly aware that great products are available all around the world. We want to respond to this and eliminate any reason for consumers to turn to other platforms—especially those that sell poor-quality products.”
“Quality Is Not a Promise—It Is a Requirement”
Hundman stated that Bol is not aiming to add a large number of new products or sellers all at once. Instead, the company wants to expand its range with products not currently available on the site. He emphasized the importance of the quality of both sellers and products, noting that storing products in Europe is mandatory: “For us, quality is not a promise—it is a requirement. That’s why we can’t open the platform completely at this stage.”
According to Hundman, opening to high-quality sellers outside the EU will help Bol “remain as local as possible in the eyes of consumers.” “As long as customers keep coming to us to shop, we can keep much larger competitors at bay.”
In the rapidly evolving world of e-commerce shaped by digital transformation, standing out requires more than robust infrastructure—it also calls for compelling leadership stories. Nolsa.com, one of Türkiye’s emerging e-commerce brands, is a prime example of this principle. Behind the company’s success stands General Manager Sevda Akçaoğlu, a visionary leader whose approach blends innovation, strategy, and human focus.
A Vision-Driven Transformation
Nolsa.com was launched in 2022 as a marketplace focused on the electrical and electronics category. From the beginning, the company’s mission was clear: to support small businesses. By offering lower commission rates and faster payment terms, they provided a solution to manufacturers burdened by high fees and long payment cycles.
“One of our biggest goals is to strengthen the competitiveness of small businesses. Supporting them means contributing to the national economy.” – Sevda Akçaoğlu
This local focus was soon reinforced through collaborations with major brands. The next strategic goal was global expansion—leading Nolsa to develop digital infrastructures and export panels aimed at introducing Turkish manufacturers to international markets.
With a background spanning finance, marketing, and operations management, Akçaoğlu has cultivated a forward-thinking leadership style. For her, success is not solely measured by sales volume but by delivering value to customers and building long-term trust.
“Success is not just about managing today—it’s about foreseeing the future and starting to build it now.”
In team management, she emphasizes transparency, fairness, and responsibility. Her ability to think solution-oriented during crises sets her apart as a modern and adaptive leader.
An AI-Powered E-Commerce Ecosystem
At Nolsa, artificial intelligence is not seen as a mere tool but as the core of the business model. From customer experience to operations, AI is integrated into every facet of the company’s processes:
Enhancing product descriptions with unique, AI-generated content
Generating visual blog summaries using AI
Adding frequently searched questions to category pages
Optimizing Excel-based reporting processes
Developing intelligent recommendation engines
These technological investments not only improve customer satisfaction but also enhance operational efficiency and support sustainable growth.
“We don’t see AI as just a tool—we see it as an inseparable part of our business processes.” – Sevda Akçaoğlu
Sources of Inspiration and Lifestyle
Akçaoğlu draws inspiration from visionary leaders like Elon Musk and finds motivation in the success stories of Turkish entrepreneurs. Despite a busy schedule, she prioritizes exercise and spending time with her family.
Her daily routine includes morning planning sessions, managing various company operations throughout the day, and keeping up with industry developments in the evenings. Thinking about new business ideas has become a personal passion.
Future Plans and Global Vision
In the short term, Akçaoğlu aims to strengthen her brands’ position in Türkiye by enhancing customer satisfaction and delivering innovative solutions. Her long-term goals include expanding Onvec globally and investing in high-value technology projects, especially in areas like artificial intelligence and IoT.
“Our biggest goal ahead is to take the success we’ve achieved in Türkiye and replicate it in international markets. We’re developing localized strategies tailored to each region’s dynamics.”
A Leader at the Intersection of Technology, People, and Vision
Sevda Akçaoğlu’s leadership is more than a company success story—it represents a holistic management model that fuses technology, customer experience, and human focus. Under her vision, Nolsa.com is not just keeping up with industry trends; it’s actively shaping them.
Who is Nolsa.com CEO Sevda Akçaoğlu?
Sevda Akçaoğlu studied at both Kocaeli University and Anadolu University, gaining knowledge and experience across multiple disciplines. From her university years onward, she showed a keen interest in commerce and entrepreneurship—experiences from that period played a pivotal role in shaping her career path.
Her first professional experience began at Next & Nextstar, where she learned the importance of building a strong brand in the technology sector. The knowledge she gained there provided valuable insights that would later guide her as she founded her own ventures.
Akçaoğlu has worked across various industries, including e-commerce, smart home systems, and electronics. These diverse experiences helped her build a broad and adaptable skillset.
One of her most transformative experiences was founding the brand Onvec. The challenges she faced in both production and sales enhanced her ability to manage operations and develop strategic solutions. A major milestone in her career was when Onvec began selling on Amazon US—marking a significant step toward global competitiveness.
According to the statistical bulletin issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) in May 2025, e-commerce sales across the country made using Mada cards reached around SAR 70 billion (approximately USD 18.5 billion) in the first quarter of the year.
This figure marks the highest level ever recorded for e-commerce sales in Saudi Arabia. The bulletin indicates an annual growth of 56 percent and an increase of approximately SAR 25 billion compared to SAR 44.4 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.
Number of E-Commerce Transactions in Saudi Arabia Exceeds 370 Million
According to the report, the number of e-commerce transactions carried out using Mada cards exceeded 370 million during the specified period. During the same period, sales grew by 26 percent on a quarterly basis, increasing by around SAR 14 billion compared to SAR 55 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024.
On a monthly basis, e-commerce sales made via Mada in May amounted to approximately SAR 28 billion. This figure was SAR 23 billion in April, marking an 18 percent increase. The number of e-commerce transactions exceeded 147 million.
The data showed a cumulative growth of 31.3 percent for the January–May 2025 period, with an increase of approximately SAR 6.5 billion compared to SAR 20.9 billion in January.
These figures include payments and purchases made using Mada cards via e-commerce websites, applications, and digital wallets. Transactions made with other credit cards are not included in this data. Mada is the national payment network in the Kingdom and one of the payment systems owned by the Saudi Central Bank.
Axian Telecom announced its plan to acquire Jumia Technologies. To finance this acquisition, the company recently raised $600 million by restructuring its debt. Although no final decision has been made yet, the company sees this potential acquisition as a strategic move to support its growth across Africa.
Headquartered in Mauritius, Axian Telecom operates in markets such as Tanzania, Madagascar, Comoros, Senegal, and Togo. The potential acquisition of Jumia Technologies aligns with the company’s strategy to expand and diversify its presence in the rapidly growing African fintech sector through acquisitions and joint ventures.
Jumia to Be Delisted
Known as the “Amazon of Africa,” Jumia has a market capitalization of around $500 million. The company, which has been publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange since 2019, may be delisted following the acquisition.
In an interview, Jumia CEO Francis Dufay stated that the company is working to regain investor confidence. The company’s share price has fallen by more than 90% since its peak six years ago and by 60% in the past year alone.
The company is struggling to compete with Chinese rivals like Temu. Dufay noted that following cost-cutting measures and decisions to exit certain markets, Jumia aims to reach break-even by 2027.
Jumia Opens Largest Integrated Warehouse in Egypt
Meanwhile, Jumia has opened its largest integrated warehouse in Egypt, located on the Suez Road in Cairo. Covering an area of over 27,000 square meters, the facility serves as an integrated logistics hub aimed at improving storage and distribution efficiency, particularly in underserved regions like Upper Egypt.
Through its ecosystem, Jumia is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the coming years. This latest investment reflects Jumia’s ongoing pursuit of growth and innovation in e-commerce and strengthens its mission to enhance accessibility, affordability, and economic inclusion across Africa.
TikTok Shop had already gone through several rounds of layoffs in 2025. The company announced that this restructuring aims to create more efficient long-term business models and was carried out following “rigorous analyses.” Accordingly, it was reported that preparations are being made for possible layoffs.
Pressure on TikTok Has Increased
TikTok’s e-commerce team in the U.S. failed to meet its 2024 performance targets. New challenges emerged in 2025, such as a decrease in order volume following tariffs imposed by Trump.
It was stated that uncertainty among employees has grown due to ongoing discussions with the U.S. government regarding a law that requires ByteDance to sell its U.S. assets and aims to prevent TikTok from being banned in the United States.
FiCommerce, a key player in e-commerce logistics and a prominent fulfillment service provider, is expanding its operational capacity. Marking a new milestone in its transformation journey, the company has officially opened a new fulfillment center in Gebze, Kocaeli, Türkiye. Sedat Aydın, Operations Director at FiCommerce, stated, “This building is not just a warehouse; it is a fulfillment center specifically designed to manage the complexity, volume, and speed of e-commerce logistics.” Aydın was a guest at WORLDEF E-COMMERCE!
“At FiCommerce, we believe that true innovation lies not only in meeting today’s e-commerce demands but also in anticipating the future,” said Aydın. “With this understanding, we set out to build a fulfillment center that not only meets expectations but redefines them. I can proudly say that this new facility is a tangible reflection of our vision, our commitment to operational excellence, and, most importantly, our promise to our customers.”
“This Building Is Not Just a Warehouse”
Emphasizing that the new fulfillment facility was designed with a single, clear objective in mind, Aydın continued, “That objective is to serve as a high-performance engine for modern e-commerce operations. Every decision—from macro-level layout to micro-level process flows—was centered around the needs of e-commerce businesses. Spanning approximately 6,000 square meters of accessible and efficient space, the structure was optimized with scalability and flexibility in mind. This building is not just a warehouse; it is a fulfillment center specifically designed to manage the complexity, volume, and speed of e-commerce logistics.”
Operational Excellence: Where Design Meets Data
Aydın underlined that every square meter of the facility reflects “our unwavering commitment to operational excellence.” He added, “While the physical infrastructure plays a fundamental role, the true performance is driven by the data-oriented processes built on top of it. That’s why, beyond the hardware and layout, we structured our workflows around the most critical metrics.
With a daily outbound capacity of 75,000 units, our operations are not only fast but also accurate, consistent, and scalable. Thanks to our 99.97% inventory accuracy rate, our clients have real-time access to their stock with minimal discrepancy. The 99.9% shipment accuracy rate is a result of strict quality controls, multi-layered verification systems, and our trained fulfillment teams. From inbound processing to dispatch, all functions are monitored via live KPI dashboards that feed our continuous improvement cycle. Here, efficiency is not a buzzword—it is the outcome of deliberate engineering.”
“Designed for Efficiency, Engineered for Resilience”
Highlighting that what makes the new fulfillment facility special is not just its size but also its intelligent design, Aydın explained, “The internal layout was optimized to enable seamless product flow, reduce in-warehouse transportation time, and maximize picking and packing efficiency.
In close collaboration with logistics engineers and system designers, we created a layout that minimizes friction and maximizes productivity in daily operations. From a structural and safety engineering standpoint, our facility is equipped with the latest fire safety systems and earthquake-resistant racking solutions. These features have been specifically developed for high-density and high-speed e-commerce environments.”
He also added, “Our infrastructure is also a showcase of resilience. The building, racking systems, and operational equipment were built using advanced engineering techniques to protect against earthquake and fire risks. In a region where such risks can disrupt operations, safeguarding our infrastructure for the future was non-negotiable. This means our clients can rest assured that their inventory is stored not only in a secure environment but also in one that is prepared for the unexpected.”
Facility Highlights of FiCommerce
One of the standout features of the FiCommerce Gebze fulfillment center is its temperature-controlled special storage areas. These sections, specially designed for climate-sensitive products, ensure the safety of items across categories such as fashion, cosmetics, electronics, and dietary supplements. To manage product diversity and improve accessibility, zone-based picking strategies and AI-assisted placement algorithms have been implemented.
As a result, storage space is utilized more efficiently, and high-frequency items are always kept within easy reach. Additionally, picker fatigue is reduced, and order fulfillment times are shortened. With an impressive daily outbound capacity of 75,000 units, the new fulfillment center can support both high-volume marketplace operations and specialized B2C projects with equal precision, speed, and reliability.
“We’re Investing Not Only in Infrastructure but in People”
Sedat Aydın emphasized that FiCommerce is not just building facilities but also creating environments where people can thrive. He pointed out that the modern social and rest areas within the new fulfillment center were designed with team cohesion and employee well-being in mind. He also noted their significant investment in ergonomic workstations, saying, “Because we believe that for operational excellence to be sustainable, our employees must be supported both physically and mentally. A high-performing logistics operation is only possible with high-performing people. We built this facility based on that truth.”
“In E-Commerce Logistics, Location Is Everything”
“In e-commerce logistics, location is everything,” said Aydın. “Placing this facility in the Kocaeli-Gebze region, right next to Istanbul, is no coincidence. The area lies at the intersection of critical transportation corridors. This allows us fast and efficient access to last-mile delivery providers, intercity carriers, and major distribution hubs. Its proximity to Istanbul shortens long-haul delivery times and enhances our ability to control service levels. In short, we are now much better positioned to meet both domestic and cross-border fulfillment needs.”
Our promise in the field of e-commerce fulfillment
Aydın continued, “Beyond its technical and operational strengths, this facility symbolizes a broader vision. It reflects our long-term commitment to raising the bar in e-commerce fulfillment and establishing a scalable foundation for future growth. This center is not merely an operational asset; it is a physical embodiment of our vision. It is proof of what can be achieved when strategy, design, technology, and the human factor converge for a common goal. It will be the blueprint for our future facilities, all of which will carry the same DNA of performance, resilience, and customer focus.”
“Smarter, Stronger, and More Scalable E-Commerce Logistics”
Sedat Aydın concluded his remarks by saying, “As we open the doors of this fulfillment center, we’re not just expanding our operational capacity. We’re also enhancing our ability to support our clients in a more holistic, efficient, and intelligent way. We thank our business partners for entrusting their operations to us. We are grateful to our team for turning this vision into reality. And to the future… This is just the beginning. Let this new fulfillment center symbolize the path we will walk together: Smarter, stronger, and more scalable e-commerce logistics.”
Amazon Bazaar has been rolled out in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Products are offered starting from AED 4, and as a special launch promotion, a 25% discount is applied to all orders during the first month. Amazon Bazaar is currently in beta and accessible only to selected users in the UAE, with a full rollout expected in the coming weeks.
Amazon Bazaar offers a new shopping experience that allows users to conveniently explore affordable and trendy products across categories such as fashion, home, and lifestyle. It is featured as a dedicated section within the Amazon.ae app and includes its own search, cart, and checkout features. The platform has a vibrant, user-friendly, and intuitive interface. Customers can purchase items priced at AED 25 (approx. $7) or less, with some items starting at AED 4 (approx. $1.09).
“Amazon Bazaar Will Make Shopping Enjoyable”
Stefano Martinelli, Vice President of Amazon MENA, said: “Amazon Bazaar offers Amazon.ae customers a fun, easy, and engaging experience from discovery to checkout. Customers can enjoy shopping from the comfort of their homes while exploring great deals. With Bazaar, we offer a wide range of products starting from as low as AED 4. Throughout July, we’re providing additional discounts while continuing to deliver the reliable service and convenience Amazon is known for.”
15-Day Free Returns for Most Products
Amazon Bazaar features affordable and trendy products. Most items are priced at AED 25 or below, with some available for just AED 4. A 25% discount is applied to all orders in the first month, while orders above AED 150 receive a 5% discount and orders over AED 300 receive a 10% discount. The integrated platform promises a colorful and engaging user experience with reliable delivery and returns. Free shipping is offered on orders above AED 90 (delivery within 6–12 days), and most items are eligible for 15-day free returns.
Full Rollout Coming Soon
Customers can access Amazon Bazaar by tapping the new “Bazaar” icon in the Amazon.ae app or by searching for “Bazaar.” The platform is also accessible via mobile browsers at amazon.ae/bazaar. While the service is currently available in beta to a limited number of users, it is expected to be fully launched in the near future.
The launch of TikTok Shop in Japan was announced in recent weeks. In this context, the service became available in Japan on Monday, June 30, 2025. TikTok has integrated shopping features directly into its video application in Japan. With TikTok Shop, Japanese users can purchase products listed in videos and live streams without leaving the app.
Japan Becomes the 17th Market for TikTok Shop
TikTokShop offers a wide range of products. The platform plans to introduce a dedicated “Shop” tab in the coming months, allowing users to explore and purchase items directly from brand pages. Following its launch in Indonesia, the UK, and other markets, Japan has become the 17th country where TikTok Shop is available.
It is reported that major Japanese retail brands are preparing to open stores on the platform. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, stated that many businesses in Japan and around the world are joining the ecosystem. Shop ads and the dedicated “Shop” tab are expected to be expanded locally soon. TikTok currently has over 20 million users in Japan.
Revolutionary developments are taking place in the world of e-commerce with artificial intelligence (AI). Today, AI technologies are being used in many areas such as personalizing customer experience, optimizing inventory management, and strengthening sales forecasting. Providing businesses with both efficiency and competitive advantage, artificial intelligence offers a wide range of solutions from chatbots to visual searches, recommendation engines to dynamic pricing.
As a result, the online shopping experience is transforming into a new universe for both consumers and sellers. With evolving algorithms, e-commerce is becoming not just digital retailing, but a data-driven, intelligent, and predictable system.
We talked with Ozan Sihay — Director, Digital Content Creator, and Instructor at Acunmedya Academy — about the transformation of artificial intelligence in the digital world, especially in e-commerce. Also an AI tools expert, Sihay emphasizes that AI is making e-commerce faster, smarter, and more personalized, stating: “This shifts the competition from product quality to experience quality.” He also offers advice to young people, adding, “An artificial intelligence without emotional intelligence cannot surpass us.”
“It All Started With a Camera!”
Ozan Sihay described his interest in technology with the following words: “It all started with a camera, but it didn’t just stay about the image. When I realized the narrative power of technology, I focused not just on ‘shooting beautifully’ but on the idea of ‘producing intelligently.’ When I encountered AI, I saw that creativity no longer had boundaries. Video, photography, and AI are now like a triangle intertwined. I continue to create at the very center of this triangle.”
“Keeping Up With This World Is Like a Sprint Race”
To the question, “There are incredible developments in the world of artificial intelligence. How do you keep up with this ecosystem? What is it like to operate in such a broad field?”, Sihay responded: “Every morning, a new tool, a new model, a new advancement comes out. Keeping up with this world is not like a marathon, it’s like a sprint race.
But I love this pace. I’m constantly testing, producing content, and teaching. One day I’m generating visuals, the next I’m working with voice synthesis. It may seem exhausting to be active in such a wide field, but it’s also fascinating to be in a universe that can think in dozens of languages at once. If I’m learning something new every day, then I’m on the right path.”
“An Artificial Intelligence Without Emotional Intelligence Cannot Surpass Us”
To the question, “Should we be afraid of artificial intelligence? Where do you think AI will evolve?”, Ozan Sihay answered: “Instead of being afraid, we should try to understand it. AI is not a threat, it’s a tool! How we use it will determine what it becomes. The future of AI must evolve together with humans. An artificial intelligence without emotional intelligence cannot surpass us. But if we stop learning and become mere observers, then the danger begins. I believe AI will progress as far as our imagination goes. So the limit is with those who can dream…”
“This Is Not an Extinction, But a Transformation”
Ozan Sihay also touched on professions that may be negatively affected by artificial intelligence:
“Human need will decrease in routine and repetitive tasks. For example, areas like simple data analysis, content copying, or customer service are being transformed. But in return, brand-new fields are emerging: AI trainers, prompt designers, digital creators, data ethics specialists. If one job disappears, at least two new skill sets take its place. This is not an extinction, but a transformation.”
“E-Commerce Is No Longer About ‘Sales’ But ‘Experience’”
Answering a question about how AI will transform e-commerce, Sihay said: “E-commerce is no longer about sales, it’s about experience. Thanks to AI, user habits are analyzed, personalized recommendations are made, automatic product descriptions are written, and visuals are created with AI. Some brands even produce their videos entirely with artificial intelligence. In short, AI makes e-commerce faster, smarter, and more personalized. This shifts the competition from product quality to experience quality.”
Ozan Sihay’s AI Tool Suggestions for E-Commerce
ChatGPT / Gemini: For product descriptions, customer emails, and chatbot support.
Midjourney / Sora / Ideogram: For product visuals, social media posts, and posters.
Runway / Kling: For product promotional videos or animations.
Canva AI: To speed up the visual design process.
Heygen / ElevenLabs: For voiceovers, short videos, or content dubbing.
Anyone who wants to do e-commerce can even build a brand from scratch with these tools. What matters is using them correctly and maintaining originality.
“My Goal Is to Transform AI From a Source of Fear Into a Creative Force”
Sihay also spoke about tech-focused education: “In the last two years, I’ve worked with many organizations like Google Turkey, Garanti BBVA, Unilever, and Vodafone. I also teach at universities and creative agencies. My training topics usually revolve around generative artificial intelligence, AI in video production, photography, and content strategies. My goal is to transform AI from a source of fear into a creative force. I want to teach young people, companies, and content creators how to use this technology effectively.”
“Shape Yourself Not According to Algorithms But Your Values!”
As a YouTuber and influencer, Ozan Sihay shared advice with young people on social media and AI: “Shape yourself not according to algorithms but your values! Social media is not a race, it’s a platform of expression. What matters is not the number of followers, but whether your content leaves an impact. Copying is easy, but to make a difference, you must be original. Also, instead of constantly producing content, sometimes pausing to reflect is also part of creation. My advice to young people: have fun, create, but never lose who you are to any filter!”
He also added: “Curiosity is the beginning of everything. First explore, then go deeper. You don’t need to know how to code, just understand how it works. YouTube, Discord groups, online courses – all are freely accessible. Start with small tools, then create projects. You can’t become an expert without producing something. Most importantly: don’t be afraid to make mistakes! In the tech world, every mistake is a step toward the next right thing.”
Who is Ozan Sihay?
Ozan Sihay — Director, Digital Content Creator
Ozan Sihay is a cinematographer, director, photographer, digital content creator, and instructor. Born in Adana, Türkiye, Sihay shared the following about himself: “For me, cinema and content creation are not just a profession, but a way of life.
I’ve directed many short films, documentaries, and music videos — and have had the chance to win awards for many of them. I worked as an assistant director in Istanbul shoots of major Hollywood productions like James Bond: Skyfall and Charlie’s Angels.
Currently, I’m working on projects focused on artificial intelligence, video production, and digital content. I also provide training in these areas. I thrive on creating, storytelling, and inspiring others.”
Established within Turkish Airlines to bring more agile and innovative solutions to e-commerce logistics in our country, Widect launched at the end of 2023. Starting operations in the first quarter of 2024, we offer door-to-door delivery service to Turkish e-exporters through the brand power and extensive flight network of Turkish Airlines. In a short time, we have reached over 3 million deliveries, providing our customers with both time and cost advantages, and added value to the sector with our digital solutions that simplify export procedures.
Wide-Direct-Connect (Widect): The DNA of Our Brand
As emphasized in its name, the Widect brand embarked on its journey with the vision of Wide-Direct-Connect. “Wide” represents our ability to reach all corners of the world through Turkish Airlines’ extensive destination network across 140 countries. “Direct” signifies our capability to provide door-to-door direct delivery services to various parts of the world thanks to Turkish Cargo’s logistics expertise. “Connect” reflects Widect’s vision of being a bridge connecting people, cultures, sellers, and buyers from different parts of the world. In this context, we continuously invest in and develop our operations to provide door-to-door services in all countries where we have cargo flights.
The Importance of E-Export for Our Country
Contributing to the development of e-export, which provides numerous benefits such as access to global markets, foreign currency inflow, economic diversification, and increased employment, is among Widect’s greatest motivations. Our main goals are to enhance Türkiye’s export potential, provide the necessary logistics solutions to increase the share of e-export within total exports to 10% by 2028, and position Istanbul as the global hub of e-commerce logistics. In this direction, we aim to exceed USD 1 billion in revenue by 2033 and raise our global market share above 1.5%.
US Tariffs and Impact on the Sector: New Opportunities for Türkiye
The new tariffs recently imposed by the United States on products of Chinese origin have led to significant shifts in global supply chains. Companies that heavily sourced from China are now seeking alternative suppliers, and major marketplaces that had not previously considered purchasing from Türkiye are quickly starting to work with Turkish businesses. The need for Chinese marketplaces to downsize in the US will lead them to focus on countries outside of America and increase competition.
The possibility of trade wars introducing additional tariffs in the global e-commerce flow could slow down growth rates. However, all these developments offer significant opportunities for Türkiye’s exports. At Widect, we are focusing on the US market to seize these opportunities and provide our exporters with a competitive advantage by offering express-speed service at economy pricing.
Artificial Intelligence Transformation in the Sector
Digitalization and artificial intelligence applications in the logistics sector play a critical role in creating competitive advantages. At Widect, we utilize AI in areas such as route optimization, software integrations, and rapid resolution of customer complaints. In doing so, we enhance our operational efficiency and deliver faster and higher-quality service to our customers. Looking ahead, we aim to make our logistics processes even smarter and more flexible through predictive analytics and automation solutions offered by AI.
Target Countries and New Routes
The United States has become our primary focus market following the recent tariffs. Through our fast and cost-effective services to the US, we ensure our exporters benefit from this opportunity to the fullest extent. The US is currently our largest market, and if the tariff balance continues, we expect this market to grow further.
In addition, we are planning to increase the number of injection points in Europe to facilitate direct flights to more countries. Our efforts to launch new services in the Middle East and Turkic Republics are ongoing. Hoping that the war will end soon, we are also preparing our services for Ukraine and Russia. By leading entry into niche markets such as Australia, we aim to enhance the global competitiveness of Turkish e-exporters.
Our Short- and Medium-Term Goals
As part of our growth strategy, we plan to launch our new warehouse in the last quarter of 2026. This new facility, with both handling and fulfillment infrastructure, will become a critical center not only for our own operations but also for our e-exporters. Especially with the implementation of the Domestic Transfer Center (YAM) Regulation, which is being intensively developed by our Ministry of Trade and is of great importance for our sector, Istanbul is expected to become one of the world’s leading e-commerce logistics centers.
With the YAM regulation, the increase in transit shipments and consolidation opportunities will reduce exporters’ logistics costs and further strengthen Istanbul’s position as a global hub. This will enable firms aiming to export to all parts of the world—not just major markets—to access new destinations with affordable logistics costs. Lower logistics costs will remove one of the biggest barriers to micro-exporting and entering new markets, allowing our exporters to send products at competitive prices to destinations that were previously inaccessible due to high costs.
Istanbul’s Journey to Becoming a Global E-Commerce Logistics HUB
Istanbul’s strong connectivity, its ability to reach over 60 capitals within a 7-hour flight, and the fact that nearly 40% of global passenger and cargo traffic passes through the city create a significant locational advantage. To replicate Turkish Airlines’ success in transit passengers and cargo in cross-border door-to-door shipments, we have initiated infrastructure and sorter investments. With regulatory adjustments that facilitate exports and transit cargo shipments, we will fully leverage Istanbul’s advantages and contribute to its transformation into a global e-commerce logistics hub.
The MENA Region and Türkiye’s Strategic Position
Türkiye occupies the most ideal location in the region for global transportation. It is particularly strategic for Asia and Middle East routes. As a bridge between Europe and Asia, we prioritize the sustainability of supply chain processes in the MENA region. Leveraging Istanbul’s location, we will rapidly dispatch shipments arriving from the Middle East to European countries without delays—thereby expanding the MENA trade volume, strengthening Türkiye’s transit network, and increasing efficiency and added value in commercial activities.
Sectoral Expectations and Future Outlook
Exporters expect increased market diversity, fast, reliable, cost-effective, trackable, and seamless logistics processes, and simplified customs procedures. At Widect, we continuously improve our services by following global trends and customer demands, working to simplify every process we touch. With digital transformation in the sector, new balances in global trade, and Türkiye’s strategic advantages, we are working with all our strength to maximize our country’s export potential.
With our vision to make Istanbul the center of global e-commerce logistics, we invite all industry stakeholders to join us on this journey. We will continue to work to enhance Türkiye’s export potential, increase the share of e-export within total exports, and position our country as a leader in global logistics.
