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UNCTAD, Launched the First Global Database To Track E-Commerce Value

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call for Standard and Technology-Neutral Frameworks

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

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

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

Preparation For New Elements Of The Digital Economy

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

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

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

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

What Should E-Commerce Sellers Expect from Q4 2025?

Saudi Arabia, Recorded the Highest Monthly E-Commerce Sales of All Time

Saudi Arabia, in October 2025 e-commerce field-in up-to-now-of the highest monthly sales figure-to reached. This increase, strong consumer demand-its reflecting-while, expanding online platforms and cashless payment systems-their becoming widespread-with supported digital transformation agenda-of progressing-to pointed.

According to official data published by the Saudi Central Bank, digital transactions carried out via mada cards by exceeding 30.7 billion SAR the country’s digitalization process-in acceleration and electronic payment methods-to increasing dependence revealed.

Record Monthly Increase Showed That Digital Transformation Is Accelerating

According to the Saudi Central Bank’s October 2025 statistical bulletin, e-commerce transactions made with mada cards on a monthly basis to a historic level reached. Sales, by exceeding 30.7 billion SAR, compared to October 2024 on an annual basis percent 68 increase recorded.

When looked at with absolute figures, e-commerce sales from approximately 18.3 billion SAR level in the same month of last year by approximately 12.4 billion SAR increase showed. This strong rise, increasing consumer confidence, developing digital infrastructure and online retail and service platforms-their becoming widespread-with supported digital shopping-in noticeable expansion reflected.

In monthly comparison however, e-commerce sales in October by percent 6 increasing, compared to approximately 29.1 billion SAR level in September 2025 by approximately 1.6 billion SAR rose. This stable monthly growth, demand’s continuity and online channels-in mada card usage’s continuing to increase-to pointed.

Strong Quarterly Performance Reinforced Saudi Arabia Market’s Momentum

Beyond monthly data, figures announced by the Saudi Central Bank in the e-commerce sector-in strong a quarterly performance-to also attention drew. In 2025 year’s third quarter e-commerce sales carried out via mada cards approximately 88.3 billion SAR-to reached.

This level, compared to the previous quarter percent 15.2-of increase meaning-while, compared to approximately 76.6 billion SAR sales recorded in 2025’s second quarter 11.6 billion SAR-of additional a volume created. Continuing quarterly growth, both consumer and seller side-on digital payment solutions adoption’s increasing showed.

Cumulative data covering the January–October 2025 period also revealed the sector’s expansion. In this period e-commerce sales made with mada cards percent 47.3 increasing, compared to approximately 20.9 billion SAR level recorded in January by approximately 9.9 billion SAR rose.

Alignment with mada Payments and Vision 2030

Data shared by the Saudi Central Bank, e-commerce sites, mobile applications and digital wallets over mada cards-with carried out transactions covered. Credit card payments to the data included were not; this also all payment methods taken into consideration when total online expenditures’ even higher could be-to pointed.

mada-based e-commerce transactions-in sustainable growth, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 within digital economy goals-with directly overlapped. This strategy, financial technologies, digital payments and cash usage’s reduction-through economic efficiency and transparency’s increasing-to strong emphasis makes.

Obtained record figures, Saudi Arabia’s in the region digital payments field-in the most dynamic markets-from one position-in once again revealed. While e-commerce platforms continue to expand and electronic payment usage deepen, the country in terms of digital commerce a regional center being position-its even further strengthened.

With digital infrastructure investments continuing and consumer behaviors increasingly to online channels shifting together-with, in Saudi Arabia retail and payment systems-in digital transformation’s in the coming years also continuing expected-is.

Saudi E-Commerce via mada Cards Soars 79%

LOJEL Launches UAE E-Commerce Platform

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

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

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

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

LOJEL’s New Stores Will Offer an Interactive Brand Experience

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

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

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

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

Coupang Faces Class-Action Lawsuit in the US Over Massive Data Breach

The class-action lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, accuses Coupang, its CEO Bom Kim, and its CFO Gaurav Anand of violating securities laws. The investors who filed the lawsuit claim that Coupang misled them about the company’s cybersecurity measures and failed to disclose the breach in accordance with US securities regulations.

Coupang, known as South Korea’s Amazon, admitted to the data breach and expressed regret over the unauthorized access to customer data. As a result of the incident, Coupang’s subsidiary Coupang Corp’s CEO Park Dae-jun resigned earlier this month. The company has pledged to enhance its security measures to prevent future data breaches.

What Happened at Coupang?

The data breach at Coupang was discovered on November 18 when it was realized that a former employee had illicitly retained access to the company’s internal systems for months. During this period, personal information of over 33 million customers—including names, email addresses, delivery addresses, and some order histories—was exposed. Fortunately, Coupang confirmed that sensitive data such as payment details and login credentials were not part of the breach.

The lawsuit also emphasizes that Cou pang failed to disclose the breach in a timely manner. The plaintiffs allege that the company’s regulatory filings in the US downplayed the company’s vulnerability to cyberattacks and overstated the effectiveness of its security measures.

Data Breach Investigations Triggered

As of now, Cou pang and the lawyers representing the investors who filed the lawsuit have not made any public comments on the case. The company reiterated its commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure and preventing similar incidents in the future.

Cou pang, a global company with offices in California and other US cities, is a market leader in South Korea’s e-commerce sector, offering services such as same-day delivery, video streaming, and food delivery. The data breach has also triggered investigations into the company’s practices in South Korea.

Seeking Compensation for Investors

The plaintiffs are seeking damages for investors who purchased Cou pang securities between August 6 and December 16. The lawsuit alleges that the company’s actions—or inactions—directly impacted the stock value during this period. As investigations continue and the case progresses in court, the outcome of this lawsuit is expected to have significant effects on Cou pang and its position in both the US and South Korean markets.

Coupang Faces the Largest Data Breach in Its History, Nearly 34 Million Users Affected

Saat & Saat Acquired Turkish Apparel Giant Aydınlı Group

United States Polo Association (USPA) Global announced that Aydınlı Hazır Giyim San. Tic. AŞ was acquired by HRK Holding AŞ, the parent company of Saat & Saat, for TRY 20.3 billion (approximately USD 480 million). The acquisition brought together two companies that have long operated as licensed partners of the U.S. Polo Assn. brand under USPA Global.

In its statement, USPA Global said that both companies operated as licensed partners of U.S. Polo Assn., the official lifestyle brand of the United States Polo Association, and that the acquisition represented a strategic consolidation aimed at accelerating growth across Türkiye, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa. The statement emphasized that the agreement would strengthen operational alignment across wholesale, retail, and digital channels.

Saat & Saat Gained Access to More Than 50 Countries

According to the statement, the acquisition provided Saat & Saat with access to Aydınlı’s extensive retail and distribution network covering more than 50 countries. Aydınlı had operated a strong sales network in the region, including mono-brand stores, department stores, and e-commerce platforms, as one of the largest partners of the U.S. Polo Assn. brand.

As part of the transaction, Saat & Saat CEO Ramazan Kaya was appointed CEO of the Aydınlı Group. USPA Global stated that this leadership transition aimed to maintain continuity while aligning the ready-to-wear business more closely with Saat & Saat’s regional growth strategy.

The statement also noted that Aydınlı was positioned as one of the region’s leading retail players, thanks to its strong growth potential and well-established sales infrastructure. With the acquisition, Saat & Saat aimed to move beyond its successful watch and accessories business and enter the global ready-to-wear industry.

Growth Targets for U.S. Polo Assn.

USPA Global reported that the deal would support the growth of the U.S. Polo Assn. brand and that the brand was expected to maintain its strong performance through more than 450 stores worldwide, along with multi-brand and digital sales platforms. The company said that the growth recorded by the brand in recent years was expected to continue after the acquisition.

USPA Global President and CEO J. Michael Prince congratulated Ramazan Kaya on the acquisition and said they welcomed the strategic transition. Prince stated that Saat & Saat, as one of U.S. Polo Assn.’s long-term partners, was in a strong position to further scale the brand across the region.

Prince added that the agreement would support a target of USD 1 billion in regional retail sales in the coming years, while also thanking Aydınlı’s former chairman Şeref Safa for his leadership and highlighting the support provided by TMSF over the years.

Ramazan Kaya: The Aydınlı Acquisition Will Prepare the Company for MENA

Ramazan Kaya said the acquisition reflected a shared vision with U.S. Polo Assn. in some of the world’s most dynamic retail markets. He stated that the move would accelerate growth, enhance capabilities, and position both the company and the brand for a strong next phase across Türkiye, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa.

Kaya also noted that the transaction represented a significant milestone for Saat & Saat in terms of entering the global ready-to-wear industry and that it complemented the company’s established watch business. He added that the company’s teams were motivated by the opportunity to shape the future of the brand together.

USPA Global stated that the acquisition aligned the brand, leadership, and regional operations around a long-term strategy, paving the way for sustainable growth across multiple markets.

Paribu Acquires CoinMENA at a USD 240 Million Valuation

Kaspersky Cybersecurity Review: Number of Users Exposed to Ransomware Increased by 152%

Kaspersky’s 2025 cybersecurity review showed a sharp rise in ransomware activity affecting businesses operating in the retail and e-commerce space. The number of unique users in the B2B segment of the sector who encountered ransomware detection increased by 152% in 2025 compared to 2023. This indicated a serious escalation in threat levels within a short period of time.

Data Breaches Threaten E-commerce

According to the findings, the most significant increase occurred during the 2024–2025 period. The primary reason for this surge was the rapid spread of the ransomware family known as “Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Dcryptor,” which became highly prevalent across the retail and e-commerce sectors in some of the analyzed markets. This malware targeted corporate systems connected to retail operations, leading to service disruptions and the exposure of sensitive business data.

Security researchers noted that retail and e-commerce companies continue to be attractive targets due to their high transaction volumes, large customer databases, and dependence on uninterrupted system access. Any disruption or data breach in this sector can result in immediate financial losses and reputational damage.

Kaspersky Blocked More Than 6.6 Million Phishing Link Access Attempts

In addition to ransomware, phishing attacks also emerged as a major threat to consumers and service providers. Between November 2024 and October 2025, Kaspersky products blocked more than 6.6 million attempts to access phishing links targeting users of online stores, payment platforms, and delivery services.

According to the data, 50.58% of these attacks directly targeted online shoppers. Attackers impersonated well-known retail brands by offering fake discounts or order confirmations and attempted to trick users into sharing login credentials or payment information.

Payment systems were the second most targeted category at 27.3%. These attacks typically involved the imitation of digital wallets, banking portals, or payment pages with the aim of stealing financial information. Delivery services ranked third at 22.12%, with users being redirected to malicious links through fake shipment notifications and parcel tracking messages.

Shopping Seasons Created Predictable Peaks for Attacks

Kaspersky’s analysis also emphasized a strong correlation between cyberattacks and major shopping periods. Seasonal discounts and major campaign periods consistently stood out as high-risk timeframes during which attackers intensified their activities each year.

During these periods, the increase in marketing messages, discounts, and limited-time offers reduced users’ level of vigilance. Phishing emails and scam messages blended more easily with legitimate campaign traffic, making them more effective. Attackers exploited the sense of urgency and excitement created by shopping festivals to encourage users to act quickly and carelessly.

Security experts stressed that this pattern repeats every year and highlighted the critical importance of increasing cybersecurity awareness during peak shopping periods. It was noted that retailers and e-commerce platforms should strengthen their monitoring and protection measures, while consumers should carefully verify even offers that appear to be trustworthy.

AI Cybersecurity Market

China Bans the Imposition of “Lowest Price” Requirements by E-Commerce Platforms

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

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

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

Restrictions Are Introduced on Algorithmic Price Discrimination

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

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

Regulations Aim to Protect Consumers’ Right to Information and Choice

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

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

“Lowest Price Guarantees Undermine Merchants’ Operational Autonomy”

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

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

The New Regulation Will Take Effect on April 10, 2026

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

China’s Impact on Global Markets

Elon Musk Discussed Artificial Intelligence and Technology Cooperation with the UAE President

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Elon Musk on Sunday to discuss cooperation in artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, and emerging sectors. The meeting highlighted the Emirates’ goal of deepening its global partnerships in innovation-focused fields.

The meeting between Elon Musk and Al Nahyan focused on current developments in artificial intelligence and next-generation technologies. According to the state news agency WAM, the discussions addressed how these technologies could be used to improve quality of life, accelerate global innovation, and support long-term economic growth. The two sides emphasized the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange in order to speed up technological adoption and strengthen countries’ preparedness for future challenges.

The meeting was attended by many senior UAE officials, including Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, National Security Adviser, and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council.

Sheikh Hamdan Showed Elon Musk Around Dubai

Parallel meetings were also held in Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed met with Elon Musk at his majlis in Nad Al Sheba, where they discussed the technological transformations shaping the global economy and how advanced solutions could be used to support inclusive and sustainable development. The Dubai Media Office stated that the discussions reflected a shared vision aimed at contributing to overcoming global challenges and achieving universal progress and prosperity.

In photos shared on Instagram after the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan also included moments of showing Elon Musk around Dubai. In his post, Sheikh Hamdan stated that they had held a multifaceted discussion covering space, technology, and humanity, and expressed his optimism about future cooperation.

The UAE Strengthens Its Position as a Global Innovation Hub

Officials emphasized that the UAE and Dubai are positioned among the leading global centers of technology and innovation. It was noted that advanced digital infrastructure, forward-looking legal and regulatory frameworks, and incentives aimed at attracting qualified talent to the country play a key role in the early adoption of new technologies.

The meeting also addressed the UAE’s broader strategy on artificial intelligence and future technologies within the framework of a holistic approach aimed at improving quality of life, strengthening economic competitiveness, and setting global benchmarks in innovation.

Musk Maintains Close Relations with the UAE

In recent years, Elon Musk has maintained close relations with the UAE, frequently participating in state-backed technology forums and positioning Tesla and SpaceX as potential partners in the region’s innovation agenda. Musk spoke at the World Government Summit held in Dubai in 2017 and 2023, where he praised the country’s emphasis on digital transformation. It was reported that during the latest meetings, Musk expressed appreciation for the UAE’s forward-looking vision and the significant progress it has made in artificial intelligence, advanced technology, and space, and conveyed positive messages regarding future cooperation.

French Court Rejects Request to Suspend Shein Over Illicit Products

The Paris court rejected the French government’s request to suspend the China-based e-commerce platform Shein for three months due to the sale of illegal products. French authorities had claimed that banned weapons, illegal medications, and childlike sex dolls were being sold on Shein’s marketplace.

While acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, the court decided that the state’s request for a suspension was “disproportionate,” noting that the sale of the banned products was “sporadic.” It also highlighted that Shein had promptly removed the products and responded quickly to the situation.

French Authorities’ Concerns and Shein’s Actions

The French government had called for Shein’s suspension following the sale of disturbing products, particularly childlike sex dolls, on its marketplace. However, the court concluded that the sales were limited, and Shein acted quickly to remove the products, thus minimizing the damage.

Rather than a general suspension, the court ordered Shein to implement age verification measures to prevent the sale of “sexual products that could be considered pornographic.” Shein acknowledged the difficulty of implementing effective age filters and, as a result, stated that the adult-only sexual product category would remain closed for the time being.

Ongoing Investigations and European Scrutiny

Despite the court’s decision not to suspend Shein’s operations, a French investigation into the company is ongoing. The Paris prosecutor’s office has launched a criminal investigation into Shein, as well as other e-commerce platforms, including AliExpress, Temu, Wish, and eBay, for the sale of illegal products.

The French government is also calling for stricter sanctions at the European level under the Digital Services Act (DSA). While Shein has been asked to provide information, the European Commission has yet to open an official investigation into Shein, a situation that differs from AliExpress and Temu.

Shein’s Response and Growing Issues

Shein welcomed the Paris court’s decision, stating that it is committed to continuously improving its product control processes in collaboration with French authorities. The company emphasized its priority of protecting French consumers and complying with local laws.

Shein has taken various steps to address the situation, including disabling its marketplace in France since November 5 and only offering Shein-branded clothing. Additionally, Shein announced that it has stopped selling sex dolls across its global marketplaces.

The company is facing broader criticism in France and other countries. Critics argue that Shein’s ultra-low-cost business model encourages waste and contributes to environmental harm. Furthermore, Shein has been fined a total of €191 million by French authorities in 2025. These fines were imposed for misleading advertising, violations of cookie laws, providing misleading information, and failing to disclose microplastics in its clothing.

New Tax on Low-Value Imports in Europe

Another blow to platforms like Shein came when European Union finance ministers decided to impose a €3 tax on low-value imports starting in July 2026. Previously, small parcels valued below €150 were exempt from customs duties. European retailers argue that platforms like Shein create unfair competition by not always complying with the EU’s strict regulations on product safety and consumer protection.

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

TikTok Signs Deal to Sell U.S. Unit to American and UAE Investors

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

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

TikTok to Focus on Data Security and Algorithm Independence

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

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

TikTok to Continue Managing Certain Commercial Activities

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

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

TikTok Restructures E-Commerce and Data Teams