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EU Parcel Delivery Market Shows Competitive Conditions, New Report Finds

Parcel delivery markets in Europe appear broadly competitive, according to a new Copenhagen Economics study, as the EU reviews whether e-commerce parcel delivery should face new sector-specific rules.

The European Union’s parcel delivery market shows no evidence of structural competition problems, according to a new study by Copenhagen Economics prepared for PostEurop. The report comes as the European Commission reviews the EU regulatory framework for postal and delivery services and considers whether a future EU Delivery Act should extend regulation to e-commerce parcel delivery.

The study examines whether parcel delivery services linked to online shopping operate under effective competition. It focuses on three main areas: market structure, firm conduct, and market performance. According to the report, the evidence points to a sector with multiple operators, active entry, moderate margins, and a wide range of delivery options for consumers.

The issue has become more important as e-commerce continues to reshape the postal and logistics landscape in Europe. Letter volumes have been declining, while parcel volumes linked to online retail have grown. This has created a policy question for regulators: should e-commerce parcel delivery be treated as part of traditional postal regulation, or should it remain mainly governed by competition law and general market rules?

Parcel delivery markets in Europe

Copenhagen Economics argues that the current evidence does not support broad ex ante regulation of e-commerce parcel delivery. The report says that any new regulation should be based on a clear theory of harm and evidence of market failure. Without such evidence, it warns that regulation could create the risk of regulatory failure by weakening investment, innovation, and competitive pressure.

One of the report’s central findings is that e-merchants have significant bargaining power in the parcel delivery market. Online retailers and platforms are the direct buyers of delivery services. They select operators, negotiate contracts, and decide which delivery options are offered to consumers at checkout. Large e-commerce companies, in particular, can use their parcel volumes to negotiate better prices and service conditions.

The report also highlights that the European parcel delivery market includes a wide range of operators and business models. These include national postal operators, pan-European carriers such as DHL, DPD, UPS, GLS, and FedEx, regional providers, out-of-home delivery specialists, consolidators, and vertically integrated platforms such as Amazon, Allegro, and Vinted. This variety suggests that competition is not based only on price, but also on speed, convenience, network coverage, tracking, and returns.

Market concentration in parcel delivery is also lower than in traditional letter mail. The report states that the leading operator in parcel markets typically holds a share of around 37 to 50 percent, while the main operator in letter markets often holds between 82 and 94 percent. This difference is important because it shows that parcel delivery has a more distributed competitive structure than legacy postal services.

The study also finds that entry barriers in parcel delivery are relatively low. New operators can enter by focusing on specific parts of the value chain, such as last-mile delivery, parcel lockers, regional networks, or cross-border consolidation. The report notes that the number of domestic and cross-border parcel delivery operators has increased over the past decade, suggesting that new companies have been able to enter and expand.

Profitability levels also appear moderate. According to Copenhagen Economics, parcel operators’ EBIT margins typically ranged between 2.5 and 9 percent, averaging 5.5 percent in 2025. The report argues that these margins are not consistent with systematic excessive pricing. It also says that higher prices for cross-border delivery largely reflect higher costs, including longer distances, coordination between operators, customs procedures, and lower volumes.

For consumers, the report finds that parcel delivery services are generally accessible and affordable. Online shoppers across Europe can often choose between home delivery, parcel lockers, and pick-up or drop-off points. The report also says service quality is broadly similar across urban and rural areas, with reliable, timely delivery and high consumer satisfaction.

However, the report does not suggest that the market is free from all concerns. It acknowledges that competition issues can arise in specific cases, particularly where firms hold strong positions or where platform power affects logistics markets. But it argues that these concerns are better addressed through existing competition law rather than a broad new regulatory framework for parcel delivery.

The policy conclusion is clear: Copenhagen Economics says a new EU Delivery Act should avoid imposing sector-specific regulation on e-commerce parcel delivery unless clear market failures are demonstrated. It also argues that extending the postal universal service obligation to e-commerce parcels could create an uneven playing field between universal service providers and other parcel operators.

For Europe’s e-commerce sector, the debate matters because delivery is now a core part of the online shopping experience. Fast, affordable, and reliable parcel delivery affects conversion rates, customer satisfaction, marketplace competition, and cross-border trade. As the EU considers its next regulatory steps, the report suggests that policymakers should be cautious about applying traditional postal rules to a fast-changing parcel delivery market.

DHL and USPS Sign $10 Billion Deal to Reshape U.S. E-Commerce Deliveries

The logistics industry witnessed one of its largest partnership agreements in recent years as DHL eCommerce and the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced a long-term exclusive contract valued at more than $10 billion. The agreement strengthens a relationship that has existed for over 25 years and signals a new phase in the evolution of last-mile delivery across the United States.

Under the agreement, DHL eCommerce will continue to manage parcel pickup, sorting, and transportation through its nationwide network of 19 automated hubs, while USPS will remain the exclusive provider responsible for final-mile delivery. The partnership gives DHL access to USPS’s extensive delivery infrastructure, which serves more than 170 million addresses across over 41,000 ZIP Codes six days a week.

A Strategic Move for U.S. E-Commerce Growth

The deal arrives at a time when global e-commerce volumes continue to rise and logistics providers are under increasing pressure to improve delivery speed, efficiency, and cost management. Rather than investing heavily in building a dedicated residential delivery network in the United States, DHL has chosen to deepen its collaboration with USPS, allowing the company to scale operations while leveraging an already established nationwide infrastructure.

According to DHL eCommerce Americas CEO Scott Ashbaugh, the agreement creates a more stable platform for customers and supports the company’s long-term expansion plans in the U.S. market. Industry analysts also view the partnership as a practical response to the growing complexity of parcel delivery, where final-mile logistics remain one of the most expensive and operationally demanding stages of the fulfillment process.

USPS Strengthens Its Commercial Logistics Position

For USPS, the agreement represents a major commercial win as the organization continues efforts to diversify revenue streams and strengthen its financial position. The Postal Service has increasingly positioned itself as a critical logistics infrastructure partner for major parcel carriers, offering nationwide reach that would be difficult and costly for private operators to replicate independently.

The contract is expected to generate more than $10 billion in revenue over its duration, making it one of the most significant agreements in USPS’s parcel delivery business. The partnership also reinforces a broader industry trend where logistics providers focus on specialized segments of the delivery chain while relying on strategic partnerships for nationwide residential coverage.

As competition intensifies across the global e-commerce logistics sector, the DHL-USPS agreement highlights how collaboration, infrastructure sharing, and operational efficiency are becoming central to long-term growth strategies. With parcel volumes projected to continue rising throughout the decade, both organizations are positioning themselves to capture a larger share of the expanding U.S. e-commerce market.

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UAE-Based RSA XB Raises $1.5 Million Seed Round to Expand Cross-Border Logistics

Dubai-based logistics startup RSA XB has secured $1.5 million in a Seed funding round led by 21 Ventures, marking its official spin-off from RSA Global as the company accelerates development of AI-powered cross-border shipping solutions for e-commerce businesses.

The company is focused on simplifying international logistics operations for small and medium-sized enterprises by offering a modular shipping platform that combines air freight, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery services under one flexible infrastructure. Unlike traditional logistics models that require heavy operational investments, RSA XB enables businesses to customize international shipping services under their own brand without building extensive logistics networks.

AI and Flexible Logistics at the Core

RSA XB’s platform operates through a “service modules” system, allowing logistics functions to be combined or separated depending on route requirements and operational needs. The company also integrates an artificial intelligence layer designed to automate operational workflows and improve coordination between freight operators, customs brokers, and last-mile delivery providers.

By consolidating shipments for smaller businesses, RSA XB aims to reduce shipping costs while improving delivery efficiency across international trade corridors. The company believes this model can help SMEs compete more effectively in the rapidly growing global e-commerce market.

Expansion Plans Across Key Trade Routes

In its first expansion phase, RSA XB plans to strengthen operations across major trade corridors connecting India, the Gulf region, the United Kingdom, and Europe. The strategy comes as Indian businesses increasingly look toward international expansion and cross-border commerce opportunities.

Operating from Dubai with additional activities in India, RSA XB intends to use the fresh capital to enhance its technology infrastructure, improve data management capabilities, and launch new shipping routes over the next 18 months. The startup is also preparing for additional fundraising efforts by the end of 2026 as it scales operations globally.

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Fulfilmentcrowd Expands into 7 European Fulfilment Centers with Fulfilment.nl Acquisition

UK-based logistics technology company fulfilmentcrowd has acquired Dutch ecommerce logistics specialist Fulfilment.nl as part of its strategy to accelerate European expansion and strengthen cross-border fulfilment capabilities across the EU.

The acquisition marks another major milestone for fulfilmentcrowd, which is backed by private equity firm Palatine. With the addition of Fulfilment.nl, the company’s European fulfilment network now expands to seven fulfilment centers, supporting ecommerce brands looking to scale internationally with faster and more localized delivery solutions.

According to the company, the Netherlands was selected as a strategic expansion market due to its role as one of Europe’s most important logistics hubs. Fulfilment.nl brings local operational expertise, strong customer relationships, and scalable logistics infrastructure to the growing fulfilmentcrowd ecosystem.

Fulfilmentcrowd Strengthens European Ecommerce Logistics Network

The deal reflects a broader trend in the ecommerce logistics sector, where fulfilment providers are racing to build pan-European networks capable of supporting omnichannel retail growth and cross-border commerce. Industry observers say demand for localized inventory management and faster EU-wide delivery is increasing rapidly as ecommerce brands seek more efficient international operations.

fulfilmentcrowd stated that the partnership will combine:

Local market expertise
Advanced fulfilment technology
Expanded EU delivery capabilities
Scalable logistics infrastructure

The company also welcomed Fulfilment.nl founder Robin Gerrits, General Manager Mart van der Heijden, and the broader Dutch team as part of the acquisition.

The acquisition follows several recent expansion moves by fulfilmentcrowd, including new fulfillment locations in the United States and leadership team changes aimed at supporting global growth ambitions.

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Amazon Invests €15 Billion in France to Expand Logistics and AI Operations

Amazon has announced plans to invest more than €15 billion in France between 2026 and 2028, marking the company’s largest-ever investment in the country. The move is expected to strengthen Amazon’s logistics network, expand its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure, and create over 7,000 permanent jobs across France.

The investment will cover both infrastructure development and operational spending. Amazon confirmed that the funds will support the construction of new logistics centers, upgrades to its existing fulfillment network, and the expansion of AWS cloud and AI capabilities in France. The company says the initiative aims to deliver faster shipping, broader product selection, and improved operational efficiency while also reducing environmental impact through a more localized logistics model.

New Logistics Centers to Drive Job Creation

Amazon revealed that several new distribution facilities will begin operations starting in 2026. Planned sites include Illiers-Combray, Beauvais, Colombier-Saugnieu, and Ensisheim. Together, these facilities are expected to generate more than 7,000 permanent jobs over the next few years. �
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The expansion reflects Amazon’s growing focus on strengthening European logistics capabilities amid rising e-commerce demand and increasing competition from Asian retail platforms. France continues to be one of Amazon’s key strategic markets in Europe, supported by a growing digital economy and strong consumer demand for fast delivery services.

France Strengthens Its Position as an AI and Cloud Hub

A significant portion of the investment will also be directed toward Amazon Web Services and artificial intelligence infrastructure. France has recently emerged as a major European hub for AI development, attracting investments from global technology companies including Amazon and Microsoft.

Amazon stated that expanding its cloud infrastructure in France will help businesses, startups, and enterprises accelerate AI adoption and digital transformation initiatives. The company previously invested over €1.2 billion in France in 2024 to strengthen logistics and AWS infrastructure, making this latest commitment a substantial escalation of its long-term strategy in the country.

France Continues to Attract Global Tech Investments

The announcement also reinforces France’s ambition to position itself as a leading European destination for international technology investments. The country has increasingly attracted large-scale commitments tied to AI, cloud computing, logistics, and advanced digital infrastructure.

As competition intensifies across Europe’s e-commerce and AI sectors, Amazon’s latest investment signals growing confidence in France’s long-term role within the global digital economy.

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Shiprazor Raises $2.65M to Strengthen E-Commerce Logistics in South Africa

Shiprazor, a Cape Town-based e-commerce logistics startup, has raised $2.65 million in seed funding to expand its fulfilment platform and address fragmented delivery infrastructure across South Africa.

The funding round was led by Norrsken22, with participation from AAIC, E4E, Tremis Capital, and several angel investors, including senior Google executives. The latest investment brings Shiprazor’s total funding to $3.3 million.

Founded in 2023 by CEO Sahil Affriya, Shiprazor provides a software layer that connects online merchants with more than 20 courier partners through a single integration. The platform works with e-commerce systems such as Shopify and WooCommerce, helping merchants manage deliveries without relying on multiple disconnected logistics tools.

Shiprazor Targets Africa’s E-Commerce Logistics Fragmentation

Rather than operating as a traditional shipping aggregator, Shiprazor uses dynamic routing to select delivery options based on cost, speed, and courier performance. This model is designed to reduce fulfilment complexity for merchants and improve delivery reliability.

Logistics remains one of the biggest barriers to e-commerce growth in Africa. High transport costs, fragmented courier networks, and inconsistent service quality continue to make fulfilment difficult for online sellers.

Since its launch, Shiprazor has processed more than 1.5 million deliveries across South Africa. The company plans to use the new capital to expand its courier network, increase regional coverage, and lower shipping costs through stronger volume aggregation.

Shiprazor is also developing AI-powered tools, including an address verification product aimed at reducing failed deliveries caused by incorrect or incomplete address data. Looking ahead, the company is working on agentic AI solutions that could help buyers and merchants coordinate orders and resolve delivery issues with less manual intervention.

The investment reflects growing demand for infrastructure solutions that can support Africa’s expanding digital commerce market. For online merchants, more efficient logistics could become a critical factor in improving customer experience, reducing costs, and scaling operations.

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Ozon Global Shares Strong Growth and New Seller Opportunities in Latest Update

Ozon Global Türkiye has announced a series of platform updates and performance highlights, reinforcing its rapid expansion and growing appeal among international sellers, particularly from Türkiye.

The company reported that 2025 marked a strong growth year, with total revenue reaching approximately $49.99 billion, representing a 45% increase year-over-year. At the same time, the total number of delivered orders climbed to 2.48 billion, up 69%, while average annual orders per customer rose to 38, reflecting stronger user engagement.

Marketplace Momentum Continues

The platform’s growth is also visible in seller performance. Turkish merchants recorded a 48% increase in revenue, highlighting rising cross-border demand and the effectiveness of Ozon’s marketplace tools.

In addition, the company strengthened its position in the regional tech ecosystem, ranking second among Russia’s most valuable internet companies, with a valuation of around $28 billion.

As one of the leading multi-category e-commerce platforms in the region, Ozon continues to leverage its extensive logistics network and marketplace infrastructure to expand internationally and attract new sellers.

New Logistics and Seller Tools

To further support cross-border commerce, Ozon Global introduced a new air cargo delivery channel via TT Express TR, enabling faster shipments from Türkiye to Russia.

Alongside logistics improvements, the company launched updated seller onboarding guides, focusing on product listing optimization and logistics models such as rFBS. These resources aim to simplify entry for new merchants and improve operational efficiency.

Community Engagement and Expansion

Ozon Global is also investing in its seller ecosystem through offline engagement. A recent networking event in Istanbul brought together over 100 participants, offering insights into the Russian market and opportunities for Turkish businesses.

Strategic Outlook

With continued investment in logistics, seller enablement, and marketplace growth, Ozon Global is positioning itself as a key gateway for cross-border e-commerce between Türkiye and Russia.

The latest updates underline a clear strategy:

expand international seller participation
enhance delivery infrastructure
and strengthen platform usability

As global e-commerce competition intensifies, Ozon’s combination of scale, logistics capabilities, and localized seller support is expected to play a central role in its next phase of growth.

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Quiqup Expands Into Platform-Led Commerce With “Shop Local” Initiative

UAE-based logistics company Quiqup has taken a strategic step beyond its traditional delivery operations with the launch of a new platform designed to support local business growth. The initiative, introduced under the name “Shop Local,” reflects a broader shift in the e-commerce landscape where logistics providers are moving closer to the consumer-facing layer of digital commerce.

The platform is built to bring together UAE-based brands in a single environment, enabling customers to discover and purchase from local businesses while benefiting from integrated fulfillment and delivery services. By combining visibility with logistics infrastructure, Quiqup is positioning itself not only as a service provider but as an active enabler of e-commerce expansion.

This move comes at a time when competition in the UAE’s online retail market is intensifying. While large marketplaces continue to dominate traffic and transactions, smaller businesses often face challenges in gaining visibility and managing operational complexity. Quiqup’s approach addresses both of these constraints by creating a more streamlined path from product discovery to final delivery.

The Convergence of Logistics and Marketplace Models

At its core, the “Shop Local” platform reflects a deeper transformation in how digital commerce ecosystems are evolving. Logistics is no longer operating purely in the background. Instead, it is becoming embedded within the customer journey, reducing friction between sellers and buyers. For local businesses, this integration can significantly lower the barriers to entry, particularly in areas such as last-mile delivery, order management, and customer experience.

Supporting Local Business in a Competitive Market

The emphasis on supporting local brands also aligns with wider economic priorities in the UAE, where strengthening domestic business ecosystems and encouraging entrepreneurship remain key focus areas. By highlighting locally based sellers, the platform contributes to increasing their exposure in a market that is otherwise highly competitive and often dominated by global players.

From a strategic perspective, Quiqup’s expansion into a platform model signals a growing convergence between logistics and marketplace functions. Companies that were once confined to backend operations are now building direct connections with both merchants and consumers. This convergence is expected to reshape competitive dynamics, as businesses look for integrated solutions rather than managing multiple service providers.

At the same time, the success of such platforms will depend on their ability to balance visibility, reliability, and user experience. For SMEs, consistent delivery performance and ease of use remain critical factors in determining whether a platform can genuinely support long-term growth.

The launch of “Shop Local” therefore represents more than a new product offering. It highlights an ongoing shift toward more connected and infrastructure-driven commerce models, where logistics providers play a central role in enabling business expansion.

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5 Powerful Trends Driving Asia’s E-Commerce Growth Boom

Asia’s e-commerce landscape is entering a new phase of accelerated growth, driven by digital adoption, cross-border expansion, and evolving consumer behavior. As one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for online retail, Asia continues to reshape global commerce with new business models and technology-led transformation.

One of the most significant drivers is the rapid rise of cross-border e-commerce. With regional agreements and improved logistics infrastructure, businesses are increasingly selling beyond domestic markets. Southeast Asia, in particular, is emerging as a high-potential hub thanks to its expanding middle class and growing purchasing power.

Consumer behavior is also shifting quickly. Shoppers across Asia are becoming more digitally native, purchasing more frequently and expecting seamless online experiences. In markets like ASEAN, consumers regularly shop online and show strong openness to international brands, reflecting a broader trend toward globalized digital consumption.

Asia E-Commerce Is Entering a High-Growth, Tech-Driven Era

Another critical factor is the rise of mobile and social commerce. Platforms such as social media and messaging apps are playing an increasingly central role in product discovery and purchasing decisions. This shift is transforming how brands engage with consumers, emphasizing personalization, convenience, and real-time interaction.

Technology is also redefining the e-commerce ecosystem. From AI-driven recommendations to smart logistics and data infrastructure, businesses are investing heavily in digital capabilities. The growing demand for data services and digital infrastructure highlights how deeply integrated e-commerce has become within broader technological ecosystems.

At the same time, competition in Asia’s e-commerce market is intensifying. As more businesses enter the space, differentiation through customer experience, brand trust, and product quality is becoming increasingly important. Consumers are no longer driven solely by price, they are prioritizing authenticity, reliability, and overall value.

Finally, supply chain diversification is playing a major role. Companies are adopting new sourcing strategies across Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia, to ensure resilience and scalability. This shift is strengthening the region’s position as both a consumption and production powerhouse in global e-commerce.

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Latin America’s $191B E-Commerce Boom: 4 Strategic Trends Sellers Must Master

Latin America is rapidly emerging as one of the most attractive frontiers in global e-commerce. With projected online sales reaching $191 billion, the region is outpacing many mature markets and offering significant opportunities for brands willing to adapt to its unique dynamics.

However, success in Latin America is not simply about entering a new geography, it requires a fundamental shift in strategy, particularly across mobile, payments, logistics, and customer experience.

Mobile-First Is Not Optional – It’s Everything

In Latin America, mobile commerce dominates the landscape. Between 70% and 85% of transactions happen via smartphones, making mobile optimization a critical requirement rather than a competitive advantage.

Consumers are not just browsing on mobile, they are shopping, communicating, and completing purchases through platforms like WhatsApp and regional super apps. Businesses that fail to integrate into these ecosystems risk missing the majority of their potential audience.

Payment Localization Unlocks Growth

One of the defining characteristics of the region is its large unbanked population, estimated at around 40% of consumers.

To address this, alternative payment methods have become essential. Systems like Brazil’s Pix and Mexico’s OXXO, alongside Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options, are driving inclusion and significantly increasing conversion rates. Global brands entering the market must prioritize localized payment solutions to compete effectively.

Logistics Speed Defines Competitive Advantage

Logistics has historically been a major barrier in Latin America, but this is rapidly changing. The rise of micro-fulfillment centers in urban areas is transforming delivery expectations, enabling same-day shipping in major cities.

Rather than relying solely on centralized warehouses, companies are adopting decentralized models that prioritize proximity to customers. This shift not only reduces delivery times but also improves reliability, an essential factor in a region where customer loyalty can be fragile.

AI-Powered Personalization Becomes Standard

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly central role in shaping the customer journey. From conversational commerce via chatbots to personalized product recommendations, AI is becoming the backbone of customer engagement.

In Latin America, where messaging platforms dominate communication, AI-driven interactions are not just enhancing support, they are actively driving sales.

A Market That Rewards Localization

Latin America’s e-commerce growth is driven not by scale alone, but by adaptability. Brazil and Mexico account for over 70% of regional volume, making them the ideal entry points for international sellers.

The brands that succeed will be those that rethink their entire operating model, building for mobile-first users, integrating local payment systems, optimizing last-mile delivery, and leveraging AI to personalize experiences at scale.

For global e-commerce players, Latin America is no longer a secondary market, it is a strategic growth engine for the next decade.

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