What’s New in E-commerce? — December 5, 2025
Marketplace Platforms: Amazon Fee Changes, MENA Expansion
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Paribu Acquires CoinMENA for $240 Million, Marking Türkiye’s Crypto Expansion
Türkiye’s Paribu has acquired CoinMENA, the largest crypto asset trading platform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), for approximately $240 million. This marks Türkiye’s largest fintech acquisition to date and its first international acquisition in the crypto sector, highlighting growing cross-border investment in the MENA region.
Source: WORLDEF News / Read more
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Amazon Reduces Seller Fees in Europe Amidst Competition
Amazon is reducing seller fees across several popular categories and lowering Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) fees in many European countries. The fee reductions will apply to items like low-priced clothing and home products. This move aims to enhance competitiveness within the European e-commerce landscape, though some fees are also increasing.
Source: Ecommerce News / Read more
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eBay Revives Auction Experience with Live Shopping
eBay is launching eBay Live to recapture the “legendary auction feeling” and compete with platforms like TikTok Shop. The initiative aims to provide a more engaging and interactive shopping experience, potentially attracting a new generation of buyers and sellers to the platform.
Source: News / Read more
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MENA Region Sees Surge in M&A Activity
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region experienced a significant increase in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) during the first nine months of 2025, with 649 deals valued at $69.1 billion. This surge indicates growing investment and consolidation within the region’s business landscape.
Source: WORLDEF News / Read more
Logistics And Delivery: Amazon Now Re-Emerges
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Amazon Revives Rapid Delivery with “Amazon Now”
Amazon is testing “Amazon Now” in Seattle and Philadelphia, signaling a potential return to rapid delivery services reminiscent of Prime Now. This initiative focuses on delivering household essentials and groceries quickly. The move suggests Amazon is doubling down on convenience and speed, potentially impacting cross-border e-commerce by setting new expectations for delivery times and service levels.
Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more
Social Commerce: A Rapidly Evolving Landscape in Europe
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Social Commerce Gains Momentum in Europe
Social commerce is rapidly transforming how European consumers discover and purchase products. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and eBay are expanding their live-shopping features and in-app checkout options, driving adoption by both brands and consumers. This trend signifies a major shift in the e-commerce landscape, requiring businesses to adapt their strategies to effectively engage with customers on social platforms and capitalize on the growing social commerce market.
B2B And Wholesale: Ethiopian Manufacturing Digitalization
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Ethiopia Launches B2B E-Commerce Platform “E-Tamirt”
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Industry and Ethio Telecom have launched E-Tamirt, a new B2B e-commerce platform designed to accelerate digitalization within the country’s manufacturing sector. The platform aims to connect manufacturers directly, streamlining input procurement and boosting industrial efficiency. This initiative represents a significant step toward modernizing Ethiopia’s industrial processes and integrating them more fully into the digital economy, potentially opening new avenues for international collaboration and trade.
Source: News – WORLDEF News / Read more
Cross-border Sales: Tariffs, Currency Changes, and EU Consumer Expectations
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Bulgaria to Adopt Euro in 2026
As of January 1, 2026, Bulgaria will officially adopt the Euro as its currency. Businesses selling into Bulgaria should prepare for this change by updating their systems and pricing to reflect the new currency. This transition will impact all financial transactions within Bulgaria, requiring adjustments for cross-border e-commerce operations.
Source: Blog Packeta / Read more
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US-South Korea Trade Deal Includes Tariff Reduction
A trade agreement will reduce the tariff rate for vehicles imported to the US from South Korea to 15%. This change will benefit automakers like Hyundai and GM, potentially impacting the competitive landscape for vehicle sales in the US market. The tariff reduction could lead to lower prices for consumers and increased sales volume.
Source: Business News / Read more
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US Merchants Struggle to Meet EU Consumer Expectations
U.S. merchants often fail to meet the expectations of EU consumers despite harmonized cross-border commerce rules within the European Union. This is often due to a failure to understand the nuances of consumer behavior and preferences within individual EU member states. Businesses should tailor their offerings and customer service to better align with local market demands to improve sales and customer satisfaction.
Source: Practical Ecommerce / Read more
AI Giants Enter E-Commerce: OpenAI, Alibaba, and the Rise of AI-Powered Shopping
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OpenAI and Alibaba Expand AI Commerce Capabilities
OpenAI is aggressively expanding its e-commerce presence with features like in-app shopping, instant checkout, and AI-powered shopping research. Similarly, Alibaba is pursuing AI-driven commerce through its Qwen app and Quark browser, aiming to create a “super-agent” for online shopping. These moves signal a significant shift towards AI-integrated e-commerce experiences, potentially transforming how consumers discover and purchase products across borders.
Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more
Payment And Checkout: Cost Efficiency and Independence
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German Retailers Seek Payment Independence Amidst Rising Costs
German retailers are facing increasing pressure from rising energy costs, inflation, and supply chain disruptions. The article emphasizes the importance of reliable and predictable cost structures, especially concerning payment systems. It suggests that retailers should evaluate their payment infrastructure to reduce dependencies on international corporations and gain more control over costs. This shift aims to improve cost-efficiency and independence in payment processing for German e-commerce businesses.
Source: etailment.de / Read more
Legal And Compliance: Navigating E-Commerce Regulations & Avoiding Penalties
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Accessibility Compliance Under Scrutiny: Websites Face Lawsuits and Heavy Fines
Several reports indicate that many German websites are failing to meet the European Accessibility Act requirements, potentially leading to lawsuits. Fashion Nova was already fined $5.15 million for lacking accessibility. These cases highlight the importance of inclusive design for online shops to avoid significant financial penalties and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
Source: Haendlerbund / Read more
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E-Commerce Businesses Face Scrutiny Over Data Usage and Consumer Rights
A consumer protection group is suing Amazon for €1.8 billion over Prime Video practices. Separately, a company was fined nearly €19,000 for unauthorized use of five old Instagram images. These cases underscore the need for businesses to carefully manage data usage, respect consumer rights, and secure proper image rights to avoid costly legal action.
Source: Haendlerbund / Read more
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EU Packaging Regulations Increase Costs for Cross-Border E-commerce
The new EU Packaging Regulation simplifies domestic shipping but increases costs for businesses shipping to other EU countries, potentially requiring them to pay twice for the same packaging. Deichmann unsuccessfully sued against the German Packaging Act, highlighting the financial burden of compliance. Businesses need to understand these changes to manage costs and maintain profitability in the EU market.
Source: Haendlerbund / Read more
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E-Commerce Legal Pitfalls: Order Buttons, Shipping Info, and Right of Withdrawal
Merchants should pay close attention to the wording of order buttons and ensure accurate shipping information and clear right of withdrawal policies to avoid warnings. Additionally, retailers should be aware that even if a bargain sells out quickly, customers may still expect to receive the advertised offer. A recent court ruling clarifies rules for order buttons, emphasizing the importance of precise wording.
Source: Haendlerbund / Read more
Meta Ads & SMS Marketing Strategies for 2026
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Brands Underutilize Meta Ads; Creative Volume Is Key
According to Abir Syed, creative volume is the primary driver of success in e-commerce marketing, yet most brands haven’t exhausted the potential of platforms like Meta. This suggests cross-border e-commerce businesses should focus on producing a higher volume of ad creatives to maximize their reach and effectiveness on Meta’s advertising platform. For international expansion, this means adapting creative content to resonate with diverse cultural contexts and languages.
Source: Practical Ecommerce / Read more
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SMS Marketing: An Increasingly Accepted Strategy
A recent survey indicates that approximately 80% of U.S. consumers are now willing to receive commercial text messages. This presents a significant opportunity for e-commerce businesses to engage with customers directly and personally. For cross-border applications, businesses must ensure compliance with international regulations regarding SMS marketing, including obtaining proper consent and providing opt-out options in each region.
Source: Practical Ecommerce / Read more
Returns And Refunds: High Costs, Stagnant Rates, and Streamlined Processes
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E-commerce Returns Remain Costly Challenge for Merchants
E-commerce returns continue to pose a significant challenge for merchants, marked by high return rates and associated costs. A substantial 80% of online sellers, particularly in the DACH region, anticipate no improvement in return rates, with some fashion retailers reporting rates as high as 50%. This sustained challenge necessitates ongoing efforts to optimize return processes and mitigate financial impact.
Source: Haendlerbund / Read more
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eBay Simplifies Returns with QR Code Option
eBay is streamlining the return process by enabling buyers to use QR codes instead of traditional shipping labels. This initiative aims to simplify returns for both buyers and sellers, potentially reducing friction and improving the overall customer experience. The move reflects a broader trend toward leveraging technology to optimize logistics and enhance convenience in e-commerce.
Source: Haendlerbund / Read more
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Liability Question Arises in Delayed Defective Goods Claim
A recent case highlights the complexities of handling customer complaints regarding defective goods reported long after delivery. An Etsy seller faces a claim for damaged Christmas decorations reported six weeks post-delivery, raising questions about liability and warranty obligations. This scenario underscores the importance of clearly defined return policies and effective communication with customers to manage expectations and resolve disputes fairly.
Source: Haendlerbund / Read more
Data Protection and GDPR: DSGVO Concerns & Coupang Data Breach
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German Businesses Seek GDPR Adjustments
A majority of German companies view the GDPR as an impediment to digitalization and innovation. They are advocating for adjustments to the regulation to ease the burden and foster a more innovation-friendly environment. This sentiment highlights the ongoing debate about balancing data protection with business needs in the EU.
Source: Haendlerbund / Read more
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Coupang Hit by Major Data Breach Affecting Millions
South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang experienced a significant data breach impacting nearly 34 million user accounts. The company has issued an apology, but the incident raises concerns about the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures, even in countries with stringent data protection laws. This breach underscores the ever-present risk of data compromise in cross-border e-commerce and the potential for reputational damage.
Source: WORLDEF News / Read more
Taxation And Invoicing: Taxdoo Ends VAT Services
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Taxdoo to Discontinue VAT Services by April 2026
Taxdoo will discontinue its VAT (Value Added Tax) services by April 2026, shifting its focus entirely to accounting solutions. This change requires e-commerce businesses relying on Taxdoo for VAT compliance to seek alternative solutions. The decision impacts cross-border sellers who depend on automated VAT handling for European sales, necessitating a transition plan to ensure continued compliance and avoid disruptions.
Source: Haendlerbund / Read more
Warehousing And Fulfillment: Market Rebalancing
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Warehouse Real Estate Market Finds Equilibrium After Pandemic Volatility
The warehouse real estate sector is stabilizing after a period of pandemic-fueled growth followed by a correction. Supply and demand are beginning to align, signaling a more balanced market. This rebalancing is crucial for cross-border e-commerce businesses, as it impacts warehousing costs and availability, influencing overall supply chain efficiency and expansion strategies.
Source: CNBC / Read more