🚨 Texas Launches Investigation Into SHEIN: The Allegations Keep Growing
The Texas Attorney General has opened a new investigation into SHEIN, one of the world’s largest fashion marketplaces.
Authorities suspect the platform may have:
— sold unsafe or toxic products
— violated labor standards in its supply chain
— mishandled user data
Investigators have already requested internal reports and documentation.
If violations are confirmed, SHEIN could face serious fines and operational restrictions in the U.S.
👉 Pressure on SHEIN is intensifying globally — from the EU to North America. Regulators are no longer willing to overlook the speed and scale of fast fashion.
The Texas Attorney General has opened a new investigation into SHEIN, one of the world’s largest fashion marketplaces.
Authorities suspect the platform may have:
— sold unsafe or toxic products
— violated labor standards in its supply chain
— mishandled user data
Investigators have already requested internal reports and documentation.
If violations are confirmed, SHEIN could face serious fines and operational restrictions in the U.S.
👉 Pressure on SHEIN is intensifying globally — from the EU to North America. Regulators are no longer willing to overlook the speed and scale of fast fashion.
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Amazon Strengthens Its Position: New Seller Conditions and Faster Delivery in the EU
In addition to lowering fees, Amazon is enhancing its competitive offering:
✅ speeding up logistics in key European countries;
✅ testing 30-minute delivery in major cities;
✅ expanding seller support programs, including AI-powered listing tools.
Analysts believe these steps will help Amazon maintain its market share despite the growth of discount platforms. The company is betting on a more convenient service and technological solutions, areas where Temu and Shein are less competitive.
In addition to lowering fees, Amazon is enhancing its competitive offering:
✅ speeding up logistics in key European countries;
✅ testing 30-minute delivery in major cities;
✅ expanding seller support programs, including AI-powered listing tools.
Analysts believe these steps will help Amazon maintain its market share despite the growth of discount platforms. The company is betting on a more convenient service and technological solutions, areas where Temu and Shein are less competitive.
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How the Internet and Marketplaces Buried Paper Letters in Denmark
We are witnessing a historic moment: the rise of the internet and online marketplaces has effectively put an end to the era of traditional mail in Denmark. By the end of the year, PostNord will fully transition to delivering only parcels.
This December, the last paper letter will be sent through the Danish postal service — after that, the format will disappear. Mailboxes will be removed, and letter collection will cease entirely.
Over the past 25 years, the volume of mailed letters in Denmark has dropped by more than 90%, driven primarily by social networks and the rapid growth of e-commerce.
Future generations will no longer know what it means to receive a paper letter — just as many of us can hardly imagine typing on a typewriter or washing clothes by hand.
We are witnessing a historic moment: the rise of the internet and online marketplaces has effectively put an end to the era of traditional mail in Denmark. By the end of the year, PostNord will fully transition to delivering only parcels.
This December, the last paper letter will be sent through the Danish postal service — after that, the format will disappear. Mailboxes will be removed, and letter collection will cease entirely.
Over the past 25 years, the volume of mailed letters in Denmark has dropped by more than 90%, driven primarily by social networks and the rapid growth of e-commerce.
Future generations will no longer know what it means to receive a paper letter — just as many of us can hardly imagine typing on a typewriter or washing clothes by hand.
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🌏 How AI helps conquer new markets
Meesho uses AI chatbots and voice agents to attract new shoppers, including those from rural areas. The company also partially automates logistics and financial services with AI. Meesho’s example shows how artificial intelligence is becoming a strategic driver of online retail growth.
Meesho uses AI chatbots and voice agents to attract new shoppers, including those from rural areas. The company also partially automates logistics and financial services with AI. Meesho’s example shows how artificial intelligence is becoming a strategic driver of online retail growth.
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🚀 AWS takes a step into the AI future for businesses
At re:Invent 2025, Amazon unveiled “AI Factories,” Trainium3 servers, and autonomous AI agents. These tools will help companies automate routine tasks, improve customer service, and speed up data processing. Retailers and marketplaces can now personalize offers and optimize operations like never before.
At re:Invent 2025, Amazon unveiled “AI Factories,” Trainium3 servers, and autonomous AI agents. These tools will help companies automate routine tasks, improve customer service, and speed up data processing. Retailers and marketplaces can now personalize offers and optimize operations like never before.
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Shopify merchants hit a record $14.6B during BFCM 2025
Shopify merchants generated $14.6B in sales — up 27% YoY. At the peak moment, shoppers were spending more than $5.1M per minute. Over 81M consumers participated worldwide. Independent e-commerce is scaling faster than traditional retail.
Shopify merchants generated $14.6B in sales — up 27% YoY. At the peak moment, shoppers were spending more than $5.1M per minute. Over 81M consumers participated worldwide. Independent e-commerce is scaling faster than traditional retail.
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📊 December 2025 eBay Seller Updates
eBay brings back the Cost of Goods Sold field in Seller Center for better profit tracking.
Germany introduces QR codes for returns.
UK sellers get access to AI Activate (12-month ChatGPT Enterprise subscription).
👉 Takeaway for sellers:
📌 Better margin tracking
📌 Easier return management
📌 AI tools for optimizing listings and customer support
These updates are subtle but very practical for daily operations.
eBay brings back the Cost of Goods Sold field in Seller Center for better profit tracking.
Germany introduces QR codes for returns.
UK sellers get access to AI Activate (12-month ChatGPT Enterprise subscription).
👉 Takeaway for sellers:
📌 Better margin tracking
📌 Easier return management
📌 AI tools for optimizing listings and customer support
These updates are subtle but very practical for daily operations.
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🚨 European Commission Raids Temu Over Foreign Subsidy Probe
The European Commission has carried out raids on Temu offices in Brussels as part of an investigation into possible illegal foreign state subsidies.
Regulators are examining whether Temu used hidden government support to aggressively undercut prices and rapidly gain market share across the EU. If violations are confirmed, the platform could face fines of up to 6% of its global revenue and strict operational restrictions.
This move signals a broader shift in EU policy:
not just regulating marketplaces — but challenging their core economic models when built on subsidies and price distortion.
📌 Why this matters:
— Regulatory pressure on Temu is likely to spread globally
— Authorities are increasingly targeting platforms, not individual sellers
— Global marketplaces are moving from a “growth phase” into a “compliance phase”
Scale alone is no longer protection.
The European Commission has carried out raids on Temu offices in Brussels as part of an investigation into possible illegal foreign state subsidies.
Regulators are examining whether Temu used hidden government support to aggressively undercut prices and rapidly gain market share across the EU. If violations are confirmed, the platform could face fines of up to 6% of its global revenue and strict operational restrictions.
This move signals a broader shift in EU policy:
not just regulating marketplaces — but challenging their core economic models when built on subsidies and price distortion.
📌 Why this matters:
— Regulatory pressure on Temu is likely to spread globally
— Authorities are increasingly targeting platforms, not individual sellers
— Global marketplaces are moving from a “growth phase” into a “compliance phase”
Scale alone is no longer protection.
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📌 The EU Introduces a €3 Fee on Low-Value Online Parcels: A Challenge for Temu, Shein and Global Marketplaces
This week, the European Union formally approved the introduction of a €3 customs fee on low-value online parcelspriced under €150—shipments that until now entered the EU duty-free. The decision aims to reduce market imbalance, curb unfair competition, and strengthen consumer protection, while also easing pressure on Europe’s logistics and customs systems.
According to EU regulators, more than 4.6 billion small parcels entered the bloc in 2024, with roughly 90% originating from China. The new measure, scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2026, is positioned as an interim step toward a broader overhaul of EU customs regulations.
For global platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress, the move is likely to raise operational costs and reshape pricing strategies, potentially leading to higher prices for European consumers. European retailers, meanwhile, view the decision as a long-overdue effort to level the playing field and reduce the inflow of low-quality or unsafe goods.
This week, the European Union formally approved the introduction of a €3 customs fee on low-value online parcelspriced under €150—shipments that until now entered the EU duty-free. The decision aims to reduce market imbalance, curb unfair competition, and strengthen consumer protection, while also easing pressure on Europe’s logistics and customs systems.
According to EU regulators, more than 4.6 billion small parcels entered the bloc in 2024, with roughly 90% originating from China. The new measure, scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2026, is positioned as an interim step toward a broader overhaul of EU customs regulations.
For global platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress, the move is likely to raise operational costs and reshape pricing strategies, potentially leading to higher prices for European consumers. European retailers, meanwhile, view the decision as a long-overdue effort to level the playing field and reduce the inflow of low-quality or unsafe goods.
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🎄 What’s Selling on Amazon Right Now — Key December Trends
December on Amazon is not about experiments. Shoppers want fast, clear, ready-to-buy solutions. Here’s what actually performs at the end of the year 👇
🎁 Ready-to-gift products
Top performers:
— gift sets
— “open and gift” items
— bundles instead of single products
Time saved = higher conversion.
🏠 Home & cozy products
Steady growth in:
— home decor
— candles
— blankets & throws
— small kitchen items
Home = comfort zone. This is clearly reflected in search rankings.
🔋 Small but useful gadgets
Trending now:
— power banks
— cables
— car accessories
— smart everyday gadgets
Expensive electronics slow down, while practical small items sell fast.
🧴 Personal care over luxury
Shoppers choose:
— personal care
— health products
— clear, tangible results
Price + utility > brand name.
🚚 Delivery beats price
Prime eligibility and fast shipping outperform discounts.
Without it, listings lose visibility and traffic.
❌ What doesn’t sell well
— complex niches
— unclear product value
— listings without video content
Conclusion:
In December, winners are products that solve a problem quickly, not just those that are cheaper.
December on Amazon is not about experiments. Shoppers want fast, clear, ready-to-buy solutions. Here’s what actually performs at the end of the year 👇
🎁 Ready-to-gift products
Top performers:
— gift sets
— “open and gift” items
— bundles instead of single products
Time saved = higher conversion.
🏠 Home & cozy products
Steady growth in:
— home decor
— candles
— blankets & throws
— small kitchen items
Home = comfort zone. This is clearly reflected in search rankings.
🔋 Small but useful gadgets
Trending now:
— power banks
— cables
— car accessories
— smart everyday gadgets
Expensive electronics slow down, while practical small items sell fast.
🧴 Personal care over luxury
Shoppers choose:
— personal care
— health products
— clear, tangible results
Price + utility > brand name.
🚚 Delivery beats price
Prime eligibility and fast shipping outperform discounts.
Without it, listings lose visibility and traffic.
❌ What doesn’t sell well
— complex niches
— unclear product value
— listings without video content
Conclusion:
In December, winners are products that solve a problem quickly, not just those that are cheaper.
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Why eBay Is Growing Again — and Which Niches Outperform Amazon
While most sellers focus on Amazon and Temu, eBay is quietly regaining momentum. Its growth isn’t driven by mass products, but by niches where Amazon performs worse.
Here’s what currently sells better on eBay than on Amazon 👇
🔧 Auto parts and accessories
Rare components, model-specific compatibility, used and refurbished items — this is eBay’s core strength. Buyers come with a clear intent, not just to browse.
📱 Refurbished electronics
Refurbished smartphones, laptops, consoles. On Amazon these items often get lost, while on eBay there’s dedicated demand and higher trust in sellers.
🎮 Collectibles and resale
Trading cards, figurines, retro games, sneakers. eBay’s auction model delivers higher average order value and margins in these categories.
🏠 Niche DIY products
Tools, home repair parts, hard-to-find components. In these niches, availability and exact match matter more than price.
📦 Why this matters for sellers
eBay wins where:
— specificity beats branding
— long-tail demand exists
— buyers pay for solutions, not discounts
Takeaway:
Amazon is about scale. eBay is about niches and margins. For sellers with specialized assortments, eBay remains one of the most underrated sales channels today.
While most sellers focus on Amazon and Temu, eBay is quietly regaining momentum. Its growth isn’t driven by mass products, but by niches where Amazon performs worse.
Here’s what currently sells better on eBay than on Amazon 👇
🔧 Auto parts and accessories
Rare components, model-specific compatibility, used and refurbished items — this is eBay’s core strength. Buyers come with a clear intent, not just to browse.
📱 Refurbished electronics
Refurbished smartphones, laptops, consoles. On Amazon these items often get lost, while on eBay there’s dedicated demand and higher trust in sellers.
🎮 Collectibles and resale
Trading cards, figurines, retro games, sneakers. eBay’s auction model delivers higher average order value and margins in these categories.
🏠 Niche DIY products
Tools, home repair parts, hard-to-find components. In these niches, availability and exact match matter more than price.
📦 Why this matters for sellers
eBay wins where:
— specificity beats branding
— long-tail demand exists
— buyers pay for solutions, not discounts
Takeaway:
Amazon is about scale. eBay is about niches and margins. For sellers with specialized assortments, eBay remains one of the most underrated sales channels today.
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Online Marketplaces Turn Cartoon Hype into Dangerous Business: Poisonous Snakes Sold in China
Online marketplaces in China have found themselves at the center of a scandal over a new dangerous trend. Fueled by the popularity of the character Gary — a blue viper from "Zootopia 2" — users began mass-buying poisonous snakes as pets. Some sellers went so far as to ship live reptiles by mail directly through the trading platforms, until the platforms began urgently removing such listings.
Online marketplaces in China have found themselves at the center of a scandal over a new dangerous trend. Fueled by the popularity of the character Gary — a blue viper from "Zootopia 2" — users began mass-buying poisonous snakes as pets. Some sellers went so far as to ship live reptiles by mail directly through the trading platforms, until the platforms began urgently removing such listings.
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🌍 The EU Tightens E-commerce Rules: New Fees and Stricter Import Controls
In addition to the €3 duty, the EU is considering an extra handling fee for parcels and tighter customs controls. The goal is to close loopholes that global marketplaces have used for years.
What’s changing
* Higher cross-border shipping costs
* Longer parcel processing times
* Stricter requirements for product data
How this impacts market entry strategies
* 📦 Dropshipping is losing its appeal
* 🏭 Local warehousing becomes a must-have
* 📊 Demand and assortment analytics become critical
Marketplaces are no longer an “easy entry” into Europe. Success now requires a deliberate business approach with careful planning around logistics, taxes, and regulatory compliance.
In addition to the €3 duty, the EU is considering an extra handling fee for parcels and tighter customs controls. The goal is to close loopholes that global marketplaces have used for years.
What’s changing
* Higher cross-border shipping costs
* Longer parcel processing times
* Stricter requirements for product data
How this impacts market entry strategies
* 📦 Dropshipping is losing its appeal
* 🏭 Local warehousing becomes a must-have
* 📊 Demand and assortment analytics become critical
Marketplaces are no longer an “easy entry” into Europe. Success now requires a deliberate business approach with careful planning around logistics, taxes, and regulatory compliance.
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Algorithm Updates on Amazon & Alibaba — and How They Impact Top Sellers
Marketplaces have adjusted their algorithms again — and the changes are already visible in bestseller rankings.
🔍 What’s changed
Amazon
* Increased weight of listing conversion (CTR → Add to Cart → Purchase).
* Stronger focus on behavioral signals: time on page, scrolling depth, returns.
* Reviews with photos and videos now carry more weight than text-only reviews.
* Ad-driven sales pass less “ranking value” to organic results than before.
Alibaba / AliExpress
* The algorithm prioritizes sales velocity over pure volume.
* Repeat purchase rate has become a meaningful ranking factor.
* Video content and UGC are now critical to reach the top.
* New listings get a short-term boost, but without conversion they drop quickly.
📉 Who is losing positions
* Products with many reviews but outdated visuals.
* Listings inflated by ads without real demand.
* Sellers ignoring video and lifestyle content.
### 📈 Who is climbing to the top
* Niche products with a clear USP.
* Listings with strong hero images and video.
* Products with high conversion rates, even with fewer reviews.
⚠️ Key takeaway
Top sales are no longer about “who’s been on the platform the longest,” but about who sells faster and more consistently right now.
Algorithms are moving away from raw volume and toward listing quality and real buyer behavior.
Marketplaces have adjusted their algorithms again — and the changes are already visible in bestseller rankings.
🔍 What’s changed
Amazon
* Increased weight of listing conversion (CTR → Add to Cart → Purchase).
* Stronger focus on behavioral signals: time on page, scrolling depth, returns.
* Reviews with photos and videos now carry more weight than text-only reviews.
* Ad-driven sales pass less “ranking value” to organic results than before.
Alibaba / AliExpress
* The algorithm prioritizes sales velocity over pure volume.
* Repeat purchase rate has become a meaningful ranking factor.
* Video content and UGC are now critical to reach the top.
* New listings get a short-term boost, but without conversion they drop quickly.
📉 Who is losing positions
* Products with many reviews but outdated visuals.
* Listings inflated by ads without real demand.
* Sellers ignoring video and lifestyle content.
### 📈 Who is climbing to the top
* Niche products with a clear USP.
* Listings with strong hero images and video.
* Products with high conversion rates, even with fewer reviews.
⚠️ Key takeaway
Top sales are no longer about “who’s been on the platform the longest,” but about who sells faster and more consistently right now.
Algorithms are moving away from raw volume and toward listing quality and real buyer behavior.
Mercado Libre: What Actually Sells in Latin America — and Why
Latin America is not a “smaller version” of the US or Europe. Demand drivers are different here, and this is clearly reflected in the bestsellers on Mercado Libre.
1️⃣ Market context (brief)
Buyers are highly price-sensitive
A large share of mobile purchases
Strong demand from small businesses and self-employed sellers
Practical value > brand power
2️⃣ Core sales categories (consistent top performers)
🔌 Electronics & accessories
Budget smartphones
Cables, chargers, power banks
Bluetooth headphones
➡️ Fast solutions to everyday problems
🏠 Home & household
Kitchen gadgets
Storage and organizers
Small appliances
➡️ Purchased to improve daily life, not for design
🚗 Auto & motorcycle
Interior accessories
Motorcycle gear and consumables
➡️ Personal transport is a necessity, not a luxury
3️⃣ Growth categories (where demand is expanding)
Beauty & personal care — affordable, easy-to-understand products
Sports & active lifestyle — basic equipment
Business supplies — POS systems, scanners, receipt printers
➡️ Buyers invest in tools that help them earn
4️⃣ What drives top rankings
Clear positioning within the first 2–3 screens of the listing
Visuals that show what the product is and how it works
Short, practical demonstration videos
Transparent pricing and a strong value-for-money perception
5️⃣ What sellers should understand
Mercado Libre is a market of:
mass demand
fast decisions
simple products with high turnover
The winners are not the most unique products, but those with the clearest explanation of value.
Bottom line
If a product:
solves a practical problem
requires minimal explanation
fits a comfortable price range
—it has a strong chance of becoming a bestseller in Latin America.
Latin America is not a “smaller version” of the US or Europe. Demand drivers are different here, and this is clearly reflected in the bestsellers on Mercado Libre.
1️⃣ Market context (brief)
Buyers are highly price-sensitive
A large share of mobile purchases
Strong demand from small businesses and self-employed sellers
Practical value > brand power
2️⃣ Core sales categories (consistent top performers)
🔌 Electronics & accessories
Budget smartphones
Cables, chargers, power banks
Bluetooth headphones
➡️ Fast solutions to everyday problems
🏠 Home & household
Kitchen gadgets
Storage and organizers
Small appliances
➡️ Purchased to improve daily life, not for design
🚗 Auto & motorcycle
Interior accessories
Motorcycle gear and consumables
➡️ Personal transport is a necessity, not a luxury
3️⃣ Growth categories (where demand is expanding)
Beauty & personal care — affordable, easy-to-understand products
Sports & active lifestyle — basic equipment
Business supplies — POS systems, scanners, receipt printers
➡️ Buyers invest in tools that help them earn
4️⃣ What drives top rankings
Clear positioning within the first 2–3 screens of the listing
Visuals that show what the product is and how it works
Short, practical demonstration videos
Transparent pricing and a strong value-for-money perception
5️⃣ What sellers should understand
Mercado Libre is a market of:
mass demand
fast decisions
simple products with high turnover
The winners are not the most unique products, but those with the clearest explanation of value.
Bottom line
If a product:
solves a practical problem
requires minimal explanation
fits a comfortable price range
—it has a strong chance of becoming a bestseller in Latin America.
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Whatnot: the dark side of live auctions
The live-commerce marketplace Whatnot is growing rapidly and is already valued at $11.5 billion.
However, alongside its success, criticism is increasing. Media reports point to “gamified” sales mechanics — random drops, countdown timers, and aggressive bidding — that push users toward impulsive spending. Some buyers report serious financial stress.
Experts warn that this format is blurring the line between e-commerce and online gambling, which could soon attract regulatory attention.
The live-commerce marketplace Whatnot is growing rapidly and is already valued at $11.5 billion.
However, alongside its success, criticism is increasing. Media reports point to “gamified” sales mechanics — random drops, countdown timers, and aggressive bidding — that push users toward impulsive spending. Some buyers report serious financial stress.
Experts warn that this format is blurring the line between e-commerce and online gambling, which could soon attract regulatory attention.
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World e-commerce: trends & news
🚨 Texas Launches Investigation Into SHEIN: The Allegations Keep Growing The Texas Attorney General has opened a new investigation into SHEIN, one of the world’s largest fashion marketplaces. Authorities suspect the platform may have: — sold unsafe or toxic…
Shein avoids a ban in France
French authorities attempted to temporarily block Shein over the sale of prohibited products. However, the court rejected the ban, ruling that the company’s content removal measures were sufficient.
That said, regulators emphasized that oversight of marketplace assortments will be tightened. Pressure on fast-fashion platforms in Europe continues to grow.
French authorities attempted to temporarily block Shein over the sale of prohibited products. However, the court rejected the ban, ruling that the company’s content removal measures were sufficient.
That said, regulators emphasized that oversight of marketplace assortments will be tightened. Pressure on fast-fashion platforms in Europe continues to grow.
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Holiday Shopping: Etsy, eBay, and Amazon Remain Core Platforms
Recent analytics show that during the holiday season, more than half of consumers plan to shop online via marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. Around 15% of younger shoppers now use AI tools to search for and select gifts.
This trend increases the importance of AI-powered discovery, recommendations, and visual search within marketplace listings.
Key takeaway:
— marketplaces continue to dominate seasonal spending
— AI increasingly influences purchase decisions
— competition for Gen Z and Millennials is intensifying
Recent analytics show that during the holiday season, more than half of consumers plan to shop online via marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. Around 15% of younger shoppers now use AI tools to search for and select gifts.
This trend increases the importance of AI-powered discovery, recommendations, and visual search within marketplace listings.
Key takeaway:
— marketplaces continue to dominate seasonal spending
— AI increasingly influences purchase decisions
— competition for Gen Z and Millennials is intensifying
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Temu expands globally and opens access for local sellers
Temu continues rapid expansion and is now available in 90+ countries. Its Local Seller Program allows merchants in the US, Europe, Japan, and Australia to sell directly to local consumers.
The goal is faster delivery, localized assortments, and stronger competition with Amazon and AliExpress.
At the same time, Temu still faces concerns around product quality and safety, and EU regulators have previously launched inquiries related to DSA compliance.
Temu continues rapid expansion and is now available in 90+ countries. Its Local Seller Program allows merchants in the US, Europe, Japan, and Australia to sell directly to local consumers.
The goal is faster delivery, localized assortments, and stronger competition with Amazon and AliExpress.
At the same time, Temu still faces concerns around product quality and safety, and EU regulators have previously launched inquiries related to DSA compliance.
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Cheap Chinese goods create a “new Silk Road” into Europe
The surge of low-cost goods from China — largely via Temu and Shein — has become a major issue for European markets. Favorable customs thresholds for low-value parcels have fueled massive logistics flows and rapid marketplace growth.
European retailers argue this undercuts local businesses and creates safety and environmental risks. As a result, the EU is considering new fees on small parcels and the gradual removal of de minimis exemptions, with changes expected by 2028.
The surge of low-cost goods from China — largely via Temu and Shein — has become a major issue for European markets. Favorable customs thresholds for low-value parcels have fueled massive logistics flows and rapid marketplace growth.
European retailers argue this undercuts local businesses and creates safety and environmental risks. As a result, the EU is considering new fees on small parcels and the gradual removal of de minimis exemptions, with changes expected by 2028.
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