Ministry of Commerce Backs AliExpress; eBay's Acquisition of UK Fashion Platform Depop Approved | Cross-Border E-Commerce Weekly Report

[Ebrun Original] Here are the key developments in the cross-border e-commerce sector over the past week:

# Platform Updates #

[Amazon]

1 Amazon Business Annual Sales Reach $60B, Serving Over 11 Million Business & Institutional Buyers

On July 22, Amazon's Q2 operational data revealed that Amazon Business's annualized sales have reached $60 billion, serving over 11 million business and institutional buyers globally. In the first half of this year alone, Amazon Business added over 1.8 million new business and institutional buyers worldwide. The accelerating shift of global business procurement online presents significant B2B growth opportunities for Chinese cross-border sellers.

Chinese sellers possess a natural advantage in exporting industrial supplies (MRO), backed by one of the world's largest manufacturing ecosystems and a highly compatible supply chain. This category has become one of the fastest-growing strategic segments for Chinese cross-border sellers.

2 Amazon to Launch Its First Spanish Fulfillment Center, ZAZ8, on September 7

On July 24, Amazon announced it will officially launch its first Spanish fulfillment center (FC), ZAZ8, on September 7, 2026. Located in the Centrovía industrial park in La Muela, Zaragoza province, the center represents a total investment of ?100 million, with ?30 million allocated for upgrading existing facilities. Spanning approximately 30,000 square meters, ZAZ8 will focus on forward-stocking high-frequency household essentials such as personal care items, baby food, infant formula, wipes, and nutritional supplements. This aims to improve order fulfillment efficiency for the Aragon region and nationwide orders routed through Barcelona. It will also serve as a strategic inventory hub, providing replenishment support to other Amazon FCs and IXD nodes across Spain.

[TikTok]

1 TikTok Expected to Contribute ￡10B GVA to UK Economy by 2025, Attracts Over 300K SMBs to Shop

According to a new report jointly released by consulting firm Public First and EY on July 24, TikTok is projected to contribute at least ￡10 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy by 2025 and support around 153,000 jobs. Currently, TikTok Shop has attracted over 300,000 small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). 91% of these businesses reported that the platform has driven their revenue growth, and 28% experienced stockouts due to traffic surges, leading to the creation of approximately 31,000 new jobs. Additionally, live shopping sales volume grew 55% year-on-year, with over 6,000 live streams happening daily across the UK. Notably, TikTok's influence extends beyond the screen: 6.1 million people visited local cafes and restaurants, 4.3 million visited independent shops, and 2.3 million visited local attractions as a result.

2 WARC Predicts TikTok Could Overtake YouTube as Top Global Ad Revenue Platform by 2030

According to a new forecast from WARC Media on July 22, as marketers continue to increase investment in social commerce and performance advertising, TikTok is expected to surpass YouTube to become the world's highest-earning advertising platform by 2030.

3 Third-Party Data: Nearly 50% of UK Gen Z and Millennials Shop on TikTok Shop

According to foreign media reports, a recent survey (covering 1,005 UK consumers) by retail and shopper marketing agency Savvy found that 47% of UK Gen Z and millennial consumers have browsed or purchased products on TikTok Shop in the past three months. This figure stands at 21% across all UK shopping age groups.

Social platforms are playing an increasingly important role in consumer purchase journeys. The survey also found that in the past month, 64% of Gen Z and millennial consumers watched product reviews or recommendations on social media, 49% clicked on product links in posts or videos to view details, and 36% saved or marked items for later. While social shopping initially focused on fashion and beauty, it has now expanded to everyday consumer categories like home & kitchen, cleaning & personal care, electronics, and food & snacks.

[Alibaba]

1 Ministry of Commerce Backs AliExpress: Supports Chinese Companies Using Legal Means to Defend Rights

On July 22, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce responded to a media inquiry regarding the European Commission's fine imposed on AliExpress. The Ministry stated that China has noted the situation and expresses strong dissatisfaction and serious concern. China firmly opposes the EU's use of platform regulation as a pretext to set up digital barriers and take discriminatory measures to restrict and suppress the normal operations of Chinese e-commerce enterprises in Europe. China urges the EU to cease abusing discretionary power based on ambiguous legal provisions and to treat Chinese companies fairly and justly. China will firmly support Chinese companies in using legal means to defend their rights and will take strong measures to resolutely safeguard their interests.

2 Lazada Thailand to Increase Cross-Border Commission Rates from August 1, Standard Sellers Face 4.5% Hike

On July 23, Lazada Thailand announced that to promote long-term stable business development for merchants and enhance platform competitiveness, it will adjust commission rates for cross-border sellers starting August 1, 2026. For Mall and Non-Mall sellers not participating in the Premium Package, the base commission rate will be uniformly increased by 4.5% across all fulfillment types, including cross-border direct shipping (LGS), Fulfilled by Lazada (FBL), and Lite/3PF. For sellers already in the Premium Package, the commission rate will be adjusted from 7% to 8% (including FSM LPI), representing a net increase of only 1%. This adjustment also applies to both Mall and Non-Mall sellers and all fulfillment modes. The platform stated that the additional resources will be used for technology, tools, and related project development to support merchant growth more efficiently.

3 AliExpress Launches New Overseas Managed Policy for Japan Market: 0 Deposit, Fast 15-Day Settlement

On July 23, AliExpress held its first offline merchant recruitment event in Tokyo in 15 years, introducing multiple policy supports for the Japan market. A key initiative is the new "Overseas Managed" model, where sellers are only responsible for inventory and shipping, while the platform handles all other operational aspects. This model features 0 deposit for entry, store setup possible on the same day, settlement within 15 days after order confirmation, traffic support for new merchants, and 1-on-1 dedicated service.

The platform also clarified that local warehouse fulfillment is a key focus for the Japan market, with related business receiving traffic support. Data shows that during this year's 618 shopping festival, the proportion of orders fulfilled from local warehouses exceeded cross-border direct shipping for the first time. This policy package aims to reduce compliance costs and working capital pressure for Chinese merchants and brands operating in Japan, further accelerating brand development in the market.

4 AliExpress to Lead Brand Sellers to Exhibit at IFA Berlin

AliExpress, the cross-border e-commerce platform under Alibaba, recently announced it will lead a group of brand sellers to participate in Europe's largest consumer electronics fair, the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA), in September. This marks the first appearance of one of China's "Four Little Dragons" of e-commerce going global at a top-tier international consumer electronics exhibition.

The AliExpress brand delegation will focus on high-tech brands. Confirmed participants include 3D printer brand ANYCUBIC, pool robot brand Seauto, and electric mobility brand ENGWE, covering cutting-edge sectors like robotics, 3D printing, AR glasses, and smart mobility.

[Pinduoduo Temu]

1 Temu Loses 3.6 Million Users in Poland Over Six Months

On July 22, according to the latest survey data from Gemius's Mediapanel, Temu's user base in Poland continues to decline. As of June, it had only 16.68 million internet users, a decrease of about 700,000 from May, hitting an 18-month low. Compared to the peak of over 20.34 million users in January, the platform has lost more than 3.6 million users over six months, showing a consecutive six-month downward trend.

Industry analysis attributes this to waning novelty, narrowing price advantages, and the impact of new EU regulations. As the proportion of goods from local sellers and European warehouses increases, Temu's prices have gradually approached those on local platforms like Allegro. Although Temu remains one of Poland's largest advertisers, its user loyalty is being challenged.

More critically, the new EU low-value consignment regulation effective July 1 imposes a ?3 fee per item, directly impacting Temu's core business model reliant on small orders of multiple low-priced items. This has forced Temu to shift logistics to EU warehouses to avoid costs, which will likely further erode its price competitiveness. User attrition is expected to become more pronounced in the coming months, forcing the platform into more direct competition with Allegro in a traditional market environment.

[Shopee]

1 Shopee Tightens Performance Metrics for Non-Official Logistics in Singapore Local Stores

On July 22, Shopee implemented stricter new rules for non-official logistics used by Singapore local stores, aiming to improve delivery efficiency and consumer experience. While the platform still allows merchants to connect external logistics providers, all self-managed logistics lines must consistently meet fulfillment performance standards. A key change is that the store's on-time shipping rate will no longer be calculated as an aggregate but will be independently assessed for each logistics partner.

This will particularly impact sellers operating multiple logistics lines. If any logistics provider fails to meet standards for timeliness or pickup, not only will that line be restricted, but the store's overall traffic weighting and eligibility for promotional events will also be affected, alongside facing stricter penalties. Consequently, many sellers using multiple dedicated lines and local couriers simultaneously will face greater operational challenges. Industry experts advise merchants to streamline inefficient partners down to 1-2 stable providers, strictly track daily pickup and shipping data by channel to control delays, and optimize warehouse packing and sorting processes to ensure all lines meet platform timeliness requirements, avoiding a single channel impacting overall store performance.

2 Shopee Announces Commission Cuts for 100 Essential Goods Categories Effective August 1

On July 20, Shopee notified sellers in its Seller Center that starting August 1, 2026, it will further expand the scope of its Essential Goods commission policy support, reducing commission fees for an additional 100 essential goods categories. Some items will have commissions waived entirely, aiming to help sellers lower operational costs and enhance price competitiveness.

3 Shopee Malaysia Local Stores Introduce RM0.50/Order Platform Support Fee; New & Small Sellers Exempt

On July 24, Shopee Malaysia local stores introduced a "Platform Support Fee." For each completed order (paid, delivered, and confirmed by the buyer, excluding canceled, returned, and pending delivery orders), RM0.50 (inclusive of 8% sales tax) will be deducted before settlement. This fee primarily covers upgrade costs for platform tools like the chat AI assistant, product AI optimizer, Seller Center, instant delivery, and cross-border expansion services.

The overall impact is relatively limited for small-scale sellers and fresh grocery sellers, but mid-tier sellers need to recalculate profit margins, treating the RM0.50 per order as a slight increase in commission cost. New sellers also receive a 60-day exemption period, serving as a cold-start phase after joining the platform.

[Other Platforms]

1 GML 2026: Betting on Front-End Traffic Interception? After AI Recommendations, 60% of Users Still Return to Google Ecosystem for "Validation"

The 2026 Google Marketing Live China event concluded successfully in Shenzhen, showcasing a series of next-gen AI advertising products and marketing tools. New search ad tools (like AI Brief, Ads in AI Mode, AI-Powered Shopping Ads, etc.) can help globalizing businesses integrate brand information more naturally and seamlessly into AI-native interaction scenarios.

Furthermore, to enable businesses to guide AI with real "business objectives" and leverage first-party data, Google introduced Product Value Adjustment (PVA): businesses can directly inform AI of their true business priorities, setting clear profit direction. Tools like Google Code Gateway and Google Ads Data Manager empower businesses to accumulate first-party data, providing fuel for AI to continuously optimize ad performance.

2 Rakuten Announces Closure of French E-commerce Platform Priceminister by End of 2026

According to foreign media reports, Rakuten France announced a shutdown plan, with its French e-commerce platform Priceminister set to cease operations by the end of 2026. The platform will establish a transition period for buyers and sellers to complete pending transactions.

This closure marks the end of Rakuten's e-commerce platform presence in Western markets. However, other Rakuten businesses like advertising, Rakuten TV, and Rakuten Kobo will continue normal operations in Europe, and the Rakuten brand will remain in the local market.

3 eBay's Acquisition of UK Fashion Platform Depop Approved, Expected to Close July 30

According to foreign media, eBay's acquisition of Depop, the C2C fashion marketplace owned by Etsy, disclosed in February 2026, has recently been approved by UK regulators. The transaction is valued at $1.2 billion and is expected to formally close on July 30, 2026.

This acquisition is eBay's latest move focusing on its core categories, following its 2024 acquisition of collectibles platform Goldin Auctions, after which it began integrating user accounts across both platforms. Information disclosed by eBay at the time of the announcement indicated that Depop, post-acquisition, will leverage eBay's scale, complementary businesses, and operational capabilities for better development, while retaining its original brand, culture, and community attributes.

4 Ozon Initiates New Round of Commission Adjustments for Local Sellers: Rate Increases Across Multiple Categories, Average Hike of 5-6%

On July 19, Russian e-commerce platform Ozon announced it will adjust sales commissions and logistics fees for local sellers again starting August 28, 2026. This round of adjustments covers major sales models like FBO, FBS, and realFBS, with commissions for goods priced above 300 rubles facing widespread increases. Additionally, the calculation method for logistics fees for goods priced below 300 rubles will change—the platform will, for the first time, adjust logistics costs based on delivery routes.

# Investments & Financing #

1 Ant International Completes Approximately $1.2 Billion Series A Funding Round with Participation from Ant Group, Alibaba Group, and Others

On July 21, Ant International announced the completion of its Series A funding round. Ant Group, along with some existing shareholders including Alibaba Group and several international investment institutions, participated in this round. The total funding amount is approximately $1.2 billion, which will be used to expand global operations, accelerate investment in frontier technologies like AI, broaden inclusive fintech services such as cross-border payments and global accounts, and help global merchants achieve growth.

# Cross-Border Logistics #

1 US Adjusts Tariff Calculation for Postal Channel Imports Effective July 24, Aligning with Private Courier Rules

According to the latest foreign media reports, starting July 24, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will adjust the tariff calculation method for goods imported via postal channels. The tariff assessment standards for postal shipments entering the U.S. from around the world will be aligned with the rules for private courier company shipments. This adjustment is part of the optimization of the U.S. import system and will simultaneously affect import cost calculations and customs clearance processes.

Under the new rules, import duty rates will no longer be determined solely based on the country of origin but will also consider the product category. Postal shipments will, for the first time, be subject to Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariffs, Section 232 tariffs, Section 301 tariffs, and other applicable import taxes and fees. Specific additional charges will vary depending on the product's category, classification standards, and country of origin, and import costs for some shipments will increase compared to before.

# Industry Policies & Data #

1 US Department of Justice Officially Establishes Trade Enforcement Division, Tightening Cross-Border Compliance Oversight

The U.S. Department of Justice has formally established the Global Trade & Commerce Enforcement Section (GTCES). This section falls under the National Fraud Enforcement Division (NFED) and is responsible for investigating and prosecuting various cross-border trade violations. This marks a shift in U.S. trade enforcement from administrative fines to a criminal prosecution model, significantly elevating compliance risks in the cross-border trade industry.

Following the establishment of GTCES, companies involved in violations will not only face substantial fines but also their executives, operational, and financial personnel will bear criminal liability and face potential imprisonment. Furthermore, industry insiders note that the new enforcement logic features an industry-penetrating approach; the enforcement focus is no longer limited to U.S. importers but extends to the entire supply chain, including overseas manufacturers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, warehousing companies, and downstream distributors.

2 Old Tariffs Phase Out, New US 301 Tariffs Take Over: 12.5% Rate on China, Overall Tax Burden Cap Continues Previous Negotiation Outcomes

The Trump administration recently announced it will impose a new round of temporary tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners this Friday, based on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. This move signifies that the previous "reciprocal" tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) have expired and are now formally succeeded by a new legal framework, ensuring the continuation of the tariff "floor price" for U.S. imports.