Asia-Pacific retail sales growth will stay resilient at 4.9% in 2026 despite volatility, as ecommerce in China nears 50% of retail sales, and livestreaming will top $1 trillion for the first time. Instant and AI-driven commerce will reshape the region’s digital commerce future, and India and Southeast Asia will power the next growth wave.

The retailer is betting that a first-party model will help it avoid Temu’s mistakes—and make inroads against Amazon.

Regulatory heat rises, yet low prices and trendy products keep shoppers hooked and sales growing.

Global scrutiny of Chinese-linked ecommerce platforms like Shein and Temu is intensifying as governments tighten oversight. France has threatened to suspend Shein’s marketplace over illegal listings, prompting investigations and a temporary sales halt, while Japan and the EU plan to scrap tax exemptions that have long benefited such importers. Similar moves in Brazil and South Africa highlight a growing global push to level the playing field for local retailers. Though consumers flock to Shein and Temu for low prices, regulators and competitors warn that the platforms’ dominance threatens fair competition and domestic industry resilience.

Online marketplaces are a crucial channel for growth in Europe. But brands need a nuanced strategy to navigate the complex, fragmented landscape.

Asia-Pacific has the largest retail and ecommerce sales in the world. While China continues to dominate global ecommerce share, India and Southeast Asia are increasingly driving growth. As consumer sentiment improves in China, the retail sales gap with the first-place US will narrow in the coming years.

Online fashion sales are stable and growing slowly, but they lag wider ecommerce. Consumers are concerned about sustainability, but price is a bigger priority.

Online fashion sales growth in France is stabilizing as global competitors capture market share and social platforms become more influential.

Turbulence in trade relations is changing how China’s ecommerce platforms do business in the US, with spillover effects on US retail and advertising.

UK regulators approve Shein IPO in a victory for China: While it may be too late for the fast-fashion retailer, the move could put the UK in China’s good graces and protect it from the worst of the trade war.

The end of de minimis is nigh: The rule that fueled the rise of Temu and Shein is set to end on May 2.

In this report, we explore the world’s top region for retail and ecommerce, Asia-Pacific. Read on for a closer look at the markets in China, India, the Philippines, and more.

Cross-border buyer numbers are rising in Europe as shoppers seek value and variety—but consumer expectations and regulatory changes could challenge future growth.

In our exclusive survey with ESW, data from shoppers in 18 countries reveals new twists in the path to purchase, the rising momentum of marketplaces, and the resilience of age-old fundamentals.

Alibaba’s domestic ecommerce growth signals promise for China’s retail landscape: However, price-conscious consumers and a trade war could derail recovery.

In our first edition of the Global Digital Index, created in partnership with the RLC Global Forum, we explore retail and ecommerce in the Gulf States of the Middle East.

Latin America’s digital economy will undergo significant changes in 2025 as retail innovation and regulatory changes redefine business dynamics for global and local players alike.

Regulation will disrupt some digital players, while retail media and genAI adoption will create opportunities across advertising and commerce.

China’s retail sector will grow from government stimulus, retail’s genAI revolution will have a far-reaching impact, India’s quick commerce will heat up, China’s retailers will face pushback in the region, and Xiaohongshu will further establish itself.

EU considers new measures to curb Chinese ecommerce influence: Officials are trying to stem the tide of unsafe products and protect local retailers.