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Latest news, analysis and opinion on ecommerce, covering new technology, consumer habits and the growth of digital payment options.
China has announced an antitrust investigation into its food delivery platforms. Photo: Shutterstock
China’s private sector

China to probe food delivery platforms under anti-monopoly law

State Council announcement cites ‘excessive subsidies’ and ‘price wars’ in document unveiling market assessment for online delivery services.

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Retailing

Furniture retailer Ikea to close 7 stores in China amid property market slump

China trade

How the ‘world’s supermarket’ rode out Trump’s tariffs – and grew even stronger

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South Korea

Coupang’s massive data leak probe ignites US-Seoul diplomatic firestorm

Some Republicans said Seoul’s investigation into the e-commerce firm was an attempt to favour China.

A worker drives a delivery truck of South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang in Seoul. Photo: AFP
JD.com

Burglary of JD.com warehouse in France prompts investigation, speculation

The theft, with over 50,000 items stolen by some estimates, casts a shadow over the Chinese e-commerce giant’s first Christmas in France.

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Retailing

‘C-beauty’ cosmetics brands find retail expansion outside China a slow slog

‘For established domestic cosmetics companies attempting to expand abroad, progress is still in its early stages,’ CLSA’s Chris Gao says.

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China's State Administration for Market Regulation

China bans e-commerce platforms from forcing lowest prices or abusing algorithms

Beijing moves to protect consumers and merchants, with new 29-article regulation tightening oversight of the fast-growing digital economy.

The new rules prohibit e-commerce operators from forcing merchants to offer discounts. Photo: Shutterstock
TikTok

Editorial | TikTok deal could show way forward for US-China engagement

The agreement, under which the platform will become a joint venture controlled by a consortium of investors, highlights the importance of negotiation and mutual respect.

China consumption

From taboo to trendy: China’s second-hand luxury market cashes in on resale boom

Driven by an uneven recovery and property crisis, value-conscious shoppers are powering a second-hand boom as platforms use tech to verify authenticity and overcome stigma.

France

Shein avoids France site ban after removing illegal goods

French court rejects Shein site ban, citing sporadic offences, as platform removes illicit items, but must enforce age checks for adult products.

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The Shein logo seen displayed on a smartphone along with a shopping cart. Photo: Shutterstock
Alibaba

Alibaba ramps up China instant commerce push with Cainiao and Tmall tie-up

Partnership designed to expand warehouse network and boost Taobao Shangou’s rapid service as rivals Meituan and JD.com scale up facilities.

Cainiao will launch new or expand instant commerce warehouses for Tmall Supermarket. Photo: Shutterstock
China technology

No ‘lowest-price’ requirement: China warns platforms on monopolistic tactics

Regulators tell platforms that demanding the ‘lowest price’ from vendors may not be permitted under new draft guidelines.

China consumption

Reporter’s notebook: home test kit takes headache out of Beijing healthcare

Rapid test for flu and other respiratory ailments makes it easy to avoid long queues, showcases Chinese economy’s consumption potential.

China-EU relations

EU targets China’s Shein and Temu with new fees on low-value parcels

Tariffs’ impact may be limited given the Chinese e-commerce companies’ extensive warehouse and logistics networks across Europe.

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Both Shein and Temu have multiple distribution centres across Europe. Photo: Alarmy
Singapore

As more department stores in Singapore struggle, can they adapt and survive?

The closure of more Isetan outlets comes in the wake of brands like Robinsons, Daimaru and SOGO that have ceased operations in Singapore.

The outlet of the Isetan department store chain at NEX shopping mall, which will close in April next year. Photo: YouTube/Singapore Scenery and Places
China-EU relations

Temu’s EU headquarters raided over Chinese subsidy concerns

The raid comes amid increasing concern within the European Union over cheap imports from China.

Artificial intelligence

Bill Gates’ daughter lands US$30 million for star-backed AI firm

The capital raise will value the start-up at US$180 million and comes just months after Phia completed its first US$8 million funding round.

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China consumption

China delivers record 180 billion parcels in 11 months as shoppers chase deals

Express deliveries have reached as high as 777 million per day in 2025 as China’s consumers turn to cut-price online platforms.

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Parcels are piled up near an apartment building in Beijing during the Singles’ Day shopping festival in November 2020. China’s consumers continue to turn to e-commerce platforms to find cut-price deals. Photo: AP
Alibaba

Alibaba launches US$537 Quark AI glasses to challenge devices from Meta, Xiaomi

The glasses are expected to ‘usher in a revolution in human-computer interaction in the AI era’, Alibaba vice-president Wu Jia says.

Alibaba

Alibaba to lead AI capital spending among Chinese firms amid strong demand

The group’s intention to boost AI-related capital outlay reflects its aim to spearhead China’s efforts in the race for global AI leadership.

Fashion

8 viral tote bags: Emily Ratajkowski’s Daunt Books tote and more

Trader Joe’s micro bags have brought totes into the conversation again – here are a few that have taken off and are gaining cult status.

Emily Ratajkowski with a Daunt Books tote. Photo: Getty Images
Artificial intelligence

US, Chinese firms add AI shopping bells and whistles to dominate all-in-one apps

OpenAI’s new ‘shopping research’ tool resembles popular AI shopping services on Chinese e-commerce platforms like Tmall and Taobao.

Leading US and Chinese artificial intelligence firms are ramping up integration of e-commerce solutions in their flagship consumer products in the race to become the “everything app” of the future. Photo: Handout
Alibaba

Alibaba posts 5% rise in quarterly revenue on AI, cloud momentum

‘We have entered into an investment phase to build long-term strategic value in AI technologies and infrastructure,’ CEO Eddie Wu Yongming says.

Italy

Italian police raid Amazon sites in probe involving Chinese goods

E-commerce giant Amazon is suspected of acting as a ‘Trojan horse’ in Italy customs fraud case, court document says.

JD.com

JD.com steps up on-demand local services battle with food app and review platform

The e-commerce giant is betting on food delivery and an anti-fake review platform to sharpen its challenge to leaders Meituan and Alibaba.

FILE PHOTO: JD.COM logo is seen in this illustration taken, February 11, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Artificial intelligence

China targets AI-powered price manipulation in new antitrust guidelines

Market regulator SAMR outlines risks of collusion, unfair subsidies and walled gardens in online platforms.

The guidelines zero in on the sophisticated, often opaque ways in which online platforms with significant market power can exploit technological advantages to exclude rivals and harm consumer interests. Photo: Shutterstock
Alibaba

AI puts wind in the sales of Singles’ Day as Alibaba and JD.com hit retail records

From algorithmic promotions to AI chatbots, Alibaba and JD.com use new tools to hit Singles’ Day records and defy a sluggish economy.

China exports

Chinese vendors on Shein, Temu face tax changes at home and abroad

While the EU ends a duty exemption, a reform of China’s tax regime may present the bigger challenge for cross-border sellers.

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