For smaller businesses, international e-commerce once required considerable infrastructure. Entering another country could mean establishing new sales channels, managing localization, finding logistics partners, and adapting product information for another market. Marketplaces have gradually lowered that barrier. New data from Temu suggests that European SMEs are taking advantage. According to a survey conducted by the marketplace, 34% of European small businesses selling on Temu reported expanding into new international markets since joining the platform. Meanwhile, half reported increasing production or operational capacity, hiring additional employees, or doing both. The findings offer another indication of how marketplaces are changing cross-border ecommerce for…
Chinese e-commerce platforms have become a mainstream part of online shopping in Europe, but their popularity varies significantly between markets. According to the European Central Bank’s April 2026 Consumer Expectations Survey, 52% of euro area consumers have purchased from Chinese platforms such as Temu, AliExpress, Shein, and Banggood at least once. Southern Europe stands out. Usage reaches 79% in Greece, 77% in Portugal, and 69% in Spain. By comparison, only 43% of French consumers and 40% of German consumers report having shopped through these platforms. The differences reveal more than the success of individual marketplaces. They show how price, assortment,…
