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China's global ecommerce push is stalled as the Iran war raises costs and dampens demand

China's export engine for e-commerce is in trouble as rising jet fuel prices and a weaker demand by lower-income Western consumers linked to the Iran War threaten the?profits of big online platforms such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress. Business models based on shipping $5 dresses from?Chinese factory to customers around the globe were already under stress after U.S. president Donald Trump introduced tariffs, and axed waivers for low-value parcels. Data shows that the Middle East conflict is causing a surge in logistics costs, and industry experts agree. Shippers such as DHL Express are imposing heavy fuel surcharges. China's low cost e-commerce, which has soared in the last six years, dropped 10.9% to $9.81 Billion in April, marking the fifth consecutive decline compared to the previous year, according to Trade and Transport Group, a Luxembourg-based consultancy.

Costs are passed on to consumers

Diana Qiao is a Shenzhen seller of women’s clothing who sells on Temu. She said that she raised her prices by $2 as her shipping costs per garment increased by an average of $1.

Qiao said that "the final burden will be borne by the consumers." She added that this increase was "needed to protect my profit margins" and although sales have decreased slightly, she has not yet seen a need to alter her shipping arrangements. Analysts and industry insiders believe that falling export values indicate not only the cost squeeze but also the end of the hyper-growth era for large low-cost platforms. The companies are moving more products into bulk warehouses for local dispatch, rather than flying all the goods directly from China.

He said that it would be reasonable to consider the cost of air freight in relation to the value and quality of the product. If you buy a top weighing 300-400 grams, air freight will account for 60% of the total cost. Shein is expanding its warehouse capacity throughout Europe. Last month, it opened its third warehouse near Birmingham, in Britain. Alibaba, the owner of AliExpress, said it was focused on "maintaining a value-for money pricing for consumers" and "providing a stable environment for both sellers and consumers despite global transportation costs fluctuation". Shein and Temu didn't respond to any questions regarding the impact of air freight on their business.

PLATFORMS DEMAND IS LOWER AS BUSINESS MARKS MATURE

Exports are higher today than two years ago. The start of 2025 saw a significant frontloading of goods ahead of U.S. Tariffs. Returning to the growth of the last few years will be difficult, as Shein and Temu already have a significant share of the market and the rising petrol prices in the U.S.A. and Europe are impacting the household budgets. The European Union will also impose an EUR3 charge on "low-value" e-commerce packages starting July 1. According to a China-based executive in freight forwarding who refused to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to media, air freight costs are a factor but platforms have also entered a slower growth phase and overseas consumption is declining due to inflation. According to Judah Levine, Freightos head of research, air freight rates will likely'stay high due to jet fuel prices, and it will take time for them to drop even if Iran conflict ends. If the cost of shipping remains high or increases further, some companies will switch to alternative modes of transportation or delay some shipments, said Martin Habisreitinger.

(source: Reuters)