As management fees continue to rise across major e-commerce platforms, sellers across Southeast Asia are increasingly exploring alternative marketplaces. This trend has created opportunities for emerging players like Indonesia's TOCO with its zero-fee strategy, while established platforms like Shopee adjust their logistics policies to maintain competitiveness. Meanwhile, short video commerce is revolutionizing online shopping in the Philippines.
Shopee Adjusts Shipping Fees in Malaysia and Singapore
Shopee has announced shipping fee adjustments for two key Southeast Asian markets as part of its logistics optimization strategy. Beginning December 1, 2025 (Beijing Time), buyer-paid shipping fees for self-collection channels in Malaysia will be revised. The company emphasizes this change only affects buyer payments and requires no price adjustments from sellers.
Similarly, starting November 1, 2025 (Beijing Time), Singapore will see modifications to buyer-paid fees for both Standard and Express International Doorstep Delivery channels through Shopee's SLS logistics service. As with the Malaysian changes, seller pricing remains unaffected.
"These adjustments aim to enhance logistics quality and user experience, strengthening our competitive position in Southeast Asia," a Shopee representative stated, advising sellers to monitor official channels for detailed updates.
TOCO's Zero-Fee Strategy Disrupts Indonesian E-Commerce
While major platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop increase seller fees, Indonesian newcomer TOCO is gaining traction with its no-commission model. CEO Arnold Sebastian reported significant seller migration from established platforms, though declined to share specific growth figures.
"Our growth has been entirely organic, without substantial marketing investment," Sebastian noted, adding that many sellers complain about existing platforms taking 8% to 38% of sales as commission, severely impacting profitability.
Since its August 2024 launch, TOCO has attracted 1 million monthly active users and hosts 3.4 million product listings. The platform's fee-free approach is reshaping Indonesia's e-commerce landscape, offering sellers a viable alternative to commission-heavy marketplaces.
Short Video Commerce Fuels Philippine Digital Economy
The Philippine e-commerce sector is experiencing explosive growth, driven largely by short video platforms that are transforming shopping behaviors. Industry reports indicate the country's digital economy continues expanding at double-digit rates, with e-commerce projected to reach $36 billion GMV by 2025.
Growing at 16% annually, e-commerce contributes over 60% of the Philippines' digital economy GMV. Short video commerce has particularly surged, with seller numbers jumping 90% to 475,000 and transactions reaching 1.2 billion - a 35% increase from 2024.
Fashion, accessories, beauty, and personal care products dominate this space, accounting for half of all short video commerce GMV. The format's engaging nature allows merchants to showcase products more dynamically while building stronger consumer connections.
Diversification Defines Southeast Asia's E-Commerce Evolution
From Shopee's logistics refinements to TOCO's disruptive pricing and the Philippine short video boom, Southeast Asia's e-commerce landscape is becoming increasingly diverse. Platforms are differentiating through service enhancements, cost reductions, and innovative formats as competition intensifies.
This diversification creates new opportunities for both merchants and consumers across the region, with each market developing unique characteristics while maintaining rapid growth momentum.