Crossborder Ecommerce Grows Amid Policy and Platform Advances

This cross-border e-commerce weekly report focuses on the industry trends of the third week of September 2025, covering government support policies for cross-border e-commerce in various regions, and new developments on platforms such as Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Alibaba.com. It highlights logistics progress such as the opening of new China-Europe Railway Express routes and the activation of the Arctic shipping route, providing decision-making references for cross-border e-commerce practitioners.
Crossborder Ecommerce Grows Amid Policy and Platform Advances

The cross-border e-commerce sector continues to experience rapid transformations, with new shipping routes and platform policy adjustments significantly impacting sellers worldwide. The latest industry developments highlight policy incentives and platform upgrades designed to streamline international trade.

Policy Support Accelerates Cross-Border Growth

This week witnessed multiple policy advancements benefiting global e-commerce. Over 30 international delegations, including representatives from Luxembourg and Poland, participated in trade discussions in Henan, exploring collaborative opportunities. The inaugural China-Europe rail-sea intermodal freight service (Xi'an-Hamburg) commenced operations across the Baltic region, enhancing trade efficiency between Asia and Europe.

Zhejiang Province released two pivotal compliance guidelines: the International Business Compliance Manual for Private Enterprises and the Cross-Border E-Commerce Industry Compliance Framework , providing businesses with clearer operational standards.

Platform Innovations Reshape Market Dynamics

Leading e-commerce platforms introduced significant updates to optimize user experience and logistics. Shopee launched its platform-wide "Express Shipping (Platform Order)" feature to simplify logistics. The Ningbo-Zhoushan Port inaugurated its first Arctic shipping route, reducing Europe-bound transit time to just 18 days.

TikTok Shop updated its seller onboarding criteria for five European markets, offering clearer entry guidelines. Meanwhile, Alibaba's International Station established its inaugural cross-border business incubator in Guangzhou, supporting SMEs in global expansion.

This week's developments underscore the dual drivers of policy support and technological innovation in advancing cross-border e-commerce. Market participants are advised to monitor these trends closely to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate evolving challenges.