Cross-Border E-Commerce Analysis: A Comparison of Global Platforms for 2025

The cross-border e-commerce landscape is evolving rapidly, with several platforms emerging as major players. This blog will explore the key platforms available for businesses looking to enter the global market, highlighting their features, requirements, and operational models. Let’s dive into the details of each platform!

TikTok

Established in 2022, TikTok has opened up significant opportunities for e-commerce within the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. It requires a business license or sole proprietorship for entry. The platform has launched its own overseas warehouse logistics and requires a starting deposit of $90. TikTok offers two operational modes: self-operated and fully managed.

Shopee

Launched in Singapore in 2015 and opened to domestic businesses in 2017, Shopee covers markets like Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Vendors need a business license or sole proprietorship to join. Shopee provides its own logistics and has a deposit requirement of $3,000, which is waived for the first three months. It also supports both self-operated and fully managed operational modes.

AliExpress

As one of the pioneers in the cross-border e-commerce space since its inception in 2010, AliExpress caters to over 200 countries worldwide. A business license is necessary for entry, with a hefty deposit of $10,000 required. AliExpress utilizes its own logistics services and offers both self-operated and fully managed modes for its users.

TEMU

Since its launch in 2022, TEMU has covered regions such as North America, Australia, Europe, and parts of Asia. Both individual and company licenses are required for participation. The platform requires an initial deposit of $1,000 and partners with logistic services. It offers self-operated as well as semi-managed operational modes.

SHEIN

Founded in 2008, SHEIN has gained significant traction particularly in North America, the Middle East, and Latin America. Vendors must possess either a business license or sole proprietorship to enroll. SHEIN works with partner logistics and has an entry deposit starting from $1,000, operating in a self-managed mode.

Lazada

Lazada, another player established in 2012, covers Southeast Asian markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Similar to the others, a business license or sole proprietorship is needed for entry. Lazada requires a deposit of $3,000, waived for the first three months, and supports both self-operated and fully managed modes.

Amazon

With its origin dating back to 1994, Amazon has been a substantial force in the e-commerce space. Covering regions like Europe and the Middle East, it requires businesses to have a business license and a dual-currency card. Amazon’s logistics options include self-fulfillment and overseas warehouses, with monthly rental fees starting at $40 or 25 cents per unit for its self-operated model.

eBay

Founded in 1995, eBay has proven to be another leading platform for cross-border e-commerce. It offers substantial coverage including North America, Europe, and Asia, while requiring a business license and dual-currency card for entry. There’s no deposit requirement, and sellers can operate through self-fulfillment or overseas warehouse logistics.

Mercado Libre

Operated since 1999 in Argentina, Mercado Libre supports 18 sites including Brazil and Mexico. A business license and e-commerce record are required for joining. The platform offers collaborative logistics without any deposit, allowing for a self-operated model.

Wish

Launched in 2011 and opened to the public domestically in 2014, Wish covers markets like Canada, the United States, and Europe. Both individual and company licenses are required, with no deposit necessary. It utilizes logistics through self-fulfillment and overseas warehouses, supporting a self-operated model.

The Future of Cross-Border E-Commerce

As we look toward 2025, the cross-border e-commerce market is set to grow even further. With more platforms catering to diverse markets and offering unique features, businesses have various options to explore. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established brand, understanding these platforms is critical for tapping into global opportunities.

In conclusion, each of these platforms presents distinct benefits and challenges. It’s essential to evaluate your business model and target audience when choosing the right platform for entering the cross-border e-commerce realm. 🌍💻