April 2023 E-Сommerce Digest: AI, Chatbots, and Cross-Border Marketplaces

In this bi-weekly digest, we explore key global trends and news in e-commerce and content moderation, encompassing AI growth, chatbot market value, cross-border e-commerce, and regional insights from Europe, the Americas, MENA, and Asia.

Global E-Com Trends

• AI is on the rise in the e-commerce market, predicted to reach $16.8 billion by 2030. 
• Chatbot market value is expected to hit $3.99 billion by 2030, with e-com transactions via chatbots forecasted to reach $112 billion in 2023. 
• European cross-border e-commerce reached €179.4 billion in 2022, while Latin America generated $139 billion in online retail.

E-Com in Europe and the Americas

• The European Parliament approved revised product safety rules, allowing non-EU products to be sold in the market if an EU economic operator ensures their safety.
• In Germany, online sales of goods fell 15% in Q1 2023, while digital services such as holiday bookings increased by over 28%. 
• French e-com platform La Redoute launched a dedicated Dutch website and app, targeting €26 million in sales by 2026 in the Netherlands. 
• Zalando announced delisting brands as part of a "quality over quantity" strategy after a 60% decrease in earnings before interest. 
• Walmart is revamping its online presence and investing in its e-commerce operation to compete with Amazon.
• Staytuned, a global software company that acquires and builds e-com applications with a core focus on Shopify, recently raised $34 million in funding.
• MercadoLibre president announces BitCoin wallet for users in Chile.

E-Com in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia

• MENA's e-commerce market reached $37 billion in 2022, with fashion e-commerce sales growing by 19% in Q1 2023. 
• Digital wallets are set to overtake credit cards as the preferred online payment method in the region, FYST reveals.
• UAE-based digital supply chain company RSA Global collaborates with food delivery platform Careem Quik. 
• Saudi platform Nana partners with Yango Deli to enhance the e-grocery sector in MENA.
• Chinese e-com giant Alibaba announced plans to split into six business units.