2. E-Commerce

2.5. Key players

E‑commerce’s success and complexity come from the interaction of many stakeholders: sellers and vendors, platforms and marketplaces, buyers/consumers, brokers, express carriers, logistics providers, postal operators, and payment service providers.

Customs and border administrations are not traditional e‑commerce players, but they are essential to the ecosystem. They facilitate cross‑border trade by ensuring the secure, efficient movement of goods, managing regulatory compliance, collecting duties and taxes, and protecting borders from prohibited or high‑risk items.

Player type

Example

Role

Customs and border administrations

Not a traditional e-commerce player, but essential to the ecosystem

Facilitate cross-border trade by ensuring the secure and efficient movement of goods, managing regulatory compliance, collecting duties and taxes, and protecting borders from prohibited or high-risk items.

Express industry

DHL, FedEx, UPS

A critical component of global e-commerce; a key enabler of customer expectations for speed, predictability, and end-to-end visibility as demand for fast, reliable delivery rises.

Major e-commerce platforms

Amazon, Alibaba, eBay, Temu, Shein, Tokopedia

Dominant players offering access to global markets and handling a substantial share of cross-border transactions.

Specialized marketplaces

Etsy (handmade and vintage goods); region-focused platforms such as JD.com and AliExpress

Cater to specific markets or product categories.

Logistics and freight operators

Global: DHL, FedEx, UPS; regional: COSCO Shipping, Kerry Logistics, SF Express

Support international shipping and freight movement, including tailored solutions for niche requirements such as cold-chain logistics for perishable goods or specialized fulfillment for high-value items.

Payment service providers

PayPal, Stripe, Adyen, and other payment gateways

Enable secure, convenient international transactions and support multiple currencies and compliance requirements.

Customs brokers

International shippers, express carriers, and specialist brokerage firms

Assist businesses in navigating customs regulations, documentation, and clearance procedures.

Fulfillment and warehousing providers

ShipBob, Rakuten Super Logistics, Flexport

Provide warehousing, order fulfillment, and last-mile delivery services, supporting merchants who require scalable logistics solutions.

Technology providers

ChannelAdvisor, ESW, Shopify’s cross-border tools

Offer e-commerce enablement platforms, helping businesses manage listings, pricing, compliance, and international expansion.