Article by Gero Furchheim , President of Ecommerce Europe
From 10 to 15 January, over 30,000 entrepreneurs, public affairs professionals, and journalists gathered in New York for one of the world’s largest retail exhibitions. As my first official activity as the new President of Ecommerce Europe, I had the privilege of attending the “Big Show,” organised by the National Retail Federation (NRF) in the United States. Joining me were Luca Cassetti, Secretary General of Ecommerce Europe, and a delegation of our members and teams.
The Big Show focused heavily on AI and innovation, showcasing the best in omnichannel retail from across the globe. It was inspiring to see how resilient and creative this sector continues to be, setting the stage for trends that will shape business growth in the years to come. Alongside the exhibition, NRF hosted a series of briefing sessions with experts and companies. These sessions explored best practices, practical advice for launching or enhancing omnichannel businesses, and the global economic outlook, essential insights for anyone navigating the fast-changing retail landscape.
Challenges on the horizon
The retail sector is facing a series of new challenges driven by global political and economic shifts. The recent U.S. elections, the rapid growth of Asian e-commerce platforms, and political changes across several European Union countries are all contributing to a highly delicate environment for retail.
One of the biggest concerns is the potential introduction of trade tariffs by the new U.S. administration. Tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports, 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada, and 10–20% on imports from the rest of the world could have significant implications. These measures are likely to increase costs for companies exporting to the U.S., drive up inflation, slow economic growth, and reduce consumer spending power.
At Ecommerce Europe, we are keeping a close eye on these developments. The ripple effects of U.S. trade policy could be far-reaching, particularly for global e-commerce. This moment also ties closely to ongoing EU discussions on the customs reform, including the proposed removal of the €150 customs duty threshold. By comparison, the U.S. threshold stands at $800, a significant difference.
FIRA: a platform for global collaboration
The annual meeting of the Federation of International Retail Associations (FIRA), held on 10 January, provided a valuable forum to discuss these and other pressing issues. Ecommerce Europe is proud to be a member of FIRA, which brings together retail and e-commerce associations from around the world.
During the meeting, I had the opportunity to present Ecommerce Europe’s priorities for the coming years. These include:
- Ensuring effective enforcement of EU laws for all e-commerce players, no matter where they are based;
- Promoting a balanced Digital Fairness policy debate to challenge unfair narratives surrounding e-commerce;
- Advocating for a more competitive European payments market that supports merchants and addresses rising costs.
It was encouraging to see that many organisations shared a common goal: establishing a level playing field in e-commerce, not only in Europe. This recurring theme underscores just how critical it is to ensure fair competition in the sector.
Looking ahead
Attending the NRF Big Show and the FIRA meeting has been a fantastic start to the year for Ecommerce Europe and me as its new President. These events highlighted both the opportunities and challenges ahead for our industry. By working together and staying focused on key priorities, we can continue to drive innovation, resilience, and growth of the digital commerce sector.