Chinese E-Commerce Exports Still Go Primarily Through the US, Despite Trade Dispute
With the de minimis exemption abolished, US-China trade flows were expected to shrink. E-commerce data shows the bond has persevered.
Voluntary Public Takeover of Ceconomy
JD.com acquired a majority stake in the German electronics retailer Ceconomy, parent company of MediaMarkt-Saturn. That move positions it to become an indirect minority stake owner of Fnac Darty, French electronics chain with a presence across Europe. What that move means for the broader European e-commerce sector is discussed here.

Nadine Koutsou-Wehling
Data Journalist
January 19, 2026
Cross-Border eCommerce
Article in a Nutshell
JD.com takes control of Ceconomy, becoming the largest shareholder in one of Europe’s biggest electronics retail groups.
Through its acquisition, JD will gain indirect influence over Fnac Darty, which gives JD a foothold in the French consumer electronics market.
This will result in an overall expanded reach across Europe, with access to key markets including Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Portugal, and Spain.
JD.com now has the potential to rise among the top electronics e-tailers, possibly becoming the second-largest player in several countries.
This development could reshape Europe's competitive landscape by introducing a well-funded, cross-border entrant capable of integrating online and offline operations.
Towards the end of 2025, Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com secured a controlling stake in Ceconomy. By acquiring about 59.8% of its shares through a voluntary takeover offer, JD.com now controls roughly 85% of the company combined with its partner Convergenta's retained stake.
This makes JD the largest shareholder in one of Europe’s biggest consumer electronics retail groups. But that is not all.
As part of Ceconomy’s existing investments, the group holds a significant minority stake in French retailer Fnac Darty (around ~21-22 %). JD.com will indirectly gain influence over that share once the Ceconomy deal is completed.

In light of these developments, ECDB is interested in the tangible influence this will have on European electronics e-commerce.
Taking into account all European markets in which Ceconomy and Fnac Darty operate through their various subsidiaries, JD.com’s controlling stake in Ceconomy and indirect minority influence in Fnac Darty would grant it access to these markets as well. Aggregating the current GMVs of all domains held by Ceconomy and Fnac Darty yields the following market shares:

Top markets are Belgium (15%), Switzerland (12%) and Germany (10%).
At 8% market shares are the Netherlands, France, and Italy.
In consequence, the combination of group GMV would lead JD.com to become the up to second-largest electronics e-commerce retailer in the respective European markets.

This reflects the sheer scale of its reach through both direct control of Ceconomy and indirect influence over Fnac Darty, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics and market share distribution across the region.
JD.com’s acquisition of Ceconomy, combined with its indirect influence over Fnac Darty, marks a significant expansion of Chinese e-commerce presence in Europe. By leveraging both direct control and minority stakes, JD.com gains access to multiple national markets. It therefore positions itself as one of the continent's top e-tailers in electronics.
Beyond boosting its market share, this move could change the competitive landscape, as European retailers may now face a well-funded newcomer capable of combining online and in-store operations across countries. JD.com is no longer a foreign investor in that way, but could become a major player in the region alongside other household names.
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