Q2 2025 EU E-commerce & Logistics Report: Growth, China-EU Trade & Ireland Insights

Overview

The European Union (EU) continues to witness significant transformation in e-commerce and logistics in Q2 2025. With rising online order volumes and strengthened trade with China, the logistics landscape is evolving at a fast pace. This report explores major developments across the EU, focusing on cross-border shipping, logistics innovation, and bilateral trade.

E-commerce Growth in the EU

E-commerce across the EU recorded an 18% year-on-year growth in Q2 2025. June alone saw a 25% spike in online orders, driven by summer sales and Father’s Day promotions. Leading the growth were:

  • Germany: +37% in international shipments

  • Poland: +28%

  • Ireland: +21%

Categories like outdoor products, gifts, and home lifestyle items experienced strong demand. However, exports to the US declined 17%, impacted by new 10% tariffs on UK-origin goods effective from April 5, 2025.

China-EU Trade Dynamics

China-EU trade remains a cornerstone of growth. According to the General Administration of Customs, bilateral trade reached ¥2.82 trillion (€358.72 billion) in H1 2025, marking a 3.5% year-on-year increase.

  • Daily trade volume surpassed ¥150 billion (€18.88 billion).

  • 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, with trade growing over 300x since inception.

Key trade highlights:

  • China’s exports of auto parts to the EU grew 9.7%.

  • EU's exports to China: gearboxes +40.8%, diesel engines +65.2%.

  • EU is China’s top source for imported healthcare products, luggage, and jewellery.

  • China’s exports of textiles, electronics, and laptops to the EU are rising steadily.

These trends reinforce the demand for container shipping from China to Ireland and efficient customs clearance in Ireland.

Logistics Investment in Europe

Major logistics providers are scaling operations to meet cross-border and domestic delivery demands:

  • DHL has pledged £550 million (€649 million) in UK and Ireland investments, focusing on e-commerce and healthcare logistics.

  • The EU logistics sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2025 to 2033, reaching £513.69 billion in market value.

Regional Focus:

  • Germany: Dominates EU logistics with a 25.5% market share. Key corridor: Rhine-Alpine.

  • UK: Parcel volumes rebounded with 18% e-commerce growth in Q2 2025.

  • Ireland: 33% of e-commerce revenue stems from international sales. DHL’s local investment bolsters Ireland’s shipping infrastructure.

Sustainability & Market Challenges

Sustainability is top-of-mind:

  • 72% of EU consumers consider environmental impact when shopping.

  • Logistics firms are shifting to electric vehicles and green practices.

However, challenges persist:

  • High inflation

  • E-commerce market saturation

  • 10% revenue decline in 2022, though signs of recovery continue in 2025

Implications for China-Ireland Trade

As China-EU relations deepen, Ireland is emerging as a vital logistics hub for brands looking to enter the EU market. Key opportunities include:

  • Cross-border e-commerce logistics

  • Customs clearance in Ireland

  • Freight forwarding & warehousing

At E2G Logistics, we help brands manage cross-border shipments, customs processes, and last-mile delivery with speed and reliability.

Contact Us

Visit: https://e2g.ie
Email: [email protected]
Hotline / WhatsApp: +353 83 185 0466
WeChat: EASY2GOLOGISTICS

Tags: EU e-commerce growth, logistics investment Europe, China-EU trade, customs clearance Ireland, cross-border shipping, Ireland e-commerce, sustainable logistics, DHL investment



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