JD.com launched its Joybuy platform in Britain, threatening Amazon’s UK share, and is eyeing takeover bids for Currys, Argos and Very Group following its €2.2bn Ceconomy bid. MPs are urged to scrutinise potential Chinese state subsidies and a planned October 2028 end to the £135 “de minimis” duty-free import loophole.
JD.com has debuted its Joybuy online shopping platform in Britain as a direct challenge to established retailers, signalling aggressive international growth beyond its core Chinese operations.
Building on a €2.2bn bid for Ceconomy, JD.com is exploring takeover offers for Currys and Argos and has been linked to a potential approach for Very Group, intensifying competition in consumer electronics and general merchandise.
Lawmakers are calling for parliamentary review of alleged Chinese government grants, financing and tax incentives that may have supported JD.com’s expansion, raising national security and fair-competition concerns.
The UK Treasury will close the £135 “de minimis” duty-free import exemption by October 2028 to curb tariff-free parcels, aiming to protect domestic retailers from subsidised foreign competition.
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