UK Probe into €2.2bn JD.com Bid May Strengthen Amazon’s UK Position
AMZN•UK shadow national security minister urges parliamentary probe into JD.com’s €2.2bn Ceconomy bid and proposed Argos and Very Group takeovers, citing Chinese state subsidies. UK Treasury plans to close the de minimis import duty loophole by October 2028, potentially eroding cost advantages of overseas e-retailers.
1. Calls for JD.com Subsidy Investigation
The UK shadow national security minister has called for Parliament to scrutinise JD.com’s expansion under the Joybuy brand, highlighting its €2.2bn bid for German retailer Ceconomy and takeover interests in Currys, Argos and Very Group as examples of state subsidies creating unfair competition for domestic retailers.
2. De Minimis Duty Loophole Closure
The Treasury announced plans to accelerate closure of the de minimis import duty loophole by October 2028, lowering the goods-value threshold from £135. The reform aims to reduce cost advantages held by overseas e-tailers and support established UK market participants, including Amazon.
