Romanian online retailers set to expand internationally with strong logistics support

Almost 70% of online stores in Romania are already selling consistently outside the country, reflecting a growing trend towards international expansion. In a recent survey conducted by Packeta România, 94% of participating companies expressed their intention to extend their activities into foreign markets within the next 12 months.

Europe remains the primary territory for expansion for Romanian online shops, with 81% of respondents targeting Western Europe. Southeastern and Central Europe are also on the radar as potential growth areas. Companies are looking for sufficiently large markets to generate additional volumes, aiming to access a broader customer base through internationalization.

For many businesses, internationalization is primarily linked to growth, with online merchants seeking extra revenues by diversifying their markets. As competition in online commerce intensifies, cross-border trade is becoming an integral part of the development strategy for Romanian retailers.

However, the journey to international markets is not without its challenges. 94% of respondents identified transport and return management as the main difficulties in expanding internationally. Regulatory frameworks and taxation issues also pose significant concerns for traders. Each new market brings complexities such as delivery flows, transit times, returns, tracking, and the need to adapt to local delivery preferences.

Alexandr Jeleascov, Managing Director of Packeta România, notes a clear shift in how Romanian online stores are approaching international expansion. As the number of markets increases, the ability to manage processes through a common infrastructure becomes crucial. Packeta’s logistics infrastructure enables merchants to connect multiple markets within the same logistical ecosystem, facilitating their growth and operational efficiency.