Trade: E-commerce in Romania is expected to reach 3.5% of GDP this year and consolidates position in top 10 in EU

  E-commerce in Romania is expected to reach 3.5% of GDP in 2025, consolidating its position in the top 10 EU member states as E-GDP (the share of a country's GDP generated by e-commerce), according to the "European E-Commerce 2025" report, according to a press release from the Romanian Association of Online Stores (ARMO), sent on last Tuesday.Romania ranks 9th at the European level and 3rd in Central and Eastern Europe, after Poland and the Czech Republic, ARMO stated."We are in the top 10 and we have the chance to capitalize on this potential by supporting the digitalization of SMEs and by ensuring fair competition conditions for Romanian stores," said Cristi Movila, president of ARMO, quoted in the press release.According to the 2025 report, online commerce in Romania generates an extensive economic impact, stimulating the development of courier and postal services, software, digital advertising and even local production of goods."Online commerce is no longer just a convenience for consumers, but a real engine of economic and fiscal growth, which connects Romania to the European Single Market," added Cristian Pelivan, executive director of ARMO.The report presents the challenges and opportunities for 2025. Among these, the digitalization of SMEs, given that only 12% of Romanian SMEs sell online, below the European average, and there is a need for dedicated programs, and fair market conditions, given that extra-EU trade puts pressure on Romanian retailers. ARMO supports the reform of the EU Customs Code and the application of the level playing field principle - fair competition conditions.Another challenge is emerging technologies. AI is already being used for content, customer support and inventory forecasting, as well as green logistics and sustainability, where there are opportunities for developing locker networks, electric fleets and integrating SGR mechanisms into online commerce.At European level, the main trends confirmed by the study are: supporting SMEs in digital transformation, fair rules for all players, investments in green logistics and administrative simplification (electronic invoicing, integrated reporting).The "European E-Commerce 2025" report is produced by Ecommerce Europe and EuroCommerce, based on contributions from over 25 national e-commerce associations, including ARMO.