As Indian shoppers increasingly turn to Chinese platforms like Temu and 1688 for budget-friendly deals, cross-border logistics and last-mile delivery remain key hurdles. Discover how this trend is reshaping the ecommerce landscape.

The Rising Wave of Cross-Border Ecommerce in India

In the last two years, India has witnessed a surge in demand for international products, especially from Chinese ecommerce platforms like Temu and 1688. With a promise of affordability, variety, and direct-from-manufacturer pricing, these platforms are becoming popular among Indian consumers and resellers alike.

While domestic ecommerce giants like Flipkart and Amazon continue to dominate, the appetite for low-cost electronics, home gadgets, fashion, and accessories from platforms like Temu and 1688 is on the rise. Indian dropshippers and small online sellers are also jumping on board, sourcing bulk orders from these platforms to meet the demands of price-sensitive consumers.

Why Temu and 1688?

Unbeatable Prices:

Products on 1688 are often sold at wholesale rates as the platform is designed for B2B buyers. Temu, the global retail arm of Pinduoduo, offers flash sales, discounts, and free shipping (in some markets), making it extremely attractive.

Product Variety:

From smart home gadgets to fashion-forward apparel, these platforms have something for every niche.

Global Ecommerce Awareness:

Younger consumers in India, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, are becoming more digitally savvy and open to purchasing directly from foreign platforms for better value.

Logistics: The Bottleneck Holding Back Growth

Despite rising interest, cross-border logistics remains a significant pain point in this ecosystem.

Customs Delays:

Importing individual or bulk items from China is still subject to stringent customs checks, inconsistent duties, and time-consuming clearance procedures.

High Last-Mile Costs:

For smaller sellers or individuals, the cost of reliable last-mile delivery from China to India (especially remote areas) is often higher than the product price itself.

Uncertainty in Shipping Times:

While Temu may advertise 7–15 day delivery, real delivery timelines often stretch to 25–40 days, creating dissatisfaction.

Why This Segment Will Still Grow

Despite these hurdles, we at Ushopvship believe the demand curve is only going to go upward — and here’s why:

Rising Appetite for Unique & Budget Products: Indian consumers are actively seeking alternatives to high-cost domestic products, especially in electronics, accessories, and décor.

Digital Payment Penetration: With UPI and wallet systems now familiar to most Indians, transacting with foreign sellers is less intimidating than it was a few years ago.

Reselling Ecosystems Are Booming: Thousands of resellers on platforms like Meesho, GlowRoad, and even WhatsApp sellers are sourcing from Temu and 1688 to offer trendy, budget-friendly products to their local audiences.

The Role of Smart Cross-Border Logistics

To bridge the gap between demand and delivery, companies like Ushopvship play a critical role.

Consolidation & Warehousing in Origin Markets: Allowing multiple shipments to be bundled before dispatch cuts costs and reduces customs friction.

Clear Documentation Support: Helping customers and resellers understand what’s legally allowed and how to navigate Indian customs can reduce delays.

Predictable Shipping Options: Offering clear options such as express, standard, or economy shipping, backed with transparent tracking, improves buyer confidence.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Temu, 1688, and Indian Ecommerce

The Indian ecommerce ecosystem is evolving, and platforms like Temu and 1688 are unlocking access to products that were once considered out of reach for many Indian buyers. But this progress must be supported by robust, affordable, and transparent logistics infrastructure.

At Ushopvship, we’re at the forefront of making cross-border ecommerce smoother for everyone—from individual buyers exploring new trends to resellers building their empires.



Want to start ordering from 1688 or Temu but unsure about shipping and customs?

Contact Ushopvship today and let us simplify the process for you.