Review of the e-commerce market in the Russian Federation (DNA LLC, December 2018 - February 2019)

In late December 2018, Gaidar Institute experts started drafting a review of the state of the e-commerce market in Russia under a contract with DNA LLC.

The relevance of the analysis is based on the need for a comprehensive understanding of market trends, taxation and customs regulation of which is still in its infancy worldwide. The research was commissioned by the National Association of Distance Selling (NADS).

The e-commerce market segments were analyzed in comparison with the corresponding industry indicators, which allowed us to assess their dynamics and identify the main growth drivers. Data comparison on the e-commerce market was carried out through verification of each indicator with data from various sources on related markets (payment, logistics, marketing and advertising), since modern cross-border trade affects all the above-mentioned areas.

Statistical indicators were also compared with data obtained from major market stakeholders (the key indicators of the e-commerce market are the size of the average receipt and return rate). The aggregated indicators were compared with macroeconomic parameters dynamics reflecting the general economic situation. This was required to determine the role of e-commerce in the country's economy (in particular, in aggregate consumption) and to track its changes in retrospect.

The general message of the study's conclusions is based on the belief that the development of the e-commerce market in the Russian Federation and the successful practice of its regulation will be facilitated by the development and implementation of uniform requirements for the definitions used, format and classification of data on market players. This information can also be considered when studying issues in related markets.

The project was completed in February 2019.