2026.04.01 Shopee Malaysia, Thailand Two Sites Upstream Channel Rates Increased
01. Shopee Malaysia, Thailand Two Sites Upstream Channel Rates Increased
Shopee has released the official overseas warehouse upstream channel rates for April 2026. Between April 7 and April 30, the official upstream channel rates for the Malaysia and Thailand sites have increased compared to the first quarter, while rates for other sites remain unchanged. The platform reminds sellers that for sellers using the Thailand site's overseas warehouse, adjusting product prices between March 31 and April 14 by an amount not exceeding this rate increase will not be flagged as exaggerated or false discounts. Sellers are advised to reasonably evaluate and adjust product pricing based on the latest rates to ensure compliant operations.
02. Rising Oil Prices and Middle East Situation Drive Significant Surge in Thai EV Demand
A TTB Bank report from Thailand on April 1 shows that due to rising fuel prices and the Middle East situation, interest in electric vehicles and electric motorcycles surged significantly in March 2026. Electric vehicle loan applications accounted for 35% of the total, a 5% increase from 2025, with the annual share potentially exceeding 35%. Affordable Chinese-made EVs are driving demand, though the industry faces issues like after-sales service fulfillment for some brands and fire risks with e-motorcycles. Notably, many Russian nationals in Phuket have also begun purchasing or renting electric vehicles.
03. Southeast Asian Second-hand E-commerce Platform Kitar Completes Over $10 Million Pre-A Round Funding
In late March 2026, Southeast Asian second-hand e-commerce platform Kitar announced the completion of a Pre-A round financing exceeding $10 million. This round was led by Source Code Rhythm, with Shansing Capital making an additional follow-on investment, MindWorks Concept Capital participating, and Silver Oak Capital acting as the exclusive financial advisor. Operating on a B2C+C2C model, Kitar focuses on the second-hand mobile phone category, building a standardized quality inspection and trust system, and is expanding into 3C and durable goods using AI technology. The funds will be primarily invested in upgrading AI capabilities, quality inspection and supply chain infrastructure, offline recycling networks, and regionalized operations to deepen its presence in Indonesia and accelerate expansion into other Southeast Asian regions.
04. TikTok Shop Southeast Asia to Raise Sales Threshold for Highly Perishable Fruits from April 20
TikTok Shop Southeast Asia Cross-Border has issued new regulations imposing higher store and product rating requirements for sellers of highly perishable fruits. Starting April 20, merchants promoting fruits like avocados, citrus fruits, durian, longan, lychee, and rambutan must have a store comprehensive rating of at least 3 points, and a product satisfaction rating of at least 3 points. The product satisfaction rating is a newly added mandatory requirement. This move aims to enhance the shopping experience for consumers in related categories and ensure product quality.