Japanese online marketplace Mercari has launched its services in Taiwan, marking the latest step in its global expansion strategy. The move allows Taiwanese consumers to access a range of secondhand items directly from Japan, including popular products like anime merchandise, cameras, and luxury bags.
Initially available via a traditional Chinese website, Mercari is considering a local language app if demand grows. This expansion into Taiwan follows the company’s decade-long operations in the U.S. and its recent partnership with South Korea’s Bunjang, enabling Japanese consumers to purchase goods from South Korea.
Mercari’s expansion comes at a critical time as the company seeks to differentiate itself from larger rivals like eBay and Amazon. Despite its ambitious overseas ventures, Mercari has faced significant challenges, including financial losses and layoffs in the U.S. market.
With crossborder e-commerce on the rise, driven by companies like China’s Temu and Shein, Mercari aims to capitalize on the growing trend of consumers purchasing unique items from foreign markets. The platform benefits from the current yen depreciation, making Japanese goods more attractive to international buyers.
Mercari’s strategic push into Taiwan underscores its commitment to expanding its global footprint while navigating the complexities of international e-commerce and logistics.
