Market Trends of Malta E-commerce Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Malta E-commerce Market according to our research experts:
Increase in Initiatives by Government is Expected to Boost the E-commerce Market
- Malta, despite its modest size, has a sophisticated telecommunications network. Internet connection is widely available, with internet service providers such as Melita, Go, and Vodafone offering various connectivity options. The public and private sectors provide free internet access via various Wi-Fi hotspots. The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) manages around 190 free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout Malta and Gonzo, including most public gardens.
- The Maltese government has been working on expanding the IT sector in recent years, assuring good service standards across Malta and Gozo. The Malta Information Technology Agency's E-Government service is the Maltese government's electronic delivery of public information and services to individuals and businesses.
- More than three-quarters of Maltese people presently use the Internet. Since 2006, when the government issued the Electronic Commerce Act requirements, which compel information service providers to provide basic identifying information to clients, e-commerce, whether business to consumer (B2C) or business to business (B2B), has expanded swiftly. Malta is the EU's second-best performer in electronic data exchange sales. Cross-border purchases of clothing and athletic products are the most common.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
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Growing B2C E-commerce
- More than 3/4th of Maltese individuals now use the Internet. E-commerce, whether business to consumer (B2C) or business to business (B2B), has evolved rapidly since 2006 when the government published the Electronic Commerce Act regulations, which require information service providers to furnish basic identifying information to customers. The rules also established obligations ensuring appropriate levels of transparency concerning online commercial communications. As a result, E-commerce in Malta experienced a notable boost over the past years, with consumers, businesses, and the government realizing E-commerce's potential opportunities and advantages.
- COVID-19 has resulted in many businesses shifting to a stronger online presence, leading to increased e-commerce sales. The government's E-commerce Digital Strategy, which covered seven years from 2014-2020, ensured that businesses have the necessary means and skills to capitalize on opportunities brought about by E-commerce.
- The strategy had set out four different targets to achieve its objectives: Engendering trust in E-commerce; Taking SMEs and industry to the next level; Transforming micro-enterprises, and pushing Malta as a major e-commerce player.
