Arabic version: تحديات قانونية تواجه هيمنة أمازون في التجارة الإلكترونية

Amazon has established itself as the world’s largest company by annual sales, surpassing Walmart earlier this year. The company’s extensive offerings range from e-commerce to cloud computing through Amazon Web Services (AWS). However, its dominance raises questions about the lack of significant Western rivals in the e-commerce space.

According to BBC News, while Amazon does face competition from major retailers like Walmart and Target, as well as online platforms like eBay, it still commands a substantial share of the market. In the U.S., Amazon holds approximately 40.5% of online retail sales, leaving Walmart with 9.2% and eBay at around 3%. In the UK, Amazon captures about 30% of online sales.

Experts attribute Amazon’s strong market position to several factors, including its first-mover advantage and the willingness of shareholders to support a strategy of low pricing and aggressive reinvestment. This approach has allowed Amazon to build an ecosystem that integrates various services, making it difficult for competitors to gain traction.

Additionally, Amazon’s launch of the Prime subscription service has created a loyal customer base, further entrenching its market position. However, the company is currently facing antitrust lawsuits from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the state of California, alleging anti-competitive practices that hinder competition. These cases are set for trial in early 2027, as Amazon denies the allegations and continues to fight the legal challenges.

Despite calls for breaking up Amazon to foster competition, experts believe such a move is unlikely. Nevertheless, the company’s vast resources and innovative strategies make it a formidable player in the e-commerce landscape, with potential threats emerging from unexpected sources rather than traditional retailers.