Why U.S. eCommerce Sellers Should Expand Shipping to Europe in 2025

With U.S. eCommerce growth slowing and tariffs reshaping global trade, U.S. sellers are asking: Where should I expand next? The answer is clear—Europe is a fast-growing opportunity for eCommerce in 2025.

In a recent Easyship webinar with DHL Express, industry experts Krish Iyer and Sasha Zecevic explained why Europe is becoming the next big market for U.S. merchants and how to navigate international shipping to Europe, compliance, and buyer expectations.

Why is Europe the Best Market for U.S. eCommerce Expansion?

Expanding to Europe gives U.S. online sellers access to millions of new customers while diversifying beyond a competitive domestic market. Here’s why:

• Europe drives global trade growth: Global trade is forecasted to grow 3.1% in 2025, with Europe accounting for nearly 30% of that growth
• Larger pool of online shoppers: Europe and the U.K. together represent over 500 million digital buyers, more than the combined population of the U.S. and Canada
• Higher conversion rates: European eCommerce shoppers convert at 3.65% on average, nearly 80% higher than U.S. rates
• Faster sales growth: EU retail sales are forecasted to reach €2.9 trillion by 2029, with online growth rates of 7.8% compared to 5% in the U.S.

For U.S. sellers, shipping to Europe means faster growth, higher sales, and access to a massive new audience.

What are the Common Challenges of Selling to Europe (and How can I Solve Them)?

While the opportunity is huge, many merchants avoid international sales because shipping to Europe feels too complex. The truth? With the right tools, expansion is simple. Here are the pitfalls to avoid:

1. Duties and Taxes at Checkout

• Problem: Hidden costs drive cart abandonment
• Solution: Use landed cost calculators to show VAT, duties, and fees upfront.

2. Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) vs. Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU)

• Problem: Shipments get stuck in customs or buyers receive surprise bills.
• Solution: Offer DDP shipping so duties are prepaid, ensuring faster clearance and happier customers.

3. Limited Courier Options

• Problem: 58% of shoppers abandon carts if their preferred shipping option isn’t available
• Solution: Provide multiple international shipping options at checkout (economy, express, premium).

4. Poor Tracking and Returns Policies

• Problem: Customers want transparency. 92% are more likely to reorder after a positive delivery experience
• Solution: Clearly communicate return policies and provide branded tracking for peace of mind.

How can I Ship to Europe with Easyship + DHL Express?

Easyship and DHL Express make European eCommerce expansion simple and profitable for U.S. merchants:

• Automated duties & VAT: Instant landed cost calculations for every order.
• Pre-negotiated DHL Express discounts: Access international express rates without volume commitments.
• Checkout optimization: Show multiple delivery speeds and costs directly at checkout.
• On-Demand Delivery (ODD): Let customers choose delivery dates, reroute packages, or use DHL’s 64K service points across Europe.
• Compliance support: Get help with EORI registration (required for EU shipping) and IOSS (simplified VAT for orders under €150).
• Insurance & analytics: Protect shipments and track carrier performance over time.

With DHL Express’s 650 daily European flights, 64,000 service points, and 26,000 vehicles, you can guarantee fast, reliable delivery across the EU.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship from the U.S. to Europe?

Shipping costs depend on package weight, dimensions, destination country, and service level. On average:

• Small parcels (under 2 lbs) start around $25–$40 with express couriers like DHL Express.
• Mid-sized packages (5–10 lbs) typically cost $60–$100 depending on delivery speed.
• Easyship’s multi-carrier platform lets you compare rates across couriers instantly and unlock exclusive DHL discounts.

Tip: Use a landed cost calculator to factor in VAT and duties, so buyers aren’t surprised at checkout.

Ready to Start Expanding Your Business?

The U.S. eCommerce market is crowded, and growth is slowing. European eCommerce expansion offers more customers, higher conversion rates, and long-term stability—but only if you deliver a seamless shipping experience.

With Easyship’s all-in-one shipping platform and DHL Express’s trusted delivery network, U.S. sellers can confidently expand into Europe with speed, transparency, and cost savings.

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FAQ: Shipping from the U.S. to Europe

1. What documents do I need to ship from the U.S. to Europe?

Most shipments only require two documents: a commercial invoice and an air waybill. Depending on your product category, you may also need an EORI number (EU customs ID) or register for IOSS for orders under €150.

2. What is an EORI number, and do I need one?

An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is required for all businesses importing or exporting into the EU and U.K. It serves as your customs ID. Without it, your shipments can’t clear customs.

3. What is IOSS and how does it help U.S. sellers?

The Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) simplifies VAT collection for low-value shipments under €150. By registering, you can charge VAT at checkout, avoid surprise fees for buyers, and speed up deliveries.

4. Should I offer DDP or DDU when shipping to Europe?

Always lean toward DDP (Delivery Duty Paid). With DDP, duties and taxes are prepaid, ensuring shipments clear customs smoothly and buyers don’t face surprise bills.

5. How long does shipping from the U.S. to Europe take?

With express couriers like DHL Express, shipping from the U.S. to major European markets (Germany, France, U.K., Spain, Italy) often takes 2–5 business days, depending on service level.

6. What European countries are best for U.S. sellers to target?

Top eCommerce markets include the U.K., Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. These countries have large online buyer populations and strong demand for U.S. products.