Kuwait, e-commerce and logistics
In recent years, Kuwait has witnessed a remarkable surge in digital transformation, leading to a rapid growth in the e-commerce sector.
So how do you e-trade with Kuwait, how much does it cost and what are the logistics? Find out more about how best to deliver a parcel from the UK to Kuwait.
Why ship to Kuwait?
Kuwait is home to over four million people. 1 Rich in oil beds, it is the fifth richest country in terms of petroleum reserves and the seventh in terms of GDP. 2
Until recently, ‘mall culture’ has dominated the Kuwaiti shopping scene but attitudes have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic forced more people to shop online. High-income Kuwaitis and the wealthiest of the expats are the primary users of e-commerce. e-commerce.3 The UK is one of the top countries that Kuwaiti’s like to do e-trade with.
The e-commerce landscape
Kuwait has seen remarkable growth in e-commerce, which is being driven by factors including rising internet usage, increasing smartphone penetration, and an increasingly more tech literate population. According to recent statistics, the e-commerce market in Kuwait is projected to continue its upward trajectory, fueled by changing consumer preferences and a tech-savvy population.
Savvy online shoppers in Kuwait are spending more and more on international online platforms, as high internet penetration opens up greater choice and better prices. International shopping is widely considered to offer greater quality products and reliable service than local e-commerce in Kuwait.
Opportunities
The use of social networks is also high in Kuwait across all ages. WhatsApp is commonly used across all nationalities, while Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat are popular among Kuwaitis. Facebook is popular among expats6. This presents considerable opportunity for launching, promoting and advertising new global products.
Estimated growth in the e-commerce industry
Kuwait e-commerce market
CAGR 14.28%
Logistics
To ensure a seamless buying experience and reliable delivery times for Kuwaiti buyers it is a good idea to consider calculating and displaying all local taxes and duties up front. This involves assigning relevant HS codes to all your products and then using those to calculate the taxes and duties that need to be applied to a specific product. A trusted shipping partner can also help with this.
The essentials
| Transit Times | 4-7 working days |
| Maximum Dimensions | 120cm x 60cm x 60cm |
| Maximum Weight | 30kg |
| Maximum Container Value | N/A |
| Low-Value Limit | 1,000 KWD |
| Duty | Variable based on product; Applicable on orders over 100 KWD |
Good to know
The top online payment methods in Kuwait include prepaid cards, e-wallets and credit cards. Online shoppers tend to use their preferred or trusted methods of payment during checkout, so it’s a good idea to provide these.
What our experts say:
“Kuwait is an emerging consumer market with a growing e-commerce sector. Being a part of this digital change is exciting right now.”
Ben Bagnulo, CEO, SAMOS.
To find out more about how SAMOS can help you achieve fast and cheap deliveries to the Kuwait get in touch today
1 https://www.kockw.com/sites/EN/Pages/Join%20Us/Working%20with%20Us/State-of-Kuwait.aspx
2 https://www.forbes.com/places/kuwait/?sh=7eb999366bda
3 https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/kuwait-ecommerce
4 https://www.go-globe.com/e-commerce-and-digitization-in-kuwait/
5 https://ecommercedb.com/markets/kw/all
6 https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/kuwait-ecommerce