This episode explores predictions for e-commerce over the next three years, focusing on the impact of global trade dynamics and technological advancements. Against the backdrop of ongoing US-China trade tensions and tariffs, the discussion highlights a shift in manufacturing towards countries like Thailand, representing a potential "Globalization 2.0" scenario. More significantly, the conversation delves into the increasing role of AI in e-commerce, predicting its potential to disrupt various business models, particularly those reliant on traditional image creation and marketing services. For instance, the hosts discuss how AI-powered tools are already impacting the need for human graphic designers. The discussion also touches upon the potential resurgence of e-commerce aggregators, suggesting a shift towards acquiring brands with established off-Amazon presences. Finally, the hosts speculate on YouTube's potential to become a major competitor to Amazon in retail, driven by the growing popularity of live-streaming commerce in Asia and its potential expansion to Western markets. This suggests emerging industry patterns reflecting a move towards diversification in both manufacturing and sales channels, driven by global uncertainty and technological disruption.
