Taobao announced yesterday the expansion of its “Global Free Shipping Program” to cover 12 countries and regions during the 618 mid-year shopping festival. The expanded list includes Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia — with Kazakhstan and Mongolia joining the program for the first time. Consumers in these areas will not only enjoy free shipping on qualifying orders, but will also have access to local return services throughout the campaign.