Swedish Trade has raised concerns over the rapid growth of Chinese online marketplaces, highlighting risks to Swedish businesses and consumers from unsafe products and unfair competition.
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Trade from platforms such as Temu and Shein has surged dramatically in recent years. In 2024 alone, 4.6 billion packages were imported directly into the EU, approximately 525,000 per hour, and forecasts for 2025 predict around 8 billion packages. Swedish Trade warns that these volumes are creating an increasingly uneven playing field for domestic companies.
"When Temu and Shein can sell products without following EU rules, competition is distorted for Swedish companies. Many companies pay millions of kronor to comply with rules that the platforms completely avoid," said Martin Kits, Head of Business Policy and Public Opinion at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce.
The organisation also highlighted serious consumer safety concerns. Testing by the Swedish Chemicals Agency found that around 60% of products contained banned substances, including lead, cadmium, and phthalates. Kits added: "Consumers often believe that the goods are controlled, but tests show that hazardous substances are common in toys and jewellery, for example. It is dangerous for everyone, but especially for children and pregnant women. It is unacceptable that this can continue."
Swedish Trade is calling for stricter regulations and enhanced enforcement. Measures include establishing clear platform responsibility for compliance with EU product safety and environmental standards, strengthening border controls, and launching public information campaigns. Kits emphasised: "We want to see general platform responsibility where Temu, Shein and similar players themselves guarantee that their goods meet EU requirements."
In addition, Swedish Trade proposes a dedicated government task force to unite authorities, politicians, and industry representatives in creating new solutions to prevent unsafe imports and level the competitive field. Kits explained: "Responsibility must be shifted to the platforms and take place before sales, not when the goods are already on their way into the country."
With billions of products entering Europe unchecked, Swedish Trade urges immediate action to protect consumers and ensure fair competition for local businesses.
More information:
Svensk Handel
www.svenskhandel.se
