More than 1 billion Chinese e-commerce goods entered Belgium last year
In 2024, Belgium saw an influx of over 1 billion Chinese e-commerce goods, each valued under 150 euros. According to figures requested by Flemish MP Peter Van Rompuy from former minister of finance Vincent Van Peteghem, 1,009,712,459 such items were declared.
Earlier this week, the European Commission announced plans to address the mass import of low-cost goods, particularly from China. Among its proposals is the introduction of "administrative costs" to monitor the growing volume of online purchases.
Belgium has witnessed a 166 per cent increase in these imports compared to 2023 and a sevenfold rise since 2020. "These figures give food for thought," said Van Rompuy.
"E-commerce does not stop at national borders. The popularity of international web shops such as Shein and Temu also proves this," he said. "Strong and effective action must, therefore, be taken at the European level. It is positive that the European Commission is now effectively taking up the challenge."
Van Rompuy also raised concerns about the impact on European manufacturers and retailers. "Chinese platforms can offer cheaper products because they do not have to comply with the strict European rules. That is unfair," he said.
The concerns are widely shared in the Belgian retail sector. In November, dozens of Belgian retailers, including major players like Colruyt, Standaard Boekhandel and Bol.com, signed an open letter urging policymakers in Belgium and the EU to take action against Chinese e-commerce platforms.
The letter, backed by members of the trade federation Comeos, calls for a “level playing field” and criticises the platforms for flooding the European market with cheap products that often fail to meet EU standards on safety, consumer rights and environmental protection.
The Shein app © PHOTO PRESS ASSOCIATION
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