Submerged Belgium of Chinese parcels: an economic, logistical and political challenge

For several months, Belgium has been facing an unprecedented phenomenon: a real parcel tidal wave from China. Similarly, Each day. In addition, nearly three million packages pass through Belgian logistics platforms, especially via Liège airport and the port of Antwerp. Moreover, Behind this avalanche hide Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein. For example, Temu, Aliexpress or Tiktok Shop, which flood the European market for low-priced products, often delivered in just a few days.

Unfair competition that weakens the local economy – Submerged belgium chinese parcels: economic,

The first to suffer from this invasion are Belgian merchants and producers. In addition, Chinese products, often sold at derisory prices and escape strict standards imposed on European companies. Therefore, Result: retail shops, especially in the clothing, electronics or toys sectors, see their customers and their turnover melt.

Among the most concerned products are most often Fashion clothing. submerged belgium chinese parcels: economic, accessories (dresses, t-shirts, bags, costume jewelry) sold for a few euros on Shein or Temu; of the cheap electronic devices (headphones, chargers, mini-caméras, connected gadgets) often not certified CE; of the Home articles (decoration, kitchen utensils, plastic storage); of the Children’s toys and productsoften not in accordance with European security standards as well as Cosmetics and beauty productswhose composition is sometimes opaque or not tested according to European standards.

An encrypted avalanche: millions of parcels. hundreds of millions of euros lost – Submerged belgium chinese parcels: economic,

According to the latest estimates, Belgium receives on average Three million packages per day Coming from China, more than a billion per year. Among them, about 85 % have one Value less than 150 euroswhich exempts them from customs duties, recently imposed by the European Union. This mechanism. widely exploited by e-commerce platforms, leads to an estimated tax lack of tax 300 million euros per year for submerged belgium chinese parcels: economic, the Belgian state. Figures that illustrate the extent of the phenomenon. the need for a rapid and coordinated response on a European scale.

Overwhelmed customs. saturated logistics

The problem is that on the scale of Belgium, just like elsewhere in Europe, the logistics infrastructure is at the limit of saturation. In Liège Airport, which has become a major hub for Chinese packages, customs services are overwhelmed. Lack of sufficient human and technological resources, only Some percent of packages can be inspected. This lets products sometimes non -compliant, even dangerous, for consumers. In parallel. this overload slows down the treatment of local goods, affecting the fluidity of domestic trade and increasing costs for Belgian companies.

Faced with this situation, Belgium calls for urgent reform of the European customs framework. But the discussions in Brussels are slowly progress. The abolition of the exemption from packages of less than 150 €, submerged belgium chinese parcels: economic, although as being admitted, is not yet acted. In addition, some member states, less exposed or more dependent on trade with China, slow down the strictest initiatives. Belgium is thus found on the front line, without the tools necessary to act effectively alone.

Solution tracks. but a still long path

Among the solutions envisaged are the responsibility of online sales platforms, which may be required to guarantee the conformity of the products sold, as well as the strengthening of customs means, via automation and artificial intelligence. Better cooperation between Member States is also considered essential to prevent certain countries from becoming privileged entry doors. Finally, awareness campaigns could encourage consumers to favor short circuits and local, more sustainable and safer products.