Recently, I’ve noticed several posts on my timeline about Swedish people refusing to buy from online marketplaces such as Shein or Temu due to the impact these companies have on Swedish businesses making similar products or the working conditions in these factories.
As someone who has worked with clients in China, I understand the widespread perception that these products are cheap and produced in almost inhumane conditions.
However, one fact often overlooked is that nearly all of the clients I’ve worked with who sell products in Sweden—around 90%—source their goods from China or the APAC region. Many of the fashion brands people wear daily are manufactured in these countries. I’ve personally visited factories in Thailand, India, and China, and I’ve been impressed by the working conditions and the apparent happiness of the employees I encountered.
Back in October 2020, when Amazon launched in Sweden, there was a similar outcry: “Boycott Amazon, Buy Swedish.” Yet, since its launch four years ago, Amazon’s sales in Sweden have grown by 400%.
Temu has already surpassed Shein and is now second only to Amazon in Sweden. In Norway, Temu has become the leading online marketplace, overtaking Amazon and Wish.
The EU recently initiated proceedings under the Digital Services Act, but the three main focuses are on the platform’s design—specifically, “game-like rewards,” product recommendations, and access to data for researchers.
Personally, I don’t think Temu, like Amazon, is going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, I believe it will only continue to grow.
Of course, some sellers will see their profits impacted. However, just like with Amazon, the smart ones will adapt and incorporate these changes into their growth strategies.
The days of being country-exclusive are coming to an end. Over the past decade, many companies have made information about their suppliers easily accessible. I believe this transparency is essential.
A new generation of consumers is growing increasingly impatient with high costs and long delivery times. Expectations are changing.
#temu #amazon #china #shein
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