A significant majority of German retailers are advocating for a ban on Chinese low-cost online marketplaces, according to a survey released Tuesday by the Bitkom, Germany’s association for information technology, communication and new media.
The study, which polled 505 German trading companies employing ten or more individuals between March and April 2025, reveals that 78% of retailers are in favor of such a prohibition. Concerns are primarily driven by the perceived disregard for German and EU law – 92% of retailers believe these marketplaces frequently violate existing regulations – and the potential presence of hazardous materials in products sold through them (88%).
Retailers overwhelmingly believe the responsibility for addressing this issue lies with the European Union. A substantial 85% of respondents feel the EU should actively protect the European single market from non-European online platforms. Furthermore, 87% expressed the opinion that stricter regulations are generally needed for the import of goods via these marketplaces.
The elimination of the current €150 de minimis import threshold, which allows goods from outside the EU to be imported duty-free, is seen as a critical first step. A strong majority, 76%, deem this measure sensible. The prevailing sentiment suggests this issue is not a transient phenomenon; only 19% of retailers believe these marketplaces represent a fleeting trend.
Beyond the proliferation of Chinese online marketplaces, German retailers are also grappling with broader geopolitical challenges. Almost half (47%) report experiencing supply difficulties due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts. Consequently, a third (33%) are considering reducing the variety of products they offer. Concerns surrounding reliance on non-European suppliers are prompting a shift, with 41% of trading companies planning to transition to European suppliers. Two-thirds of retailers express confidence that Germany is entering an era of trade conflict (67%).
