February 11, 2026

Athens News

News in English from Greece

Shein and Temu “ate” 200 million from the Greece budget


Shein And Temu They capture Greek online market: millions go to China, and the state loses taxes and jobs. Experts talk about the “double blow” of digital trade.

The Greeks massively switch to Chinese platforms

Platforms Shein And Temu became a real phenomenon in Greece. According to data “Καθημερινή”referring to the study Εσεεin 2024, the Greeks spent there from 529 to 627 million euros.

Clothing, electronics and home goods are especially popular among buyers. In the ranking of European countries, Greece took 8th place for purchases on TEMU And 4th-on Shein.

“Double blade” of Chinese marketplaces

Experts call this trend “Double blade”. On the one hand, it satisfies the demand among young consumers. On the other hand, it inflicts a tangible blow to the Greek economy: the budget does not receive taxes, and small stores lose their customers.

Losses for the budget and business

According to the calculations Eσεεonly in 2024:

  • Tax losses amounted to 11.6–13.8 million euros;
  • Losses of insurance premiums – 30–35.5 million euros;
  • Salary tax losses – 7.6–9 million euros;
  • Until received customs duties – 56.5 million euros.

General Direct losses Assessed in 105.7–114.8 million eurosand aggregate (taking into account cartoons) – in 188–204 million euros. This corresponds to the triple volume of income from “tax on small enterprises.”

Disappeared jobs

According to researchers, only last year it has disappeared from 4.725 to 5.601 jobs. This is a serious signal: cheap imports destroys the domestic market.

What next?

The question is Shein and Temu has become not only economic, but also political. The state is forced to look for a balance between freedom of consumer choice And protection of the national economy. One thing is obvious: dependence on Chinese online platforms turns into a strategic problem.



Source link

Verified by MonsterInsights