The arrival of Temu has marked a before and after in international online shopping.While traditional commerce is trying to maintain its market share, the emergence of global platforms like Temu has caused overseas purchases to grow dramatically, approaching figures that surpass any previous record and representing a significant shift in consumer habits.
During the first half of the year, Unprecedented growth in international shipments has been recorded, with nearly one million packages received According to data from the National Customs Directorate, this figure is more than three times higher than the same period last year, and if the trend continues, the total annual amount is expected to exceed one million shipments, something that has not occurred until now.
The reasons for this growth are found in the Temu's consolidation as a major player in international e-commerce in the region. The platform has managed to capture the attention of consumers thanks to an aggressive strategy of promotions and low prices, leading to an increasing number of users choosing to make their purchases from abroad.
At peak times, more than 200.000 purchases were processed per month, historic figures that reflect the impact of the Temu phenomenon. Among the most in-demand categories are clothing, household items, toys and electronic products., shifting part of the usual consumption from local stores to international options.
Reactions and challenges of traditional trade
Temu's rapid expansion has not gone unnoticed by representatives of local commerce and national industry. Both employers' associations and business chambers have expressed their concern about the direct competition that this type of international purchasing represents.According to the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Julio César Lestido, Temu is a "player" who has changed the local environment, generating a phenomenon with global consequences, but especially notable in the country.
While traditional businesses continue to show sales growth in some sectors, Concern persists over the diversion of consumption to international platforms, falling margins and potential job losses.The clothing industry, for example, warns that a significant percentage of Temu's imported products are clothing, affecting thousands of families employed in the sector.
In this regard, Business associations demand equal conditionsThe proposals include reviewing the tax conditions of foreign platforms and facilitating local producers' access to benefits and public procurement, as well as campaigns to encourage the consumption of domestic products.
Changes in international regulations and tariffs
The “Temu effect” has not only disrupted the domestic market but has also prompted international responses. The United States and the European Union have begun reviewing their policies on tariffs and controls on imported products from China., seeking greater balance in competition and addressing concerns about business practices and product safety.
For example, the French government has proposed imposing "handling fees" on each package arriving from outside the European bloc, and the EU is considering eliminating upcoming customs duty exemptions on low-value products. In the United States, authorities have eliminated tariff exemptions for certain shipments from China and Hong Kong.
These measures aim to shift the tax burden onto the platforms rather than consumers, thereby attempting to stem the flow of foreign products and guarantee quality and safety standards.
The new scenario of digital consumption
The generalization of international purchases driven by Temu is transforming consumer purchasing habits, who now enjoy greater variety, more competitive prices, and constant promotions. However, this trend presents new challenges for local businesses, which must adapt to an increasingly dynamic and globalized environment.
Although users perceive advantages such as Access to products from around the world, payment facilities and improved logistics’s most emblematic landmarks, the balance between the protection of national industry and trade openness remains one of the major debates in the near future, both in economic and regulatory aspects.
Temu's growth and expansion in international purchases reflect a profound shift in consumers' relationship with global and local commerce. As authorities, businesses, and industry seek solutions to address these challenges, digitalization and access to international platforms will continue to drive consumer spending in the coming years.
