Domestic e-shops are in crisis

The Greek e-commerce market is experiencing its first closures due to the expansion of Chinese e-commerce platforms.

Already in 2025, 15 Greek e-shops have closed, while, according to market players, others are following, even in the car parts and accessories category, as they are unable to cope with the ever-increasing competition from platforms such as Temu, Shein, AliExpress and others, platforms which now hold market shares of over 20% in domestic e-commerce.

In this context, the Greek E-Commerce Association (GRECA), in collaboration with the country’s largest trade associations and the Athens Chamber of Commerce, has proposed to the Greek government the imposition of a fee of 7 euros per low-value parcel (under €150) imported from third countries.

If the proposal currently discussed at the European Union level about a fee of €2 on each low-value parcel is implemented, then these will be burdened with a total fee of €9 in Greece, which should stem the wave of orders from Chinese marketplaces to some extent.

According to the proposal, the revenue from the national fee should be directed exclusively to the digital transformation of Greek businesses and to the strengthening of digital extroversion, so that Greek companies can acquire the modern tools and know-how required to stand on equal terms in a globalized and particularly demanding environment. 

Meetings have already been held with executives from the ministries of Development and National Economy and Finance, without however any result so far. Industry bodies appeared pessimistic speaking to Kathimerini about the fate of the proposal in question, claiming that the government does not want to disrupt its relations with China, especially due to the major interests that exist in Piraeus. 

“Since February, we have sent letters to all members of Parliament and Greek MEPs regarding the problem, but there has been no substantial response,” said Makis Savvidis, vice president of GRECA and representative for Greece in the European Federation of Electronic Commerce, to Kathimerini.