Belgian retailers criticise bpost’s expanded partnership with Temu
Business federations Comeos and Unizo have criticised bpost for expanding its collaboration with the controversial Chinese e-commerce platform Temu. They call the move a “slap in the face” for Belgian retailers and are urging minister of public enterprises Vanessa Matz (Les Engagés) to intervene. Bpost, however, argues that the partnership could create new opportunities for local businesses.
Bpost announced in a press release that it has signed an agreement in principle with Temu. The two companies plan to deepen their cooperation in Belgium and Canada, test new delivery models, and improve accessibility through pick-up and drop-off points.
The decision comes at a sensitive moment, as the federal government is seeking to curb the influx of small Chinese parcels. Cheap imports from platforms such as Temu arrive in such large volumes that thorough checks at the EU border are challenging to carry out. The government has also repeatedly raised concerns about the trading practices of Chinese retailers and the quality of many of their products.
Unizo and Comeos argue that bpost, which is half-owned by the Belgian state, should not partner with a company they say undermines local businesses. They describe the agreement as “a slap in the face for Belgian businesses that do respect the rules” and hope Matz will step in. Unizo has requested an urgent meeting with the minister. “By collaborating with Temu, bpost is normalising practices that undermine our economy and our values,” Comeos says.
In response, bpost reports it operates responsibly and supports calls for stronger protections for European businesses against unfair competition. The company says that the plans with Temu relate to expanding the platform’s European operations, which it states will offer “much greater sales opportunities” to local retailers. According to bpost, Belgium will play a key role in this European pilot phase.
Bpost also highlights that it is one of Temu’s smaller delivery partners in Belgium. “In doing so, bpost ensures that parcels are transported safely, efficiently, and increasingly sustainably,” the company says.
© PHOTO MATEUSZ SLODKOWSI / SIPAUSANEWSWIRE
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