Takealot Group, owned by Naspers, has accused Shein and Temu of exploiting loopholes to undercut South African e-commerce companies unfairly.
- Takealot claims the Chinese retailers are flooding the market with inexpensive imports, threatening local industries and reindustrialisation efforts.
- Shein and Temu are accused of avoiding duties, taxes, and fees by using specific shipping methods, giving them an unfair price advantage.
- Takealot warns that this scenario threatens the local economy’s vitality and sustainable development efforts.
- The company calls on policymakers to level the playing field with regulations that ensure all participants adhere to the same standards and practices.
- Takealot notes that the consequences of inaction will be significant, perpetuating an economic drain and deterring potential international investment.
- The South African Revenue Service has been asked to tax international e-commerce retailers equally, regardless of package size, to “level the playing field” for local retailers.