Christmas rush at the parcel agents – will the parcels arrive on time?

With only eight days left until Christmas Eve, the package rush is in full swing. But the question many people ask themselves is: Will all packages arrive in time? Many parcel agents are already overcrowded, and the amount of orders from China has increased explosively.
– We swam in packages two weeks ago, but now we just hope that everything arrives in time, says Charlie Bahi, who works at a package agent in Stockholm.

Figures from the Swedish Customs Service show that the number of low-value goods – goods that fall below the EU’s customs threshold of 150 euros – has increased dramatically. From around one million packages in 2023, the figure has risen to almost 4.5 million this year. A large part of these goods are ordered through platforms such as Temu and Shein, whose cheap prices attract many consumers.

Package chaos at the agents

Charlie Bahi, who works at a parcel agent in Stockholm, says that they clearly notice the increase.
– We swam in packages from Temu and Shein two weeks ago. Now it’s calmer, but we expect a new wave soon, he says. When asked if all packages will make it to Christmas Eve, he answers hopefully:

– I really hope so.

Swedish trade is hit hard

Martin Kits, head of business policy and opinion formation at Swedish Trade, describes the increased imports as a major challenge for Swedish companies.

– The problem is not competition in itself, but that it does not take place on equal terms. These actors can circumvent EU rules for the environment, safety and working conditions, he says.

Kits believes that Swedish traders are already in a vulnerable situation after the pandemic and the economic crisis.
– We are losing Swedish jobs and companies are going bankrupt. It is a vicious spiral that we must break, he says.

EU about to act

The EU is working on new rules that will force platforms like Temu and Shein to take responsibility for the products they sell. According to the Swedish Customs Administration, this can lead to a fairer competitive situation.

– We see tendencies towards politics starting to wake up. But this is urgent, we need to act quickly, says Kitts.

With Christmas shopping in full swing and a record increase in packages from China, many people are crossing their fingers that their packages will arrive on time.