The Growing Influence of Discount Platforms 

Temu in the UK, for example, has previously reported that it’s welcoming local sellers to its platform, with estimations that over half of its UK sales will come from local bases by the end of this year. The platform is also aiming to increase the presence of actual branded items, creating new opportunities for domestic businesses to reach consumers both locally and internationally. 

As we see with Temu and Amazon, marketplaces create vital opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to operate at scale and connect with shoppers locally and internationally. The growing popularity of these platforms means it’s increasingly important for retailers to be agile and sell where consumers are buying. This often means managing multiple marketplaces, each with its own demands and complexities. 

Insights from Stuart Greenfield, UK & Europe Sales Director for ASC 

“Thought should also be given to simplifying import duties across the board, especially if the intention is to support fairer competition. A tiered system of import duty based on value bands of goods or introducing a flat handling fee for all imports could create a more efficient, affordable and competitive system for businesses and consumers.” 

Strategic Recommendations for Retailers 

• Stay agile and responsive to changes in customs policy and marketplace requirements. 

• Consider expanding to multiple marketplaces to maximise reach. 

• Leverage support services like Value Added Services (VAS), pre-retail, and fulfilment to navigate the challenges of multi-channel selling. 

At ASC, we help retailers compete and thrive in this evolving landscape by providing flexible solutions that can be tailored to each sales challenge. 

Why This Matters Now 

The debate around customs fees and platforms like Temu is about more than just economics—it’s about the future of retail. Marketplaces are evolving, and UK businesses have a unique opportunity to innovate, build trust, and grow responsibly. 

Contact ASC today to explore how we can help you build a resilient, and competitive supply chain.  

Read the full LBC article here