【By Observer Net, Qi Qian】

On the eve of Christmas, the Central Bureau of Statistics of the Netherlands (CBS) released an unexpected Christmas data.

"The Netherlands is the largest transit country for Christmas goods in the EU," according to Dutch media nu.nl reported on December 22. Last year, the Netherlands became the largest exporter of Christmas goods in the EU, but in fact, very few Christmas products are produced domestically in the Netherlands.

The report said that these exported goods are almost entirely imported, with as much as 80% coming from China, but they are just transported through the Netherlands to other countries.

According to the latest data released by CBS, the export value of Christmas decorations and other decorations in the Netherlands reached 268 million euros in 2024, an increase of 19% compared to the previous year, accounting for 40% of the total European exports. The main destinations are neighboring European countries such as Germany, France, Belgium, and Italy.

At the same time, CBS data shows that last year, the Netherlands imported 240 million euros worth of Christmas goods. This also made the Netherlands the largest importer of Christmas goods in the EU. Of this, as much as 81% came from China, amounting to 196 million euros.

Netherlanders buying Christmas decorations, Dutch media

In recent years, Dutch consumers have increasingly favored purchasing Chinese goods.

This March, the Dutch online store association Thuiswinkel released a survey report on online shopping in the Netherlands. The report showed that in 2024, Dutch people spent 36 billion euros on online shopping, of which 4.4 billion euros (12%) was spent on cross-border shopping, with Chinese e-commerce platforms accounting for 28%, surpassing Germany and the United States for the first time, becoming the first choice for Dutch consumers when shopping cross-border.

Marie ten Ham, director of the Thuiswinkel association, pointed out in the report: "More and more Dutch consumers are using foreign platforms. Clothing, DIY products, shoes, and accessories from China have shown strong growth. This year, when it comes to cross-border shopping, Chinese e-commerce has become the most preferred option for Dutch consumers. Germany ranks second; the UK dropped from 13% to 7%, losing the top three to the US."

In 2024, Chinese e-commerce platforms became the first choice for Dutch consumers when shopping cross-border

Dutch media mentioned at the time that before this, Dutch officials had repeatedly tried to cool down the enthusiasm of Dutch people for shopping on Chinese e-commerce platforms. The Minister of Economic Affairs once claimed that consumers should "think twice before buying Chinese products."

"The economic minister said 'think twice before buying Chinese products,' but we didn't listen. Chinese e-commerce platforms are becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands," the report said.

The Netherlands is not an exception. During the Christmas holiday, Western countries can't do without Chinese-made products.

"From Shein to Labubu, French consumers are shopping for Chinese-made products during Christmas," reported Hong Kong's South China Morning Post on the 25th. The first physical store of Chinese fast fashion giant Shein in Paris has become a popular destination for Parisians to shop during the Christmas season, with crowds and some products in short supply.

At the same time, the Labubu dolls from the Chinese trend toy brand Pop Mart continue to be popular in France, appearing on mainstream media's holiday shopping guides, being used by many consumers as Christmas tree decorations, and triggering discussions on social media.

It is worth mentioning that on the day of Shein's Paris store opening, the French Ministry of Finance even issued a document requiring Shein's online platform to immediately rectify and suspend the sale of allegedly illegal products, or else the app would be removed.

In response, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on November 11 that, as a principle, the Chinese government has always required enterprises to operate in accordance with laws and regulations and fulfill their social responsibilities. Mao Ning said: "Of course, we also hope that the relevant parties will abide by the principles of the market economy and provide a fair, just, and transparent business environment for enterprises from all countries."

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Original: toutiao.com/article/7588000063222301236/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.