Türkiye refutes rumors of access ban on Chinese online shopping platform Temu

Allegations circulating on social media in Türkiye about an imminent access ban on Chinese online shopping platform Temu have been denied by Türkiye’s Trade Ministry, which clarified that no such move is currently under consideration.

The rumors emerged following the enforcement of a new regulation on April 1, which requires all foreign-based companies operating in Türkiye’s digital marketplace to appoint a legal representative within the country. Failure to do so could result in a sales ban.

The Ministry confirmed to Turkish media outlet Mynet that, while Temu has not yet met this legal requirement, a ban is not on the agenda at present.

The regulation, introduced by the Trade Ministry, aims to tighten oversight of foreign e-commerce companies operating in Türkiye. It obliges these platforms to designate a local legal representative to ensure compliance with Turkish laws. Non-compliance could lead to restrictions on market access, prompting speculation that Temu might be blocked.

Temu’s meteoric rise in Türkiye

Founded in 2022 and launched in Türkiye in 2024, Temu has rapidly climbed the ranks among online shopping platforms thanks to rock-bottom prices and fast delivery. Offering everything from clothing to home goods, the company has become a favorite among budget-conscious consumers. Users frequently showcase their purchases on social media, fueling its viral growth.

Temu’s aggressive pricing strategy has triggered concern among local e-commerce competitors and even surpassed fellow Chinese platform AliExpress in popularity. Its explosive growth has led to new regulations, such as import volume limits on the platform in Türkiye.