Temu Faces German Probe Into Influence on Sellers' Prices

By Joshua Kirby

German antitrust authorities launched an investigation into whether Temu, the China-linked bargain e-commerce platform, has been interfering in the pricing of the goods its merchants sell.

The Federal Cartel Office said Wednesday that it is looking into claims that Temu sets illegal requirements for sellers' pricing on its German marketplace, which was launched last year, adding to platforms in the U.S., China and other parts of Europe.

"Such requirements could significantly restrict competition and ultimately also lead to price increases in other sales channels," said Andreas Mundt, the office's president.

Temu is known for the low prices of the array of consumer goods sold on its online marketplaces. It operates in Europe via an Ireland-based subsidiary called Whaleco Technology, against which the German authorities have launched the proceedings.

"The [cartel office's] examination of the terms and conditions for sellers wishing to sell their products to consumers in Germany relates to Temu possibly influencing the sellers' pricing on its German online marketplace, including through possibly setting the final selling prices itself," the office said in a statement. The office has also received a complaint form the German trade association, it said.

Temu said it adheres to applicable laws and regulations in markets where it operates.

"We strive to ensure good cooperation with all stakeholders and a positive experience for our users," the company said. "We are confident that any related concerns can be successfully resolved."

The German probe comes on the heels of a separate investigation by the European Union, in which the EU said Temu hadn't done enough to assess the risk of illegal products being sold on its platforms. Meanwhile, officials from the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, are looking into other potential breaches of European legislation by Temu, which could include addictive design features and a lack of transparency on its algorithms.

Write to Joshua Kirby at joshua.kirby@wsj.com; @joshualeokirby

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 08, 2025 10:56 ET (14:56 GMT)