E-Commerce Soars in China, a Boon for Global Trade: Customs Uncovers Less Cocaine but More Arms in 2024
Projected Drop in Intercepted Cocaine for 2024, Increase in Seized Military-Grade Weapons Instead
Customs duties are a patchwork of responsibilities, and their annual report echoes this diversity. Armin Rolfink, head honcho of the General Customs Administration, reports a significant jump in parcel shipments, most of which can be traced back to China. The powdered stuff washed ashore in 2024 has halved, but the weaponry of war seizures have seen a sharp uptick.
E-commerce reigns supreme, says Rolfink as he showcases the customs' annual report in Hamburg. The number of customs clearances for online retail soared five-fold compared to the previous year - reaching an impressive 235 million. "And from where do you guess most of these are coming?" Rolfink grins.
Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil brought it up at a meeting, hinting at an influx of cheap goods from China via the Middle Kingdom. Debate is swirling at the European level about potentially scrapping the existing customs limit of €150. Klingbeil has expressed a strong desire to tighten the reins on these shipments, while offering no comment on the EU Commission's consideration of a flat-rate fee of €1-€2.
The Underworld of Black Markets ## Parcel-sized Cocaine Imports Plummet by 60 Percent
Among customs' assorted duties is the prevention of drug smuggling. Cocaine seizures saw a considerable decrease from 39.9 to 16.3 tons in 2024, as compared to 2023. "The drop in drug interdictions illustrates that our rigorous monitoring and investigative tactics are effective," said Klingbeil. Drug mules primarily ferry cocaine via sea containers on their merry way to Europe. Last year, busts in ports like Hamburg and Bremen were more substantial, but sadly, the headlines continue to flash.
Marijuana, on the other hand, saw an uptick; the seized stash increased from 8.6 to 12.6 tons compared to the previous year. Rolfink chalks it up to random coincidence, as he sees no connection with the recent legalization of cannabis for adults.
War Machines Roll In
Customs, too, must keep a watchful eye on arms trafficking. Seizures of weapons of war skyrocketed in 2024, with 161 pieces nabbed, compared to 19 the year prior. According to the arms list, weapons of war include stun guns, landmines, and antitank warheads.
Unleashing the Dogs of Enforcement
The Customs Financial Control unit scrutinizes employers to ensure compliance with social security, antifraud measures, and work permit regulations. Last year, they checked 25,274 employers, far fewer than the 42,631 investigated the year before. Despite the drop in numbers, the completed and initiated procedures were only slightly below the 2023 level.
Making a Stand Against the Underworld
"Cracking down on the black market has become a crusade for me as Finance Minister," said Klingbeil. "We need to rid society of crooks who fatten their wallets at the expense of the hardworking masses." The Construction, Agriculture, and Environment Union expressed praise for Klingbeil's stance.
The federal government recently announced its plans to modernize and digitize the fight against black market labor through a proposed law. Critics have noted the increasingly pressured role of customs, citing trade disputes, intricate sanctions, and online shopping as reasons for the growing toll on customs.
- Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil suggested a potential scrapping of the existing customs limit of €150, citing an influx of cheap goods from China via e-commerce.
- Arms trafficking was a concern for customs as well, with seizures of weapons of war skyrocketing in 2024, including stun guns, landmines, and antitank warheads.
- In the battle against the black market, Finance Minister Klingbeil expressed his determination to rid society of crooks who take advantage of the hardworking masses, receiving praise from the Construction, Agriculture, and Environment Union.
