News Desk
BRUSSELS — The European Union announced plans to impose a €2 (approximately $2.25) flat fee on the flood of low-value packages entering the bloc, a move aimed squarely at the deluge of cheap goods from Chinese e-commerce platforms like Temu and Shein. The levy, which would eliminate the customs-free status for parcels valued under €150 ($168.75), signals a tougher stance on China’s dominance in the low-cost online retail market.
Maros Sefcovic, the E.U.’s trade chief, told the European Parliament that e-commerce platforms would bear the cost of the fee for each parcel. The measure is designed to address the logistical and economic challenges posed by the overwhelming volume of inexpensive imports, the vast majority of which originate in China. These platforms have fueled a surge in direct-to-consumer shipments, often undercutting local businesses and straining customs systems.
The proposed fee reflects growing frustration in Brussels with the competitive advantage enjoyed by Chinese retailers, whose ultra-low prices and aggressive expansion have sparked concerns about unfair trade practices and environmental costs. Critics argue that the influx of low-quality goods undermines European manufacturers and contributes to waste, while supporters of the platforms claim they offer consumers affordable options in an era of rising costs.
The move comes amid broader tensions with Beijing over trade imbalances and market access. The E.U. has increasingly scrutinized Chinese firms for alleged state subsidies and lax labor standards, which critics say enable their cutthroat pricing. While the €2 fee may seem modest, it could significantly raise costs for platforms shipping billions of parcels annually, potentially reshaping the low-cost e-commerce landscape.
Sefcovic emphasized that the levy would help level the playing field for European businesses while funding improvements to customs infrastructure. However, the proposal, still subject to approval by member states, is likely to face pushback from Chinese firms and could escalate trade frictions.
As the E.U. seeks to curb the unchecked flow of Chinese goods, the fee represents a calculated step to assert control over a market increasingly shaped by Beijing’s e-commerce giants. Whether it will deter the tide of cheap imports or merely stoke further tensions remains to be seen.
