Last year, over 4.6 billion small packages were mailed to Europe, with 91% originating from China, equating to 145 Chinese packages being imported into Europe every second, all enjoying duty exemptions. France is also overwhelmed by low-cost packages from Chinese e-commerce platforms. The French Ministry of Finance stated that it would announce 'specific measures' on the 29th to curb the invasion of Chinese packages.
The Central News Agency reported that on the 25th, the French Ministry of Finance indicated it would announce 'specific measures' on the 29th in response to the large influx of low-cost products from Chinese e-commerce platforms, aiming to 'curb the phenomenon' and reduce the overflow of small Chinese packages into the European market.
Finance Minister Lombard recently pointed the finger at tens of millions of packages from Chinese e-commerce platforms during a briefing, especially fast fashion giant SHEIN, cross-border shopping platform Temu, and Alibaba.
He criticized that these packages mailed from China not only 'compete with French merchants,' but also pose an 'ecological anomaly,' with some products even 'not conforming to European standards.'
● Small Packages Enjoy Duty-Free
The European Commission recently pointed out that of the over 4.6 billion small packages sent to the European market in 2024, 91% come from China, averaging more than 145 packages every second, all enjoying duty-free status.
The growth of Chinese packages is staggering, with this year's numbers doubling those of 2023 and quadrupling those of 2022. The influx of Chinese goods is significant, with many French media describing the situation as an 'invasion' of packages.
Lombard stated that in addition to raising consumer awareness, 'specific measures' will be proposed on the 29th to 'respond to the influx of goods and protect consumer safety,' addressing the issue of local merchants facing distorted competition.
● France Considering Canceling Duty Exemption for Small Packages
When asked whether it was considering unilaterally canceling the duty exemption for packages below 150 euros, the Ministry of Finance responded to AFP on the 25th, saying, 'research is underway,' to analyze the judicial feasibility of this measure, 'but it is not our initial intention.'
The Ministry stated that the focus is on 'platform regulation issues,' as the U.S.-China trade war will 'reshape trade streams,' posing a risk of Chinese logistics shifting within Europe, including France.
● EU Plans to Levy 'Processing Fees'
U.S. President Trump signed an executive order in early April to impose tariffs on small packages imported from China, valued at $800 or less, increasing from 30% to 90% of the value, in response to China's retaliatory tariffs of 34% on U.S. imports. Reportedly, the measure will take effect on May 2, applying similarly to Hong Kong.
The European Commission recently announced a plan to levy 'processing fees' on packages sold on major e-commerce platforms entering the EU, to fund enhanced customs supervision of illegal products.