The EU executive has urged the bloc’s finance ministers to impose a fee starting next year on low-value orders from platforms such as Temu and Shein, in an effort to tackle the flood of cheap Chinese imports.
Currently, there is no levy on packages worth less than 150 euros ($174) that are imported directly by consumers in the 27-nation bloc, often via Chinese-founded platforms.
In May, the European Union proposed scrapping this exemption and introducing a flat two-euro fee on small packages, which would take effect in 2028.
However, EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič has now called on EU finance ministers to agree on a temporary solution for next year.
It is a crucial step in ensuring the European Union bolsters its position in the face of rapidly changing trade realities.
He added that European industries, especially retailers, have stressed that “this distortion of competition be removed without delay.”
It will be extremely difficult to explain to our businesses and citizens why the EU cannot act faster to provide a solution.
The aim is to submit the proposal for approval at the next meeting of EU finance ministers on December 12.
