The EU plans to start charging a 2-euro handling fee for small packages from China next year
According to a report by the Financial Times, the EU has called for starting to charge a handling fee (handling fee) on small packages ordered online through platforms such as Shein, Temu, and Alibaba in the EU from early 2026, which is more than two years earlier than originally planned, to combat cheap imports from China.
The report said that the European Commission urged the meeting of EU finance ministers on Thursday to agree to accelerate the implementation of this measure to protect domestic retailers from unfair competition.
In a letter to the finance ministers of the member states, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Vojislav Škorpik, wrote, "This is a key step to consolidate the EU's position in the rapidly changing trade reality." He also stated that this move "will send a strong signal that Europe is seriously committed to enhancing its competitiveness and ensuring fair conditions for its businesses."
In May, the European Commission proposed to cancel the 150-euro tariff exemption threshold from mid-2028 and charge a 2-euro fee per package. Last year, over 80% of the 4.6 billion packages purchased by European consumers came from Chinese sellers.
"This timeline does not match the urgency of the current situation," Škorpik wrote in his letter. "European industries, especially retailers, have repeatedly emphasized the need to immediately eliminate this distortion of competition. It will be difficult for us to explain to our companies and people why the EU cannot act faster."
Škorpik added, "This is not a technical issue, but a matter of Europe's ability to defend its economic interests. A modern, competitive Europe must be able to... better protect its border goods and maintain fair competition."
The report noted that EU governments need to reach an agreement on the new timetable and negotiate on the upcoming unified tariff fees.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to the related issues, stating that China has always believed that creating an open and inclusive international trade environment is in the common interest of all parties. China hopes that the EU will abide by its commitment to openness and provide Chinese enterprises with a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment, creating favorable conditions for Sino-European trade and economic cooperation.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848638403638280/
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