On September 25, 2026, the Chinese-language website of French international broadcaster RFI (Radio France Internationale) reported that Chinese e-commerce platforms are being hit hard in France due to the implementation of Europe's small-value parcel tariffs.

The article introduced that on July 1 of this year, the EU abolished the tax exemption measure for imported goods under 150 euros (approximately 27,000 yen) and introduced a measure to impose a provisional tariff of 3 euros (approximately 540 yen) per product category on parcels from cross-border e-commerce platforms such as Temu, AliExpress, and SHEIN. This new measure aims to close a long-standing tax exemption loophole, and it reported that impacts on major Chinese e-commerce companies have become apparent within about two months of its implementation.

Citing data from research firm Médiamétrie, it pointed out that SHEIN's website visitors in July decreased by 42.3% year-on-year, and Temu's decreased by 36.4%. Since the average product price on these platforms is about 10 euros (approximately 1,800 yen), the 3-euro tariff significantly increases purchasing costs, and nearly half of consumers have reduced their ordering frequency and are shifting to a strategy of bundling orders instead of making easy purchases, according to the survey results.

Furthermore, Marc Lolivier, representative of the French e-commerce federation, stated that after the introduction of EU tariffs, the prices of Chinese e-commerce products have risen and the price gap has narrowed, leading to increased competitiveness for domestic brands. Meanwhile, it also touched upon information that SHEIN is building warehouses in Poland and holding inventory within the European region, showing a move to avoid taxes applicable to goods from outside the region.

The article introduced that approximately 5.9 billion parcels, four times the number in 2022, will flow into the European market in 2025, with 93% originating from China. Due to the enormous volume, customs officials cannot cope, and dangerous goods and counterfeit products that do not meet safety standards are flowing in, it reported.

Furthermore, the EU executive body submitted a new bill on September 21, indicating a policy to additionally collect a 2-euro (approximately 360 yen) fee per product category, separate from tariffs, for parcels from non-EU countries. It is expected to be formally introduced on November 1, after discussions by the European Parliament and member states. (Edited and translated by Kawashiri)