China has expressed concern over the European Union’s latest measures imposing additional charges on low-value imported parcels, urging the bloc to carefully assess their impact on cross-border e-commerce and international trade.
China’s Commerce Ministry said on Thursday that it was “highly concerned” about the new EU measures and called on the bloc to evaluate their implications. It also highlighted the role of cross-border e-commerce in providing consumers and businesses with greater choices.
The ministry expressed hope that the EU would create favourable conditions for cooperation between China and the bloc in e-commerce and related sectors.
The EU began imposing an additional €2 fee on low-value imported parcels on November 1, following the introduction of a €3 tariff on such shipments in July.
The measures affect major Chinese e-commerce platforms, including Shein and Temu, which have built a significant presence in the European market through cross-border shipments of low-cost goods.
The new charges form part of the EU’s efforts to address concerns surrounding the growing volume of low-value imports entering the bloc and their impact on its retail market and regulatory framework.