The European Union's tax on small parcels imported from China has led to a sharp drop in shipments, with imports falling by 30 to 40 percent across the bloc, according to multiple French news outlets including Boursorama, Le Figaro, and BFM.
The tax, which applies to packages valued under 150 euros, has significantly reduced the flow of goods from Chinese e-commerce platforms into Europe. In France alone, the country saw 5.8 billion small parcels enter in 2025, but that volume has since declined steeply, BFM reports.
Boursorama, which first reported the story, describes the drop as "drastic," noting that the measure has reshaped cross-border shopping habits. The outlets attribute the decline directly to the new levy, which was introduced to close a loophole that previously allowed low-value shipments to enter the EU duty-free.
TF1 Info adds a consumer perspective, reporting that French shoppers are turning away from Chinese platforms, with one individual quoted as saying they "quickly stopped" using them after the tax took effect. The report suggests the added cost has made these purchases less attractive compared to domestic or other EU options.
The tax was designed to level the playing field for European retailers, who argued that Chinese sellers had an unfair advantage due to the previous exemption. While the policy appears to be achieving that goal, it has also reduced the volume of affordable goods available to consumers.
What to watch next: whether the EU extends or adjusts the tax as e-commerce flows continue to shift, and how Chinese platforms respond with pricing or delivery strategies.
