Early signs of slowdown in Chinese e-commerce parcels after €3 fee

ekathimerini.comIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 752 days ago

A temporary slowdown in the flow of low-value Chinese e-commerce parcels into Greece has emerged following the implementation of a €3 EU customs duty on small packages valued under €150 from third countries, effective July 1. Consumers appear to be purchasing less from popular Chinese platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, which have grown significantly in the Greek market. Industry sources report a noticeable drop in parcel volumes, with estimates suggesting a reduction of up to 50% compared to previous months. While the fee seems to align with the EU’s goal of reducing unfair competition from non-EU retailers, experts warn this decline may not last, citing similar trends in Romania where parcel volumes initially dropped sharply before stabilizing. Major e-commerce companies are adapting by adjusting logistics strategies, such as Temu enabling local sales in Greece to avoid the fee and Shein expanding warehouse operations in Poland. Chinese platforms have already established a strong presence in Greece, with significant user numbers reported across the EU as a whole.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the situation, discussing both the impact of the new EU customs duty on consumer behavior and the potential responses from e-commerce companies. It includes perspectives from courier industry sources and highlights historical data from other EU countries like,

Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): The article presents factual information based on courier industry sources and mentions comparable situations in Romania, aligning with cross-source consensus. It provides specific figures like the 50% drop in parcel volumes. However, it uses phrases like 'appears to be meeting its objective' and 'i

ekathimerini.comIndependentCenteryesterday

An €3 fee on small parcels from non-EU countries has led to a temporary decrease in e-commerce imports from China to Greece. The measure, implemented recently, has reportedly caused a 50% drop in parcel volumes from China, according to courier industry sources. While the fee aims to curb unfair competition from Chinese e-commerce platforms like Trendyol, Shein, Temu, and AliExpress, experts suggest the effect may diminish over time as consumers adapt. Similar measures in Romania saw a significant initial drop followed by a gradual recovery. Some platforms, including Temu, allow Greek sellers to avoid the fee for shipments under €150, potentially influencing consumer behavior.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the policy and its effects neutrally, citing industry sources and comparing it to Romania’s experience. It does not take a clear ideological stance on the policy itself, nor does it emphasize any particular political group’s position. The framing remains balanced between the aim