Low-value parcel volumes from China plunge in Lithuania after EU duty takes effect

Low-value parcel volumes from China have dropped sharply in Lithuania following the implementation of a new EU duty on such shipments. The 3-euro charge, introduced on July 1, applies to imports valued under 150 euros from e-commerce platforms like Temu, AliExpress, and Shein. This marks a significant change, as such parcels were previously exempt from customs duties. Lithuanian delivery companies have reported a notable decline in volume, though officials caution that it is still too early to assess the long-term impact. The new duty came into effect amid ongoing efforts by the European Union to streamline its import regulations and reduce the influx of low-cost goods from non-EU countries. Lithuanian Customs acknowledged that July served as a transitional period, during which both retailers and consumers adjusted to the new requirements. “We are not rushing to draw conclusions from just one month, as July was a period of transition and it took time for retailers to adapt,” the department stated. The immediate effects on parcel volumes have been striking. Tomas Vaišvila, communications manager at DPD Lietuva, noted that his company's parcel volumes had fallen by approximately 70% since the duty began. Similarly, Lithuania Post reported a 30% decrease in imports from third countries, while Omniva Lithuania observed a decline in shipments directly from Asia. Tadas Drunga, head of Omniva Lithuania, suggested that the initial drop was largely due to consumers adjusting to higher final prices, but warned that the trend may not continue at the same pace. Lithuania Post’s Lukas Zadarackas pointed out that early July figures were influenced by a temporary requirement from Lithuanian Customs for an EORI code when declaring parcels. This requirement was later removed, and Zadarackas emphasized the importance of considering these administrative changes when analyzing the July data. According to official figures, the number of parcels from China declared in July was 61.3 times lower than in July 2025, with just 7,200 recorded compared to 441,300 in the previous year. Low-value shipments from all countries also saw a steep decline, dropping 12.1 times to 41,100. Chinese parcels made up 18% of all low-value declarations in July, down from 91% in January. This shift suggests a noticeable change in sourcing patterns, with consumers and businesses reconsidering their purchasing strategies. Logistics experts suggest that some sellers are adapting by shipping goods in bulk to European warehouses, allowing them to clear customs before individual orders are fulfilled. Olgerdas Janovičius, commercial director at Venipak, noted that this adjustment could partially mask the true level of consumer demand. Similarly, economist Indrė Genytė-Pikčienė of Artea predicted that Chinese companies would likely route more goods through European warehouses to circumvent the duty. The new duty is also influencing consumer behavior. Drunga indicated that shoppers may become more selective, placing fewer impulsive orders for inexpensive items. “Users will choose more carefully and less frequently add cheap, unplanned items to their baskets just because they are inexpensive,” he said. DPD Lietuva’s Vaišvila anticipated that consumers might consolidate purchases to spread the cost of the duty across multiple items. “People might buy in bulk; for instance, instead of three pairs of socks, they might buy 12, so the 3-euro fee has less impact,” he explained. Zadarackas added that shoppers are increasingly comparing the final price, including delivery costs, before making decisions on overseas purchases.