EU-based sellers and local logistics providers stand to benefit
According to an analysis by XTB cited by Agerpres, the introduction of a €3 fee on orders below €150 shipped from outside the European Union is likely to favour companies that already sell and deliver from EU-based warehouses. The measure narrows the price gap with low-cost products imported mainly from China and sold by platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress.
For these marketplaces, a fixed fee per shipment puts pressure on final prices or profit margins, particularly for low-value items like small gadgets or budget clothing.
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Platforms may pass costs on to consumers or absorb part of the impact to remain competitive.
XTB analysts say the main beneficiaries will be EU-based sellers, as well as logistics and distribution companies, if major platforms decide to move inventory into Europe. The move is part of a broader tightening of regulations on low-value imports, driven by concerns over unfair competition, consumer safety, fraud and environmental costs.
With around 4.6 billion low-value parcels entering the EU in 2024, mostly from China, the analysis suggests that European merchants could see reduced competitive pressure, especially in the low-price and impulse-buy segments.
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