European Union proposes imposing taxes on purchases via Temu or AliExpress

The European Union is trying to crack down on online retailers offering their goods at bargain prices, with a proposal now also to impose import taxes on smaller purchases made outside the EU.

Chinese retailers like AliExpress, Temu, and Shein are also in high demand here. Because they offer products produced in large quantities at extremely low prices, consumers are tempted to shop online this way.

For the EU, this is a thorn in its side. Its own market is finding it increasingly difficult to remain attractive in the face of a foreign price war. There is currently a tax-free threshold of €150 for online purchases of small gifts or personal packages. As a result, imports of low-value goods have only increased.

This Financial Times reports that the EU is therefore considering a plan. The import tax would also be levied on all orders under €150 placed on e-commerce platforms from outside the EU.

The proposal has not yet been developed. EU spokesmen have not yet commented on the plan. There is also no consensus among member states on its implementation, let alone on what terms.

The process of imposing additional taxes on Chinese goods has been underway for some time.

The latest proposal is part of a growing trend of European protectionism against Chinese companies. This month, the EU will introduce temporary tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese electric vehicles. Although not every member state is happy about it. Germany, in particular, is not in favor of protectionist policies.

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