France is stepping up its stance against the flood of low-cost parcels arriving from China. In a context marked by a surge in ultra-cheap deliveries, the government is aiming to dismantle a system it deems both unfair to local retailers and harmful to public finances.
On Thursday, four ministers—including Amélie de Montchalin—visited Roissy Airport to unveil a series of measures targeting e-commerce giants like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. Their stated goal: tighten customs controls, raise consumer awareness, and put an end to the current exemption from import duties on parcels valued under €150. This initiative, part of a broader European push, could come into effect by 2028.
The figures are staggering. In 2024, 800 million parcels worth less than €150 were delivered in France—twice as many as in 2023. These accounted for more than one in five packages handled by La Poste. Over the past twelve months, French consumers spent nearly €4.8 billion on these platforms. At the European level, 145 parcels are delivered every second, with 91% originating from China.
Ultra-low prices, hidden costs
The success of these platforms is largely due to unbeatable prices—just a few euros for a dress, a pair of shoes, or kitchen gadgets. These goods benefit from duty exemptions under the €150 threshold, frequently avoid VAT, and are shipped at minimal cost thanks to international logistics agreements. As a result, Chinese platforms now account for one in four online clothing sales in France—surpassing H&M and Zara.
But behind the rock-bottom prices lie hidden costs: reports of forced labor, opaque supply chains, massive environmental impact from overconsumption and daily shipping, and the erosion of local businesses. Already weakened, downtown retailers are struggling to compete, while delivery companies are shifting from human-staffed pick-up points to automated lockers often located on the outskirts of towns.
Economically, France is also losing out on the fiscal front. A large share of these transactions escapes VAT, creating what is widely viewed as unfair competition for domestic sellers, who must comply with tax, labor, and environmental regulations. The French textile industry—already on the ropes—is finding it hard to compete with fast fashion sold at bargain-bin prices.
In response, the French government is calling for coordinated action at the EU level. Ending duty exemptions, cracking down on VAT fraud, and ensuring greater traceability of imports are top priorities. But France cannot go it alone. It must convince its 26 European partners to join a common strategy.
EU Commissioner Thierry Breton has warned of the risk of a commercial onslaught, especially if a trade war erupts between China and the U.S. In that case, China could flood the European market with cheap surplus goods, increasing pressure on local industries.
A civic and economic dilemma
The question for consumers remains: should low prices continue to take priority over local jobs and environmental impact? Today, only 3% of clothing purchased in France is made domestically. Behind every €3 product is a supply chain that often fails to meet basic social or environmental standards.
The debate is now underway—at the crossroads of purchasing power, economic sovereignty, and ecological responsibility. One thing is clear: the golden age of cheap Chinese parcels may be reaching its limit. And the European response could redefine the future of online commerce.