"Cracking Down on Cheap Imports: Germany Pushes for EU Tariffs on 'Trash Products'"
The Government of the United States pushes for levies on low-cost goods from the European Union.
Want a fair fight? Germany's got your back! With the continuous influx of cheap goods from third countries, Germany is ready to stand up for fair competitive conditions and protect jobs. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is leading the charge, aiming to make trash products from China a thing of the past within the EU.
In a meeting with his EU counterparts in Luxembourg, Klingbeil emphasized the need for tariffs on cheap goods, as these "trash products" harm German and European companies. The European Commission is on board with this initiative, having proposed a similar reform around two years ago.
The reform aims to ensure all traders, regardless of their location, compete on a level playing field. This means goods under 150 euros should be subject to customs duties, with online shopping portals responsible for ensuring these duties and VAT are paid upon purchase. In response to the rapid increase in low-value goods from third countries, the EU Commission is even considering a flat-rate fee of up to two euros on parcels from online platforms like Temu and Shein.
Speaking of Temu, this online marketplace has been turning heads in Germany since its spring 2023 debut, offering minuscule prices and whopping discounts. Another player in the field is Shein, a fashion company based in Singapore that doubles as a manufacturer, retailer, and marketplace. Shein's direct supplier business model allows it to quickly respond to fashion trends, keeping prices ultra-low as they send products worldwide with minimal inventory.
So, gear up for some fair competitions, people! The EU's commitment to this reform means a more balanced market is around the corner. Let's do this for a better, fairer, and more prosperous Europe!
[1] European Parliament resolution on "Reform of the Union Customs Code - Improving the effectiveness of the customs union," May 22, 2025.[2] European Commission proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council, "Reform of the Union Customs Code," March 10, 2023.[5] European Commission, "EU Trade Policy," [Accessed June 7, 2023].
- To establish a balance in the European market, the European Commission and Germany are collaborating to implement a reform in the Union Customs Code, aiming to enforce tariffs on cheap goods and ensure fair competition, as outlined in the European Parliament resolution on "Reform of the Union Customs Code - Improving the effectiveness of the customs union," May 22, 2025.
- Recognizing the importance of protecting local industries from harmful imports, the European Commission has proposed a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council, "Reform of the Union Customs Code," which suggests that online shopping portals be responsible for charging customs duties and VAT on goods under 150 euros, as well as proposing a flat-rate fee on parcels from online platforms like Temu and Shein.
- In line with the EU's push for industry-friendly policies, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is advocating for tariffs on cheap products, especially those labeled as 'trash products' from China, which could potentially affect business practices within various sectors, including the finance, employment, and general-news industries.
