Posted on: February 11, 2026 / Last updated: February 11, 2026
EU Targets Chinese E-Commerce as Air Cargo Reaches a Turning Point
Today’s topic is based on a February 6 article from the Journal of Commerce and examines how the European Union’s tightening regulations on Chinese e-commerce platforms could reshape the global logistics landscape.
At first glance this may appear to be a domestic issue limited to Poland but in reality it represents a major shift affecting the entire EU and the air cargo market.
CONTENTS
Watch the video here
A Warning That Goes Beyond Poland
The warning was issued by Poland’s Digital Economy Chamber of Commerce in a report jointly prepared with KPMG.
The report argues that Chinese online platforms are distorting fair competition in the EU market.
The issue is not simple price competition.
The core problem lies in business models that rely on loopholes in customs procedures and regulatory enforcement.
“This Is Not About Protectionism”
The chamber’s president made a strong statement regarding the situation.
He emphasized that this is not a debate about protectionism.
Polish companies compete on price and service but cannot compete against business models that depend on regulatory gaps and weak enforcement.
This sentiment reflects growing frustration across the European Union.
The Growing Presence of Chinese E-Commerce
Poland’s e-commerce market is valued at approximately 42 billion US dollars.
Chinese platforms already account for between 6 and 11 percent of that market.
The impact is particularly visible in the following categories.
- Consumer electronics
- Household goods
In these segments aggressive price dumping is raising concerns about the hollowing out of domestic industries.
The EU Moves Toward Ending Tax Exemptions
The United States has already abolished its de minimis exemption for low value imports.
The European Union is now moving in the same direction.
The European Commission has announced plans to abolish the tax exemption for goods valued at 150 euros or less.
The current roadmap is as follows.
- Temporary tariff measures beginning as early as July 2026
- Full regulatory reform planned for 2028
In 2024 alone 4.6 billion parcels valued below 150 euros crossed EU borders.
The Impact on the Air Cargo Market
According to air freight market data platforms e-commerce volumes from China to the United States fell sharply after the removal of tax exemptions.
In December 2025 shipments declined by more than 50 percent for three consecutive months resulting in a 28 percent year on year drop.
Similar trends are now emerging in Europe.
E-commerce volumes from China to Europe excluding Russia have declined by an effective 23 percent.
A Turning Point for Air Cargo
It is estimated that up to 25 percent of global air cargo demand depends on e-commerce.
If this demand flattens or declines many growth strategies built around e-commerce will need to be reconsidered.
Plans to expand cargo capacity through passenger to freighter conversions may face serious reassessment.
As EU regulations tighten around mid 2026 the air cargo market may be approaching a critical turning point.
