EU Import Rules Slash Hong Kong Air Cargo as Chinese E‑Commerce Fuels Global Demand

The European Union introduced new import regulations on 1 July 2026 that removed the de minimis exemption for low‑value shipments, imposing a €3 charge per item and stricter reporting. The change has caused a sharp decline in air cargo from Hong Kong to Europe, with chargeable weight falling more than 20 % in recent weeks and overall Asia‑Pacific to Europe volumes down 13 % year‑on‑year. Mainland China, Vietnam and Thailand have also reported weaker export cargo to Europe.

At the same time, massive outbound shipments from Chinese e‑commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu have driven air‑freight spot rates to levels normally seen only during peak holiday seasons. The sustained high demand is erasing the traditional summer “slack season,” forcing traditional shippers to pay premium rates or secure costly long‑term charters. The combined effect reshapes global air‑freight capacity and pricing, highlighting the growing influence of e‑commerce on logistics.