Non-EU online platforms could lead to revenue loss for Romanian retailers due to unpaid taxes, according to their warnings.
Romania faces a potential annual tax loss of €400 million due to non-EU e-commerce platforms by 2027, according to a recent impact analysis by the Romanian Association of Online Stores (ARMO) and independent analyst Iancu Guda.
This figure highlights the fiscal challenges Romania is encountering with the rise of non-EU online commerce platforms that do not remit full tax liability locally. The estimation aligns with financial sector analyses and regulatory commentary on market dynamics through 2027.
The impact analysis suggests that physical stores in established categories may lose a relevant part of their traffic due to the expansion of these platforms. If the volume or value of ordered packages doubles, the annual commercial value of direct imports through platforms such as Temu, AliExpress, Shein, or Trendyol could reach approximately €7.8 billion, representing about 28.8% of the local retail market.
The study does not specify the current commercial value of direct imports through non-EU platforms in Romania. However, it is projected that approximately 78 million parcels below €150 will enter Romania by 2025, with an average value of €50 per parcel. These parcels, entering the country with no duties, are primarily responsible for the tax losses.
The losses for the public budget are significant in an already complicated fiscal and economic context, according to Cristi Movila, president of ARMO. The losses could have severe effects on investments, employment, and contributions to the public budget.
The independent analyst anticipates a greater impact if Romanians significantly increase their purchases from platforms like Temu and Trendyol. The tax losses are expected to reach €2.12 billion per year by 2027, according to the analysis.
It is important to note that the study does not specify the current rate of expansion of non-EU e-commerce platforms in Romania or the current number of active online buyers in the country.
In conclusion, the projected annual tax loss of €400 million from non-EU e-commerce platforms by 2027 contributes to the overall fiscal revenue challenges Romania is addressing through policy reforms. The analysis indicates a significant imbalance between local retailers and non-EU platforms in Romania, emphasizing the need for further investigation and potential regulatory action.
The rising non-EU e-commerce platforms, such as Temu and Trendyol, seem to pose a threat to Romania's financial industry, as the annual tax loss due to these platforms is estimated to reach €400 million by 2027. This staggering figure could exacerbate existing fiscal challenges, potentially affecting investments, employment, and contributions to the public budget.
