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Online bargains from sites like Shein, Temu, and Aliexpress are about to get slightly more expensive for EU shoppers. Starting in 2028, the EU plans to introduce a €2 customs fee on all parcels coming from outside the EU, even for low-cost items that are currently duty-free.![]()
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The move aims to make customs work easier, generate revenue, and level the playing field for EU businesses. For consumers, this means small price hikes, but also fewer surprise charges at delivery. The fee applies to all non-EU parcels, including from the UK and US. While it might discourage very small purchases, most shoppers will likely continue buying, and some big retailers might even cover the fee themselves to keep prices low for customers.![]()
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The average rent in Ireland reached €2,053 this year, marking the first time it has exceeded €2,000. This follows a significant 3.4% rise in just three months, the highest quarterly jump in 20 years. National rents have increased by 7.3% year-on-year, with cities like Limerick, Cork, and Galway seeing even steeper hikes. Rental availability has tightened dramatically, with fewer than 2,300 homes available to rent nationwide, a 25% drop from the previous year and well below pre-pandemic levels.![]()
Ronan Lyons, Professor of Economics at Trinity College Dublin, attributes the rent surge to a severe shortage of housing, worsened by 2021 policy changes that reduced investment in new rental properties. He calls for reform of rent controls, including allowing rent resets between tenancies, to encourage new supply and to help stabilise the market.![]()
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Trump’s new tariffs are shaking up global trade, but they’re giving European consumers a few short-term perks. The US dollar has weakened, so holidays and shopping in the US are now cheaper. Falling oil and gas prices mean fuel and energy bills might drop slightly too, even though high taxes and network fees will limit how much you save. Mortgage rates are also decreasing, thanks to interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank.![]()
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However, it is not all good news. Some companies could raise prices in Europe to offset higher costs in the US, and China could flood Europe with cheap goods if it loses access to the American market. That could help consumers in the short term but hurt local businesses. And if the global economy slows down, we could see job losses, higher taxes, and cuts to public services. So while there are savings now, they may come at a long-term cost.![]()
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086 0445509📱 094 9638533☎ office@rockcourt.ie📧
AIB is cutting both its deposit and mortgage interest rates, following recent rate cuts by the European Central Bank. The bank is lowering interest on its one-year and two-year Fixed Term Deposit accounts by 0.25% and 0.5%. On the mortgage side, AIB is cutting its two-year fixed rate by 0.75% and other fixed rates by 0.5%. These changes will apply to new and existing AIB, EBS, and Haven customers.![]()
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AIB says the move will help people coming off older low-rate deals and those with homes that don’t meet higher energy efficiency standards. For example, a €300,000 two-year fixed mortgage will now cost €1,557 a month, saving nearly €125. The bank says it is responding to the lower interest rate environment and wants to offer better value to its customers.![]()
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Contact Rockcourt Financial Services with all your financial questions and queries. ![]()
086 0445509📱 094 9638533☎ office@rockcourt.ie📧