The cost of shopping through discount Chinese retail app Temu has just surged due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Starting May 2, consumers will face higher prices as the app passes nearly all of the new import taxes onto its users. Some products are now seeing an increase in prices, with tariffs on goods coming from China exceeding their original value.
Temu’s pricing strategy has led to some eye-popping costs for customers. For example, a power strip that typically costs around $19.49 now carries an additional $27.56 in import fees, making it more expensive than the product itself.
The tariff charges are in response to the removal of the “de minimis” rule, which used to exempt parcels valued under $800 from such levies. This change has led to a 120% ad-valorem tax or a minimum fee of $100 per item, all of which Temu expects U.S. buyers to cover.
While items that ship from U.S.-based warehouses remain unaffected by these import taxes, Temu is still largely dependent on Chinese manufacturers for its bestsellers. With nearly 66 out of the top 80 items listed on its platform coming from China, this tariff hike stands to impact a large portion of its stock.
And Temu is not alone; fast-fashion giant Shein is also feeling the stress, raising prices by as much as 300% on certain products.
The tariffs are part of a move by the U.S. to shrink the trade deficit with China. However, they come at a price. Retail giants like Walmart and Target are warning of empty shelves and rising prices across the board, with many products expected to become increasingly difficult to source.
The retail sector is bracing for the consequences, with some even predicting a 60% drop in cargo shipments, a sign of the massive disruptions taking place in international trade and logistics.
Even with the price hikes, many consumers on Temu seem undeterred, scrambling to buy before Trump’s tariffs increase the cost further. Others, however, are vocal about their dissatisfaction, taking to social media to talk about their frustration over the rising prices.
The tension between the US and China has no clear resolution in sight, leaving shoppers caught in the crossfire of a complex trade issue.
