Budget Retailers Shein and Temu Boost Prices as Trump Tariffs Bite

( NewsNation ) — The affordable retail stores Shein and Temu are following through on plans To increase prices because of President Trump’s tariffs, causing some items to nearly double in cost over the past few days.

Last week, the average cost of the top 100 beauty and wellness items on Shein increased by 51%, as reported. Data gathered by Bloomberg News Some items experienced even sharper increases: a pack of 10 kitchen towels jumped by 377%, and eyebrow gel climbed almost 200%.

In the meantime, the Chinese retail app Temu seems to be transferring "almost all" of President Trump's new import duties directly to American shoppers. Bloomberg said The firm has begun including "import fees" that in certain instances surpass the item's worth, as reported by Bloomberg. USA Today .

Why is Trump terminating the 'de minimis' exemption?

U.S. customers were preparing for the alterations following the moves by both corporations. announced plans To increase prices at the beginning of this month, both Shein and Temu released almost identical statements explaining that their operational costs had risen because of "recent alterations in international trade policies and duties."

The pricing adjustments began on April 25, just a week prior to the expiration of the "de minimis" threshold. This regulation allowed shipments with minimal value to bypass specific customs documentation and avoid duties when entering the nation.

Lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum In recent years, they have advocated for updating the de minimis threshold, expressing concerns that this exemption facilitates the smuggling of narcotics into the nation.

Trump eliminated the exception for products coming from China and Hong Kong. slapped a 145% tariff on many Chinese imports.

Which items from Shein and Temu cost more?

According to Bloomberg's examination of Shein, certain product categories experienced significantly higher price increases compared to others. From April 24 to April 25, pricing for home and kitchen items as well as toys surged over 30%. In contrast, the cost for women’s apparel increased by approximately 8% during this period.

Here are some significant price increases on Shein recorded between April 24 and April 25, as reported by Bloomberg:

Extra plush kitchen cleanup cloths: +377%
Brush for sealing gaps in air conditioning: +219%
Manual chicken/meat shredder: +210%
Wax strips along with after-waxing wipes: +205%
Natural-looking eyebrow gel: +199%
Collagen crack-preventing lip balm: +180%
Ultra-fine blackhead extraction forceps: +168%
Eyelash shaper tool: +152%
Tap on nail polishes, shiny white: +150%
Glossy sweet mint matte pearlescent eye pencil: 141%

At checkout, Shein has introduced a banner stating, "All tariffs are incorporated into the price you see. You won’t be charged additional fees upon delivery."

What is DHgate? Fears of tariffs prompt Americans to turn to this Chinese platform.

Temu

It seems Temu is adopting a somewhat distinct strategy by adding import fees during the check-out process.

For instance, a versatile 14-in-1 power strip priced at $19.34 on Monday ends up costing $48.32 once you add the $27.49 in import fees to your total.

Products brought into the U.S. might incur import fees," notes a message from Temu during checkout. "Such charges encompass various customs procedures and expenses, as well as the import duties paid to customs officials on your behalf.

A portable steam iron listed on the site’s best-selling items has a price of $25.80, however, when you add approximately $34.20 in import fees, the total cost climbs up to around $60.

Nevertheless, many products on Temu’s bestseller list are sourced from local warehouses, thus avoiding extra import fees.

Shoppers have flooded the “TemuThings” Subreddits have recently been used as platforms for people to express their frustration. one post A user posted an image of their purchase receipt showing import taxes and commented, "Temu won’t be for me anymore. Best wishes to everyone dealing with these tariffs."

In another post, a user wrote Goodbye Temu, it was enjoyable while it lasted.

Neither Temu nor Shein promptly replied to NewsNation’s request for comment on Monday.

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