Budget Retailers Shein and Temu Boost Prices as Trump Tariffs Bite

( NewsNation ) — 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 up 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 and USA Today .

Why is Trump terminating the 'de minimis' exception?

U.S. customers were preparing for the alterations following the actions of 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 one week prior to the expiration of the "de minimis" threshold, a regulation allowing items of minimal value to bypass specific customs documentation and be imported without duties.

Lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum In recent years, they have advocated for updating the de minimis provision, expressing concerns that this exemption facilitates drug smuggling 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. Home and kitchen items as well as toys witnessed an increase of over 30% in their average prices between April 24 and April 25. In contrast, women’s apparel saw a smaller uptick, with prices rising by approximately 8%.

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

Heavy-duty dish drying cloths: +377%
Brush for sealing gaps in air conditioning plus 219% improvement
Manual chicken/meat shredder: +210%
Wax strips along with after-waxing wipes: +205%
Eyebrow gel for a natural look: +199%
Collagen moisture-locking lip balm: +180%
Ultra-fine blackhead extraction forceps: +168%
Eyelash shaper tool: +152%
Apply pressure to nail tips, shiny white: +150%
Gentle mint matte iridescent eyeshadow pencil: 141%

At Shein's checkout page, they've placed a banner stating, "All tariffs are encompassed within the payment amount. You will not be required to make additional payments upon delivery."

What is DHgate? Concerns over tariffs drive Americans to Chinese platform.

Temu

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

For instance, a versatile 14-in-1 power strip priced at $19.34 on Monday sees an increase to $48.32 once you factor in the additional $27.49 in import fees.

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

A portable steam iron listed on the website’s bestseller page has a price of $25.80, however, when you include the approximately $32.10 in import fees, the cost rises to around $60.

Nevertheless, many products on Temu’s bestseller list are sourced from local warehouses and do not incur 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 duties."

In another post, a user wrote R.I.P. 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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