Budget Retailers Shein and Temu Boost Prices as Trump Tariffs Bite

( NewsNation ) — Affordable retail giants 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' exemption?

U.S. consumers 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 goods below a specific value to bypass particular 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 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.

What products from Shein and Temu cost more money?

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

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

Heavy-duty kitchen cleanup cloths: +377%
Brush for air conditioner gap: +219%
Manual chicken/meat shredder: +210%
Wax strips along with after-waxing wipes: +205%
Natural-looking eyebrow gel: +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? Fears of tariffs drive Americans to Chinese platform.

Temu

It seems Temu is adopting a somewhat distinct strategy by adding import fees when you reach the checkout page.

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 invoice.

Products brought into the U.S. might incur import fees," notes a message from Temu during checkout. "These fees encompass various expenses related to customs procedures as well as payments made to customs officials on your behalf.

A portable steam iron listed on the site’s most popular items page shows a price of $25.80, however, when you add in the $32.10 import fees, the cost rises to approximately $60.

Nevertheless, many products on Temu’s bestseller list are fulfilled 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 the import tax and commented, "Temu won't be getting my business anymore. Best wishes to everyone dealing with these duties."

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.

To stay updated with the newest information, check out local weather forecasts, sports updates, and live streams at WSYR.