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 become over twice as expensive in recent days.

Last week, the average cost of the top 100 beauty and wellness items on Shein surged by 51%, as reported. Data gathered by Bloomberg News Some items experienced even more dramatic 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 worth of the item itself, 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 indicating 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. This regulation allowed shipments with 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 threshold, expressing concerns that this exception facilitates drug smuggling across borders.

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

What items from Shein and Temu cost more money?

According to Bloomberg's examination of Shein, certain product categories experienced greater price increases compared to others. Specifically, for items like home and kitchen goods as well as toys, average costs surged over 30% between April 24 and April 25. In contrast, the increase for women’s apparel was around 8%.

Here are some of the most significant price increases on Shein from April 24 to April 25, as reported by Bloomberg:

Heavy-duty dish drying cloths: +377%
Brush for air conditioner window gap: +219%
Manual chicken/meat shredder: +210%
Wax strips along with post-wax wipes: +205%
Natural finish 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 checkout, Shein has placed a banner stating, "All tariffs are encompassed within the paid amount. You will not be required to make any 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 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. "Such charges encompass all related 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 cost rises to around $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” In recent days, subreddits have been used by 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 my choice 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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