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 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 moves by both corporations. announced plans To increase prices at the beginning of this month, both Shein and Temu released almost identical statements citing higher operational costs resulting from "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, allowing shipments below a specific value to bypass particular customs documentation and be imported without duties.

Lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum have advocated for updating the de minimis provision in recent years, 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.

What products 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 of the most significant price increases on Shein between April 24 and April 25, as reported by Bloomberg:

Heavy-duty dish drying cloths: +377%
Brush for air conditioner gap: +219%
Manual chicken/meat shredder: +210%
Wax strips along with post-wax 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. There will be no additional charges 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 has an increased cost of $48.32 once you add the $27.49 in import fees to your invoice.

Products brought into the U.S. might incur import fees," a message from Temu notes during checkout. "These fees encompass various customs procedures and expenses, such as import duties handled on your behalf by customs officials.

A portable steam iron listed on the site’s bestseller page shows a price of $25.80; however, when you include the approximately $32.10 in import fees, the total 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 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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