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 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 buyers. 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 actions of both businesses. 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, allowing shipments with lower values 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 changes to the de minimis rule, 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 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, the cost of women’s apparel rose by approximately 8%.

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

Extra plush kitchen cleanup cloths: +377%
Brush for air conditioner window gap: +219%
Manual chicken/meat shredder: +210%
Wax strips along with after-waxing wipes: +205%
Naturally enhancing eyebrow gel: +199%
Collagen moisture-locking lip balm: +180%
Ultra-fine blackhead extraction forceps: +168%
Eyelash shaper tool: +152%
Tap on fingernails, shiny white: +150%
Glossy sweet mint matte pearl shimmer eye crayon: 141%

At Shein's checkout page, they've placed a banner stating, "All tariffs are covered in the cost shown to you. 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 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 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 import duties that are settled with customs officials on your behalf.

A portable steam iron listed on the website’s bestseller page shows a price of $25.80, however, when you add in the $32.10 import fees, the cost rises 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 getting my business 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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