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 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' 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 one week prior to the expiration of the "de minimis" threshold. This regulation allowed shipments with low values to bypass specific 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 the exemption facilitates the smuggling of drugs into the nation.

Trump scrapped the exemption for goods from China and Hong Kong and 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 higher price increases compared to others. From April 24 to April 25, the pricing for home and kitchen items as well as toys surged over 30%. In contrast, women’s apparel prices increased by approximately 8% during this period.

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

Heavy-duty kitchen cleanup cloths: +377%
Brush for sealing gaps in air conditioning: +219%
Manual chicken/meat shredder: +210%
Wax strips along with post-wax wipes: +205%
Natural-looking eyebrow gel: +199%
Collagen crack-resistant lip balm: +180%
Ultra-fine blackhead extraction forceps: +168%
Eyelash shaper tool: +152%
Apply pressure to nail tips, shiny white: +150%
Glossy sweet mint matte pearl shimmer eye pencil: 141%

At checkout, Shein has introduced 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 when you reach the checkout stage.

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 total cost.

Products brought into the U.S. might incur import fees," a message from Temu notes during checkout. "Such charges encompass all related customs procedures and expenses, as well as import duties paid to customs officials on your behalf.

A portable steam iron listed on the site’s top-seller list was priced at $25.80, however, when accounting for an additional $32.10 in import fees, the total 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” 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 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com for weather updates, sports coverage, and live streams.