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 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 worth of the item itself, 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 remarkably similar 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 lower values to bypass specific customs documentation and avoid duties when entering the nation.

Lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum In recent years, they have urged for reforms of the de minimis provision, 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.

Which 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. 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%.

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 seal: +219%
Manual chicken/meat shredder: +210%
Wax strips along with after-waxing wipes: +205%
Naturally enhancing eyebrow gel: +199%
Collagen anti-cracking lip balm: +180%
Ultra-fine blackhead removal tweezers: +168%
Eyelash shaper tool: +152%
Press on toenails, glossy white: +150%
Gentle mint matte iridescent eyeshadow pencil: 141%

At checkout, Shein has introduced a banner stating, "All tariffs are incorporated into the price you see. You won’t be charged additional fees upon delivery."

What is DHgate? Fearing tariffs, Americans turn to this 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 has an increased cost of $48.32 once you add the $27.49 in import fees to your total.

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 most popular items page shows a price of $25.80, however, when including the additional $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 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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