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 leading 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 shot up 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 item's worth, 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 avoid duties when entering the nation.

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 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 significantly higher price increases compared to others. From April 24 to April 25, the cost of home and kitchen items as well as toys surged over 30%. In contrast, prices for women’s apparel 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 dish drying cloths: +377%
Brush for sealing gaps in air conditioning: +219%
Manual chicken/meat shredder: +210%
Wax strips along with after-waxing wipes: +205%
Natural-looking eyebrow gel: +199%
Collagen lip balm for preventing cracks: +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, they've placed a banner stating, "All tariffs are factored into the price you see. There will be no additional charges 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 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.

“A note from Temu states at checkout that items brought into the U.S. might incur import fees,” which encompass all expenses and procedures related to customs, such as payments made to customs officials on your behalf.

A portable steam iron listed on the website’s bestseller page shows a price of $25.80, however, when accounting for 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 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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