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Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has started adding hefty “import charges” to its orders in the United States. This move significantly raises prices in response to new tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump.
Trump’s Tariffs Trigger a Price Shock
Following Trump’s recent decision to impose a 145% tariff on imports from China and eliminate the de minimis exemption that allowed goods under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free, Temu is passing on the cost to consumers.
As of April 25, these import-related fees have begun appearing on Temu orders and, in many cases, they surpass the cost of the product itself. A CNBC analysis found that
- A summer dress listed for $18.47 now costs $44.68 after a $26.21 “import charge.”
- A child’s bathing suit priced at $12.44 totals $31.12 with an $18.68 charge.
- A $16.93 handheld vacuum cleaner jumps to $40.11 after an added fee of $21.68.
Temu’s Official Explanation
On its website, Temu states:
“Items imported into the U.S. may be subject to import charges. These charges cover all customs-related processes and costs, including import fees paid to customs authorities on your behalf. The amount listed may not represent the actual amount paid to customs authorities.”
So far, Temu has not responded to media requests for further clarification.
How Shein is Handling it Differently?
Rival Chinese e-tailer Shein has also increased its prices but has taken a different approach. Instead of separate import fees, the company includes all tariff-related costs in the product price. A banner at checkout reassures customers:
“Tariffs are included in the price you pay. You’ll never have to pay extra at delivery.”
Consumer Backlash and Changing Habits
Temu customers have taken to Reddit to express their frustration over the sudden price hikes.
One post titled “R.I.P. Temu, it was nice while it lasted” captures the sentiment of many users.
R.I.P. Temu, it was nice while it lasted
byu/RedditStinksDeletAcc inTemuThings
“From shopping like a billionaire to shopping like a peasant in one day,” one Redditor quipped.
Macinzi Morris, a longtime Temu shopper from Missouri, noted her $12.25 order for succulent pots skyrocketed to $30 after the changes.
“There’s no point in paying a 140% upcharge when I can get the same thing on Amazon for the same price and usually get it a little faster,” Morris commented.
Local Warehouses Offer Some Relief
Interestingly, products shipped from Temu’s U.S.-based warehouses appear to be exempt from these new fees. The company has reportedly accelerated efforts to stock items locally to reduce reliance on Chinese imports.
Currently, more than 75% of items on Temu’s “lightning deals” page are tagged as “local,” accompanied by a bright green banner declaring:
“No import charges.”
Temu’s Future in Jeopardy?
Temu’s popularity boomed in the U.S. after its 2022 launch, thanks to rock-bottom prices and aggressive advertising that encouraged users to “Shop like a billionaire.” But with prices now aligning more closely with platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Target—and with shipping delays still a concern—its competitive edge appears to be shrinking.
Compounding the issue, Temu has slashed its U.S. ad spend, and its App Store ranking has plummeted from the top 10 to No. 73, according to Sensor Tower. Shein, too, has slipped to No. 54.
