U.S. Temu Customers in Disbelief Over Price Increase. E-commerce platforms since April 25, 2025, have started notifying customers that prices were going to increase as a result of new tariffs against Chinese goods under the administration of the President Donald Trump. Accrued price increases were common, but the severity of the extra charges, which often turned out to be more than the cost of the product itself, shocked many. It’s now a steep import charge added to the checkout.
Over the weekend, additional import fees suddenly started popping up at checkout for customers, thereby making their total costs go up substantially. New import fees that were between 130 and 150% of the original item’s price were introduced to replace increased customs duties as the United States is about to obliterate the “de minimis” exemption by May 2. This ordinance previously allowed tax-free entry for goods under $800.
Temu’s explanation of the added charges for various customs processes reflects their nomenclatures at checkout and may not be exactly what goes into US Customs and Border Protection, but the bottom line is that for many “budget” items now, final prices are above what many shoppers would really like to pay.
Examples show the sharp increases
Recent reports from CNBC highlighted just how dramatic these price hikes are:
- A $12.44 children’s swimsuit now costs $31.12 after a $18.68 import fee (150% markup).
- An $18.47 summer dress climbs to $44.68 with a $26.21 fee (142% increase).
- A $16.93 handheld vacuum now rings up at $40.11 with a $21.68 fee (137% increase).
Shoppers are now reconsidering whether the platform remains a viable source for affordable goods.
End of “De minimis” changes the game
Temu’s rise in the U.S. market was fueled in part by the de minimis rule, which allowed most imports under $800 to enter the country duty-free. The company used this loophole to deliver ultra-cheap products directly from China. However, as the rule is set to expire, those savings are quickly disappearing.
With the expiration looming, Temu acted quickly to pass costs along to consumers, and similar platforms are following suit.
SHEIN, Amazon also adjust prices
Temu is not alone in facing the brunt of the new trade policy. Other Chinese-linked platforms like SHEIN are also increasing prices. According to CNET, SHEIN has seen price increases across several categories:
- Beauty and health products: up 51%
- Home and kitchen goods: up 30%
- Women’s clothing: up 8%
Amazon is feeling the effects as well. Data from SmartScout revealed that nearly 1,000 items on Amazon saw price hikes of around 30% in mid-April, as sellers prepared for the new tariff environment.
What this means for online shoppers
With the new tariff regulations kicking in, U.S. consumers should brace themselves for price hikes on goods shipped directly from China. Ultra-cheap fashion alternatives, gadgets, and home goods may be on their way out—at least on platforms such as Temu and SHEIN.
Certain companies may try to absorb some cost or find alternative supply chains, but for the time being, most of the online deals have just become more or less expensive.
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