Temu and Shein to Raise U.S. Prices Starting April 25
Temu and Shein, two of the fastest-growing e-commerce platforms in the U.S., are preparing to raise prices for American customers starting April 25th. The change comes in response to former President Donald Trump’s new round of tariffs targeting goods shipped from China.
Under the updated policy, a staggering 145% tariff will be imposed on Chinese-made products. Additionally, Trump is ending a long-standing customs exemption that allowed items under $800 to enter the U.S. without import duties. This exemption had enabled platforms like Temu and Shein to ship millions of low-cost packages into the country daily — a business model now directly under threat.
Nearly 4 million parcels, most originating from China, currently enter the U.S. each day through this now-defunct loophole. These changes are expected to disrupt the ultra-low pricing that has fueled the explosive growth of Temu and Shein among U.S. shoppers, especially younger consumers drawn in by influencer marketing and viral social media campaigns.
In recent years, Shein and Temu have emerged as formidable competitors to major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. In response, Amazon launched “Amazon Haul” — a dedicated storefront offering similar budget-friendly, fast-shipped products.
Despite the looming tariffs, Temu and Shein are urging customers to keep shopping, assuring that they are doing everything possible to minimize disruption. Both platforms say they’re committed to ensuring timely deliveries and mitigating the impact on prices, though how long that will last remains to be seen.
As these tariffs take effect, the landscape of online shopping — especially for budget-conscious U.S. consumers — may be entering a new phase.
