From CNBC: 2025-04-28 14:06:00

Chinese e-tailer Temu is adding import charges of up to 145% in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs. This has more than doubled the price of orders, with a summer dress now costing $44.68 and a child’s bathing suit priced at $31.12. Temu has not responded to requests for comment. Rival Shein has also raised prices but has not implemented import charges. Temu and Shein had warned earlier about price hikes due to Trump’s tariffs.

The import charges on Temu erode its value proposition, which attracted consumers with low prices. Temu’s popularity in the U.S. has skyrocketed since its launch in 2022, offering rock-bottom prices on clothing, electronics, and home goods. Temu has cut its online ad spending in the U.S. and its ranking in Apple’s app store has dropped significantly. Prices are now more aligned with U.S. competitors.

Temu shoppers have expressed frustration on Reddit over the tariff-induced import charges, with some lamenting the sudden price increases. Reports show that the import charges are only added to products not sold from local U.S. warehouses. Temu has been promoting products that ship locally to U.S. consumers over those shipped directly from China. Over 75% of products on Temu’s “lightning deals” page have a “local” tag with no import charges.



Read more at CNBC: Temu adds ‘import charges’ after Trump tariffs