Temu is introducing “import charges” of approximately 145% in reaction to tariffs imposed on goods shipped from China by then-President Donald Trump, as reported by CNBC. These charges often exceed the cost of the products purchased by U.S. consumers, sometimes more than doubling the price of a standard order. For instance, CNBC found that a summer dress priced at $18.47 on Temu will cost $44.68 after an additional $26.21 in import charges.
In contrast, Shein has also increased prices but has not implemented a similar import charge.
These actions follow warnings issued a few weeks earlier by both Temu and Shein, indicating they would raise prices for U.S. customers starting April 25 in response to the tariffs.
The imposition of the 145% tariff on Chinese products, along with the end of a customs exemption that allowed goods under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free, has disrupted the business operations of both companies.
