TEMU has issued a stark warning to shoppers as customers moan deals are “not worth it”.
Donald Trump’s trade war has seen tariffs imposed on a wide range of imported goods, including a base 10% levy on imports from numerous countries, with some facing even higher rates.
GettyTemu shoppers have noticed the price hikes[/caption] AFPShein has also hit customers with a warning as they check out[/caption]Trump decided to suspended tariffs beyond the base 10% for 75 countries, for 90 days to permit trade negotiations.
But, this did not apply to China, which now faces a tariff rate of 145%.
Major exporters in China’s e-commerce industry, including Temu and Shein, are facing even more pressure due to the impending closure of the de minimis exemption loophole.
The de minimis exemption previously allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the US tax-free and with minimal customs inspections.
However, an executive order on trade will eliminate the exemption for packages under $800 arriving from China and Hong Kong beginning on May 2.
This means, goods shipped through commercial channels will now be hit by standard tariffs.
All packages from China to the U.S. with a value of $800 or under will be subject to a 120% tariff equal to the value of the shipped goods or a $100 fee per package.
This will increase to $200 in June.
It has seen e-tail giants such as Temu and Shein urge customers to fill their baskets and make the most of deals before tariffs hit.
The companies warned prices are set to hike on their websites from April 25 to accommodate for “import charges”.
One customer vented on social media: “Anyone else feel like Temu’s prices have gotten way too high lately?
“I used to find great deals, but now it’s just not worth it. Looking for a new go-to spot to shop online—affordable, decent quality, and not a total scam?”
Someone replied: “It’s been all over the news about Temu and some other companies that due to the tariff situation prices are expected to big very high.”
“You can thank the tariffs,” agreed another fed-up buyer.
A Temu spokesperson told shoppers: “We’re doing everything we can to keep prices low and minimize the impact on you. Our team is working extra hard to improve efficiency and stay true to our mission: to offer great product at affordable prices for everyone.”
The firm added: “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.”
Many products coming from China have more than doubled in price.
For example, a $34 men’s corduroy cargo jacket came out to roughly $83 once a $46.50 import charge and a $2.50 sales tax fee were added, USA Today reported earlier this week.
A $119 double bed folding mattress also saw a massive price jump, costing around $273 after a $146 import charge and $8 sales tax were tacked on.
And, Temu’s rival Shein has also been affected – with customers noticing the sting of extra delivery costs.
“Tariffs are included in the price you pay. You’ll never have to pay extra at delivery,” a message states at checkout.
While the trade war remains an ongoing challenge, the president announced late this month that the 145% tariff on Chinese imports would “come down substantially” in the future, raising hopes that prices may return to normal levels.
Beyond raising prices, Temu has made other big changes.
One such change was an attempt for the company to become “more like Amazon” – and customers will see more products.
Temu made another major online change that could significantly impact loyal shoppers in the US.
Why has Trump hit China, Canada, and Mexico with tariffs?
DONALD Trump has imposed 10% tariffs on Chinese imports and Beijing has retaliated. Trump also hit Canada and Mexico with 25% tariffs, but walked back many of them on March 6
China:
Trump believes China has not done enough to stop the production of chemicals used to make the drug fentanyl. China has slammed Trump for the claim and described fentanyl as America’s problem. The country also said the tariffs are a “serious violation” of the World Trade Organization rules. China is filing a lawsuit with the WTO against the US for “wrongful practice.” China serves as a major supplier of auto parts to the US. Phones, computers, and other key electronic devices were also in the top imports from China last year, according to Commerce Department data. In 2023, the US imported around $427 billion worth of products from China, according to the US Census Bureau. Data reveals that 78% of all smartphones imported from the US came from China. Trump’s tariff threat has sparked fears of price rises for fashion items and toys. Beijing has responded by outlining its own tariffs on American goods, sparking fears of an all-out trade war between the two superpowers.Canada:
Trump ignited a trade war with Canada and Mexico during his first days in office as part of a campaign promise to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the United States. He said both countries had not done enough to halt the drug flow and the mass influx of migrants from reaching US soil. A total of 59 pounds of fentanyl was seized at the northern border by US agents between 2022 and 2024, according to the Canadian government. Meanwhile, almost 62,000 pounds of the drug was seized at the southern border. The 25% tariffs Trump proposed on Canadian goods were destined to come into force on March 4. Canada responded with a 25% tariff on $155 billion of American imports. On March 6, Trump warned the 25% tariff on steel and aluminium would come into force on March 12. Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded with a 25% surcharge on electricity exported to Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. Trump then threatened to double the 25% tariff to 50%. The Ontario premier warned that he “will not hesitate to increase” the levies or completely shut off power to the three US northeastern states. Both sides then agreed to talk and toned down their threat. Ford then paused the electricity surcharge.Mexico:
Mexico has managed to twice postpone Trump’s tariffs on Mexican goods. On February 1, Trump signed an executive order to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. But, on February 3, Trump agreed to pause the levies against Canada and Mexico after the countries took steps to appease Trump’s concerns on border security and drug trafficking. Trump then threatened that the 25% tariffs would come into force on March 4. Two days later, Trump announced a delay on most goods covered under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Trump credited Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s progress on border security and drug smuggling as a reason for the pause on the levies. The Mexican Navy has seized thousands of kilograms of drugs from criminal gangs. Sheinbaum promised to deploy 10,000 extra troops to the Mexico-US border. Still, Trump has maintained that on April 2, the US will begin imposing reciprocal tariffs on all its trading partners, including Mexico. Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Temu issues blunt warning to shoppers as customers claim deals are ‘just not worth it’ – and Shein isn’t any help )
Also on site :