Temu Import Charges Surge to 145% Following Trump Tariffs, Driving Online Prices Up
Temu, the popular Chinese e-tailer, has started adding hefty “import charges” to customer orders following the Trump administration’s sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports. For many shoppers, these extra fees are now more expensive than the products themselves, sending Temu import charges soaring and changing the online shopping experience for millions.
Why Temu Import Charges Have Skyrocketed
Earlier this month, Temu warned users that it would need to increase prices due to new global trade rules and the introduction of sharp tariffs on goods from China. These tariffs, introduced by President Donald Trump, have forced immediate changes for online retailers like Temu and rival e-commerce giant Shein.
Over the past weekend, Temu shoppers began noticing new import charges appearing at checkout. These fees often range from 130% to 150% of the product’s original price, drastically increasing what customers pay.
How Much Are Temu’s Import Charges? Real Shopper Examples
To see just how much these online retail prices have jumped, look at a few examples:
- A summer dress listed for $18.47 on Temu now totals $44.68 after an extra $26.21 in import charges (a 142% surcharge).
- A child’s bathing suit once priced at $12.44 now costs $31.12, with an $18.68 import fee (a 150% hike).
- A handheld vacuum cleaner for $16.93 balloons to $40.11 when a $21.68 import charge is added (a roughly 137% markup).
Temu explains on its site that items “may be subject to import charges” covering “all customs-related processes and costs, including import fees paid to customs authorities on your behalf.” However, they also advise that the amount listed may not match the actual amount paid to customs, adding another layer of confusion for buyers.
Temu Responds to Changing Trade Rules and Tariffs
Both Temu and Shein issued statements earlier in the month warning customers about price increases. These followed the new 145% tariffs imposed on many Chinese imports and the plan to end the longstanding de minimis exemption. This legal loophole had allowed smaller shipments (under $800 in value) to bypass most import duties, fuelling Temu’s and Shein’s rapid growth in the US.
“Due to recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs, our operating expenses have gone up,” Temu notified customers. “To keep offering the products you love without compromising on quality, we will be making price adjustments starting April 25, 2025.”
Temu Import Charges and Their Impact on Shoppers
The size of these new Temu import charges is eroding the unique value proposition Temu once offered. Originally, Temu attracted American customers with incredibly low online retail prices, even if delivery took extra time. Their “Shop like a billionaire” campaign resonated with budget-conscious consumers wanting trendy clothing, gadgets, and home goods for bargain prices.
Now, prices for many items are matching, or even exceeding, US competitors like Amazon, Walmart, or Target. Customers must still wait longer for delivery since many items ship directly from China. For many shoppers, that’s become a deal-breaker.
How Shoppers Are Reacting
Unsurprisingly, social media and online forums are full of frustrated Temu shoppers. On Reddit, users have expressed their disappointment since the new fees appeared. Posts with titles like “R.I.P. Temu, it was nice while it lasted” have gone viral among the community.
A typical sentiment shared by a Missouri customer, Macinzi Morris, sums up the widespread frustration. She noticed that her favorite set of succulent pots jumped from $12.25 to $30 almost overnight. “There’s no point in paying a 140% upcharge when I can get the same thing on Amazon for the same price and usually get it a little faster,” she explained.
What Makes Shein Different?
While Shein has also raised prices, it takes a different approach. Instead of adding separate import charges, Shein absorbs these tariff-related costs into the overall price, promising users “Tariffs are included in the price you pay. You’ll never have to pay extra at delivery.” This straightforward pricing model might help retain price-conscious shoppers who want to avoid surprise costs at checkout.
Temu Tries to Offset Import Charges by Pushing Local Stock
There is a loophole for some shoppers. Temu appears to apply these hefty import charges only to products shipping directly from China. Over the last year, the retailer has worked to set up US-based distribution centres and encouraged sellers to stock goods locally.
The benefits for customers are clear. When browsing Temu’s “lightning deals,” more than three-quarters of featured products now highlight a “local” tag, showing a bright green banner reading “no import charges.” This localised strategy could help Temu keep some costs competitive, at least for certain items.
The End of the Bargain Boom?
Temu import charges and rising online retail prices are radically changing the landscape for budget-conscious online shoppers. Temu’s value was built on offering a wide range of products at prices far lower than US competitors. Now that edge appears gone for goods imported from China.
Beyond lost bargains, the wider impact is already visible. Temu has slashed its US ad spending, and its status on the Apple app store has quickly slipped out of the top 10, now sitting at No. 73 according to Sensor Tower data. Shein, another big Chinese e-tailer, is also dropping but remains higher at No. 54.
With the de minimis law closing and tariffs staying high, it’s likely Temu and other import-heavy online retailers will continue to adjust by building out local warehouses and adjusting what products they promote. For now, consumers paying close attention to Temu import charges can still find deals on some goods stocked in US warehouses. But as price increases become the new normal, Temu shoppers may find themselves looking elsewhere for bargains.
Source
CNBC – Temu adds ‘import charges’ of about 145% after Trump tariffs
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