Shein and Temu Warn of Price Hikes as Trump’s Tariffs Hit
US shoppers are bracing for price hikes on popular Chinese retail sites Shein and Temu, as both companies confirmed they’ll start raising prices from April 25th. The move comes in response to new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, which will slap duties as high as 145% on Chinese imports. Adding to the pressure, Trump’s administration is also ending the “de minimis” exemption — a rule that allowed packages under $800 to enter the US tax-free, a key factor in the retailers’ rapid growth.
The looming price increases have already triggered a shopping rush, with some customers stockpiling everything from makeup brushes to home appliances before the new costs kick in. Sellers say the recent spike in sales is clear evidence shoppers are preparing for steeper prices ahead. One merchant reported customers buying “15 sets of the same makeup tool at one time,” calling the last-minute bulk buying a smart move given the upcoming hikes.
Behind the scenes, both Shein and Temu have been slashing their US advertising budgets, bracing for a slowdown as higher prices take hold. Some suppliers are also racing to shift production out of China, fearing the short-term sales surge won’t make up for long-term losses once the tariffs fully bite. As one exporter put it: “When the low-priced inventory is sold out, that’s when the real battle begins.”
