So like, Temu, this Chinese e-tailer, has been pulling a fast one on US consumers by slapping on these crazy high “import charges” of about 145% thanks to Trump’s tariffs. It’s like, they started throwing these fees on over the weekend after jacking up their prices on Friday. And get this, the import charges end up costing more than the actual products people are buying! Like, you could end up paying double the price of your order. Insane, right?
For example, this summer dress that was originally $18.47 on Temu will now set you back $44.68 after they sneak in a $26.21 import charge. That’s a whopping 142% increase! And don’t even get me started on the child’s bathing suit that went from $12.44 to $31.12 with an $18.68 import charge. That’s a mind-blowing 150% fee! And a handheld vacuum cleaner that was $16.93? Now it’s a crazy $40.11 with a $21.68 import charge. Like, what even is that, a 137% markup?
Temu tries to justify this highway robbery by saying, “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.” But like, let’s be real, they’re just trying to cover their tracks. Not really fooling anyone there.
And get this, their rival Shein is also raising prices, but at least they’re not throwing in these sneaky import charges. They’ve got this banner at checkout that says, “Tariffs are included in the price you pay. You’ll never have to pay extra at delivery.” So, at least someone’s being upfront about it.
But yeah, Temu and Shein were like, “Yo, prices are going up because of Trump’s tariffs.” They were all like, “We gotta jack up our prices now that there’s a 145% tariff on imports from China.” And like, that de minimis exemption that let them slide by without paying duties on packages under $800? Yeah, Trump said bye-bye to that on May 2, so they had to start playing by the rules.
So, Temu was all, “Oh man, our expenses are going up because of these new rules, so we gotta raise prices starting April 25, 2025.” And just like that, the dream of shopping like a billionaire on Temu got crushed. Now their prices are more in line with Amazon and Walmart, but you’re still waiting forever for your stuff to arrive.
People used to love Temu because you could get stuff for dirt cheap, even if it took ages to show up. But now, with these import charges, it’s like, what’s the point? Might as well hit up Amazon and get your stuff faster and without the crazy upcharges.
And to make matters worse, Temu has cut back on their online ads in the US since Trump dropped the tariff bomb. Their ranking in the Apple app store has tanked, and people are jumping ship to other sites like Shein. It’s a tough time for these e-tailers, that’s for sure.
On Reddit, Temu customers are losing their minds over these import charges. One person was all dramatic like, “R.I.P. Temu, it was nice while it lasted.” Another was like, “From shopping like a billionaire to shopping like a peasant in one day.” Ouch, that stings.
And then you’ve got folks like Macinzi Morris from Missouri who used to snag deals on Temu all the time. She got these succulent pots for $12.25, but then they shot up to $30. Now she’s like, “I’m out. I’ll just stick to Amazon.” Can’t blame her, really.
Seems like Temu is pushing more products that ship from local US warehouses to avoid these import charges. Smart move, but will it be enough to win back their scorned customers? Only time will tell. But for now, it’s rough waters ahead for these Chinese e-tailers.
