Temu Imposes Steep Import Charges Following Trump Tariffs, Doubling Prices for Many Shoppers

Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has begun adding substantial “import charges” to customer orders, dramatically raising the final price of many products in response to President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Chinese imports.

Over the weekend, Temu quietly introduced fees averaging around 145% of the product’s original price, following tariff hikes announced earlier this month. The change more than doubles the cost of many items, causing a sharp shift in the platform's value proposition that once drew millions of American consumers.

A CNBC analysis revealed staggering examples:

• A $18.47 summer dress now costs $44.68 after a $26.21 import charge.

• A $12.44 child’s bathing suit climbs to $31.12 after an $18.68 fee.

• A $16.93 handheld vacuum now demands $40.11 after an additional $21.68 charge.

Temu explained on its website that the import charges “cover all customs-related processes and costs” but noted that the listed amount may not directly represent fees paid to U.S. customs authorities.

Requests for official comment from Temu were not immediately answered.

Tariff Shockwaves Across Discount Retailers

While Temu has opted to add explicit import charges, rival discount giant Shein has chosen a different path. Shein recently informed customers via a checkout banner that tariffs are now included in the listed price, promising no unexpected charges upon delivery.

Both platforms had previously warned consumers of imminent price adjustments following Trump’s decision to impose a 145% tariff on many imports from China and to close the de minimis loophole—an exemption that allowed imports under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free.

Temu acknowledged earlier this month that operating costs had risen, stating:
"To keep offering the products you love without compromising on quality, we will be making price adjustments starting April 25, 2025."

The sudden and steep fees have eroded Temu's reputation for offering rock-bottom prices. Since its 2022 U.S. debut, Temu — a subsidiary of China’s PDD Holdings — had enjoyed meteoric growth by catering to cost-conscious consumers, especially those seeking affordable clothing, electronics, and home goods.

Now, Temu’s pricing is approaching that of traditional U.S. retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, while shipping times still often lag by more than a week.

Consumer Backlash and Changing Shopping Habits

Consumer frustration has been swift. Temu users have taken to Reddit and other online forums to express disappointment. One post titled “R.I.P. Temu, it was nice while it lasted” summed up the prevailing sentiment.

"From shopping like a billionaire to shopping like a peasant in one day," another user quipped.

Macinzi Morris, a loyal Temu customer from southeastern Missouri, shared her experience, noting that a set of succulent pots she once purchased for $12.25 skyrocketed 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," Morris said.

Compounding the damage, Temu’s ranking in Apple’s App Store has tumbled from the top 10 to No. 73, according to Sensor Tower. Meanwhile, Shein also dropped, though less dramatically, to No. 54.

Local Warehousing: A Partial Shield

Temu appears to be ramping up efforts to insulate itself from future tariff impacts by emphasizing U.S.-based inventory. Items stored in local warehouses are now prominently marked with a “no import charges” banner.

An examination of Temu’s “lightning deals” page on Monday revealed that over 75% of promoted items were flagged as locally shipped. These products are spared from the hefty new fees, signaling Temu’s strategic pivot toward domestic distribution.