Temu introduces 145% ‘import charges’ after Trump’s tariff

• Published On: 28 April 2025 at 20:59

Temu, a Chinese e-commerce behemoth, has imposed heavy "import charges" averaging 145% on its products in reaction to President Donald Trump's newly approved tariffs.

The additional fees, which began surfacing over the weekend following Friday's price modifications, are drastically increasing consumer expenditures, frequently exceeding the price of the items themselves and tripling the entire cost of a typical order.

According to a CNBC investigation, a summer outfit that was formerly priced at $18.47 on Temu now costs $44.68 after a $26.21 import duty, representing a 142% increase.

When the $18.68 import duty is added to a child's bathing suit, which was initially priced at $12.44, the price rises to $31.12, representing a 150% increase.

Similarly, a portable vacuum cleaner marketed at $16.93 increases to $40.11 after including a $21.68 import duty, representing a 137% markup.

"Items brought into the United States may be subject to import charges. These fees apply to all customs-related operations and costs, including import fees paid to customs authorities on your behalf," Temu notes on its website. "The amount listed may not represent the actual amount paid to customs authorities."

Representatives from Temu have yet to react to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, competing bargain store Shein has boosted prices on its website, but it appears to be dodging import costs.

The company has placed a banner at the checkout that states, "Tariffs are included in the price you pay." You'll never have to pay more for delivery.

The price increases come after Temu and Shein warned earlier this month that Trump will apply a 145% tariff on many Chinese imports and eliminate the de minimis exception on May 2.

This highly criticized loophole had encouraged Temu and Shein's expansion in the United States by allowing most items worth less than $800 to enter the nation duty free.