Shoppers in the United States are being advised to expect higher online prices from next week due to new trade tariffs on imports from China.
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The ecommerce platforms Shein and Temu have both issued warnings about upcoming price increases, citing rising operational costs linked to recent changes in global trade regulations. Price adjustments are set to begin from 25 April.
The move follows new tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump, including import taxes of up to 145% on Chinese goods. When combined with existing tariffs, the total rate could reach as high as 245% on certain items. The administration has also removed the de minimis tax exemption, which previously allowed imports under $800 to enter the US duty-free. This exemption had previously benefited platforms like Shein and Temu.
In a joint message to customers, the companies said they are 'doing everything we can to keep prices low and minimise the impact on you', adding that their teams are working to ensure orders continue to arrive smoothly. Both companies encouraged customers to place orders before the increases take effect.
To manage rising costs, Shein and Temu have reduced advertising expenditure in the US. According to insights shared by ecommerce analyst Mike Ryan, Temu halted all Google Shopping ads in the US from 9 April.
In the UK, Currys CEO Alex Baldock has warned that these tariffs could lead to an oversupply of Chinese goods in European markets, with stock potentially being 'diverted... in a straightforward dumping way' via platforms such as Amazon, Temu and Shein.
The situation is being closely watched by both industry leaders and consumers as the global retail landscape adjusts to shifting trade dynamics.
Source: www.retailgazette.co.uk