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

Chinese e-commerce giant Temu has introduced hefty “import charges” averaging 145% on its products, a direct response to President Donald Trump’s recently enacted tariffs.

The new fees, which began appearing over the weekend following price adjustments on Friday, are significantly inflating consumer costs, often exceeding the price of the items themselves and doubling the total cost of a typical order.

A CNBC analysis highlights the impact: a summer dress priced at $18.47 on Temu now costs $44.68 after a $26.21 import charge, reflecting a 142% surcharge.

A child’s bathing suit, originally priced at $12.44, ends up costing shoppers $31.12 when the $18.68 import charge is added, resulting in a 150% markup.

Similarly, a handheld vacuum cleaner listed at $16.93 rises to $40.11 after including a $21.68 import charge, which amounts to a 137% markup.

“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,” Temu explains on its website. “The amount listed may not represent the actual amount paid to customs authorities.”

Representatives from Temu are yet to respond to request for comment.

Meanwhile, rival discount retailer Shein has raised prices on its site, though it seems to be avoiding import charges.

The company has included a banner at checkout that reads, “Tariffs are included in the price you pay. You’ll never have to pay extra at delivery.”

The price hikes follow warnings from Temu and Shein earlier this month, after Trump imposed a 145% tariff on many imports from China and announced the end of the de minimis exemption on May 2.

This widely criticized loophole had fueled Temu and Shein’s growth in the U.S., as it allowed most packages valued under $800 to enter the country duty-free.

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