Temu Imposes 145% Fee in Response to Trump Tariffs

According to a report by CNBC on April 28 (local time), Chinese e-commerce company Temu has begun imposing an "import fee" of approximately 145% in response to tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration in the United States.

With the introduction of the import fee starting over the weekend, product prices have more than doubled.

CNBC analyzed that a summer dress sold for $18.47 on Temu becomes $44.68 when the $26.21 tariff is included. Similarly, a children's swimsuit priced at $12.33 rises to $31.12 after adding the $18.68 tariff.

On its website, Temu stated, "Items imported into the United States may be subject to an import fee," and explained, "This fee covers all customs-related procedures and costs, including the import fee paid to customs authorities on your behalf."

Rival company Shein also raised its website prices last weekend. However, unlike Temu, Shein does not appear to be imposing tariffs. Shein informs customers at checkout that "tariffs are included in the purchase price, and there is no need to pay additional charges upon delivery."

This move comes as the Trump administration plans to abolish the de minimis system, which exempted imports under $800 from tariffs, starting from May 2, and to impose a 120% tariff. Temu and Shein rapidly expanded their customer base in the United States by utilizing this system. In response to the announcement of the de minimis system's abolition, Temu and Shein notified U.S. customers that they will adjust prices starting April 25 and recommended making purchases at current prices.