Bad news for discount-loving fans of Shein and Temu — both announced on Wednesday that they plan to hike prices.
The two Chinese retailers released almost identical notices on Wednesday, which both read: “Due to recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs, our operating expenses have gone up.”
“To keep offering the products you love without compromising on quality, we will be making price adjustments starting April 25, 2025,” Shein’s statement said.
President Donald Trump last week imposed a 145% tariff on goods from China. Beijing retaliated with its own 125% tariff on US-made goods.
Both Shein and Temu promised their US customers eight final days of low-price shopping.
“Until April 25, prices will stay the same, so you can shop now at today’s rates. We’ve stocked up and stand ready to make sure your orders arrive smoothly during this time,” Temu’s statement read.
Shein, a budget fashion retailer known for its massive garment production, and Temu, a low-cost marketplace selling everything from home goods to electronics, have been in Trump’s direct line of fire since he entered office.
The president has cracked down on the de minimis trade loophole that allowed small parcels under $800 to enter the US tax-free. Shein and Temu were large beneficiaries of this loophole.
On April 9, he issued an executive order imposing a 120% tax on small parcels under $800 from China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
The order added that per-item postal fees for these parcels would increase to $100 between May 2 and June 1 and to $200 after June 1.
On Wednesday, Hong Kong’s postal service announced that it would temporarily halt the delivery of goods from the US, as well as goods from Hong Kong destined for the US.
In a Tuesday press release, Hongkong Post said the suspension was triggered by the US being “unreasonable, bullying, and imposing tariffs abusively.”
Representatives for Shein and Temu did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.
