Temu says that due to the high tariffs and the DE Minimis regulations have ended, they have stopped shipping products from China directly to US customers. Popular Chinese markets show items as “sold out” on the site if the item is sold directly from China to US consumers.
Temu has dramatically changed the site to affect US customers as it continues to carry out Chinese tariffs. Just this past week, Temu has added about 145% “import charges” to its products, increasing prices. Some of the prices range from 130% to 150%, which more than doubles the cost of these items.
“Items imported into the US may be subject to import fees. These charges cover all customs-related processes and costs, including import fees paid to customs authorities on your behalf,” Temu said last Friday. “The amounts listed do not represent the actual amounts paid to customs authorities.” Furthermore, Temu has further reduced online advertising spending in the United States since Trump announced sweeping tariffs. The company’s shopping app was previously a trending app for App Stores nationwide. Currently, Temu apps are located outside the top 70.
It affects US tariffs on China
The US raised tariffs on China to 145% as the two countries repeatedly stalled trade talks. On Friday, the WSJ reported that China offered to deal with the ongoing fentanyl crisis to revive US trade talks. In fact, Beijing is reportedly seeking ways to address Trump administration’s concerns about China’s role in drug trafficking. Wang Xiaohong, the security chief of Chinese President Xi Jinping, is in discussions with the US regarding the trade agreement. Now, these discussions have evolved this week. China is trying to address concerns from the Trump administration. Specifically, “when it is with regard to the chemical components used to make fentanyl,” the source says.
According to CNBC, a Temu spokesperson said all sales in the US are now handled by local sellers and are being met “from within the country” as part of the company’s efforts to improve service levels. He said the prices for shoppers “will not change.” “Temu is actively recruiting US sellers to join the platform,” the spokesman said. “The move is designed to help local merchants reach more customers and grow their businesses.”
Tariffs still exist, but prices for items exported from China to the US may remain on the verge of surges.
