Imported goods purchased by US Temu customers unexpectedly incurring $89 in taxes due to tariffs.
US consumers using the Chinese shopping platform Temu are facing a significant increase in import taxes, a trend directly linked to the removal of the de minimis exemption by President Trump's May 2025 executive order.
This exemption, which previously allowed packages valued at $800 or less to enter the US duty-free, was a benefit for platforms like Temu that ship many low-cost items directly from China. However, the executive order caused shipments arriving after the date in question to face substantial customs fees, potentially amounting to $75 per item or up to 90% of the item value.
As a result, Temu reportedly stopped shipping goods directly from China to the US by March 2025 and switched to selling from US warehouses to avoid these fees. The tariff policy change was motivated by concerns that discount Chinese retailers like Temu and Shein were gaining an unfair advantage over US domestic companies by using the de minimis loophole.
Though a recent federal court order may reinstate the exemption, the temporary removal led to significant tariff-driven price increases and a drop in Temu’s US user base, which fell by more than half.
The high import fees have been a topic of discussion on social media platforms, including Musk's X (formerly known as Twitter), with customers sharing screenshots of their Temu orders to express their concerns. Some customers have reported paying $89 in imported taxes amid tariffs, while others have shared examples of orders costing $63 with nearly $90 in imported tax.
US Temu customers have expressed anger towards Trump's tariffs on China, with several warning fellow users about the high import fees. One customer verified the concerns, stating that there are 152 million Americans who use Temu daily.
Meanwhile, China has implemented a 120% tariff on American goods in response, and the US has imposed a 145% tariff on imported goods from China. The tariffs have caused a significant increase in prices for US customers on Temu and potentially Shein.
As the situation continues to develop, users are encouraged to be vigilant about the costs associated with their online purchases and to voice their concerns to their elected representatives.
- The increase in import taxes on US consumers using the Chinese shopping platform Temu can be traced back to President Trump's May 2025 executive order, which removed the de minimis exemption.
- This de minimis exemption, previously allowing duty-free entry for packages valued at $800 or less, was instrumental for platforms like Temu that ship many low-cost items from China.
- The removal of this exemption led to substantial customs fees on shipments arriving after the date in question, potentially amounting to $75 per item or up to 90% of the item value.
- In response to these increased fees, Temu reportedly stopped shipping goods directly from China to the US by March 2025 and switched to selling from US warehouses instead.
- The tariff policy change has led to significant tariff-driven price increases on Temu, resulting in a drop in the platform's US user base, which fell by more than half.
- US consumers using Temu have expressed anger towards Trump's tariffs on China, with concerns being shared on social media platforms such as Musk's X (formerly Twitter), and some customers reporting paying exorbitant import fees.
