Chinese e-commerce platform Temu, under Pinduoduo (PDD, Financial), has recently added an import fee of up to 145% on its U.S. website. This move responds to the new round of high tariffs on Chinese goods implemented by former U.S. President Trump. The import fee often exceeds the actual product price, doubling the total order amount. For instance, a dress priced at $18.47 now costs $44.68 due to an additional $26.21 import fee. Similarly, a children's swimsuit that initially cost $12.44 now totals $31.12 with an $18.68 import fee.
Temu explains that the import fee covers all customs-related procedures and costs. However, it noted that the listed amount might not equal the actual payment made. Meanwhile, another Chinese discount e-commerce platform, Shein, also increased its U.S. product prices, embedding the tariff costs directly into the product price without additional fees.
The newly imposed tariffs are expected to increase product prices, particularly as the de minimis rule, exempting goods under $800 from tariffs, is set to be revoked. This condition previously facilitated Temu and Shein's rapid entry into the U.S. market. Due to these challenges, Temu plans price adjustments starting April 25, as operational costs rise with changing global trade rules and tariff policies.
