Tariffs Hit Shein, Temu, AliExpress: Prices Rise!

Online retailers AliExpress, Shein, and Temu have begun raising prices for consumers following the implementation of increased tariffs on Chinese imports championed by former President Donald Trump. The tariff currently stands at 145%, and the impact is already being felt by shoppers of goods ranging from electronics and clothing to even larger items like prefabricated tiny homes.

Shein and Temu proactively warned customers last week that price adjustments would take effect on April 25th. While Bright Data characterized Shein’s increases as “modest” compared to late 2024 pricing, examples cited by The Verge show noticeable jumps – fleece pants increasing from $8.29 to $10.19, a plus-size dress from $22.39 to $27.51, and pants from $13.99 to $17.09. Shein attributes the changes to the inclusion of tariffs directly in the listed price, promising no additional fees at delivery.

However, further price hikes are anticipated. Starting May 2nd, packages valued under $800 – previously entering the US duty-free – will be subject to either a flat $100 tax or 120% of the package’s value. It remains unclear whether the current Shein increases already factor in these upcoming taxes.

The response from consumers has been swift and negative. Online, particularly within a Shein subreddit, shoppers are expressing frustration and vowing to take their business elsewhere. One user, sharing a screenshot of a $74 order, simply stated, “Bye Shein time to buy somewhere else.” Similar reports of price increases are surfacing from Temu shoppers.

AliExpress is taking a different tack, openly displaying the “import charges and other taxes” associated with purchases.

This situation highlights a key tension: while the stated goal of these tariffs is to encourage domestic manufacturing and protect American jobs, the immediate effect is a rise in costs for consumers purchasing goods from these popular online retailers. Whether this ultimately benefits the American economy remains to be seen, but the initial reaction suggests a significant disruption to established shopping habits and a potential shift in consumer spending. The long-term implications for these retailers, and the availability of affordable goods, are still unfolding.