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Trump’s Tariff Changes International Shopping Dynamics and Raises Costs for American Consumers
What many consumers feared has finally come to fruition: Shein and Temu announced that starting April 25, 2025, their prices will undergo a significant increase. The main reason for this change is the so-called “tariff” of 145% on imported products from China, imposed by former President Donald Trump.
Additionally, the duty-free allowance for purchases below US$ 800 has been eliminated, directly affecting the imports from these sites to the United States, according to the website
Immediate Changes for Consumers
Starting April 25, purchases made on these platforms will no longer benefit from tax exemptions, which will make products considerably more expensive. The new tax, at 145%, will be applied to all items imported from China, directly affecting the final price paid by consumers.
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For those who still want to take advantage of the low prices, it is important to highlight that purchases made until April 24 will still be covered by the current rules and therefore will not experience a price increase.
The Financial Impact on Consumers
Companies have already spoken out and confirmed that the costs of tariffs will be passed directly to the consumer. Initially, the forecast was for an increase of about 30% or US$ 25 per item as of May. However, this amount has already increased significantly. In June, costs could reach US$ 50 per item, and with the implementation of the 145% tax, the increase could reach up to US$ 75 per product.
This change represents a significant impact on consumers’ wallets, who have so far enjoyed product offers at lower prices, with great attractiveness, especially in the United States.
Pressure from Large American Companies
According to sources from the White House, large American retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, and Forever 21, have been pressuring the government to take measures against Chinese import platforms, such as Shein and Temu. In 2023, the number of shipments of imported products through these platforms jumped from 140 million to 1 billion, which raised an alert in Washington regarding competition with the domestic market and its impacts on local commerce.
The retail giant Forever 21, for example, blamed competition from companies like Shein for its financial troubles, prompting it to file for bankruptcy protection for the second time to deal with a debt of US$ 1.51 billion.
The Recommendation from Companies: Buy Now or Pay More Later
In their official statements, both Shein and Temu encouraged consumers to make their purchases before the implementation of the new tax, as current prices, which are still affordable, will change. With the imminent change, the companies highlighted the urgency for those who want to take advantage of the previous conditions.
The change in the United States may have international repercussions, including in Brazil. There are already discussions about the possibility of applying similar taxes on foreign platforms operating in the country, which could affect the dynamics of online shopping for imported products, especially on sites like Shein and Temu.
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