Temu’s ‘Import Charges’ Double the Price of Many Items

Temu shoppers are reportedly seeing “import charges” of around 145% being added to some orders. The Chinese discounter supposedly began adding the new fees late last week.

Customers are supposedly finding that the added import charges are sometimes more than the item actually costs, more than doubling the price of the order. According to CNBC, a dress that was listed at $18.47 had import charges of $26.21 tacked on, making the final price $44.68. A bathing suit went from $12.44 to $31.12 after $18.68 in fees were added.

“Items imported into the U.S. may be subject to import charges. These charges cover all customs-related processes and costs, including import fees paid to customs authorities on your behalf,” Temu explained on its website, per Business Times. “The amount listed may not represent the actual amount paid to customs authorities.” 

However, the import charges are reportedly not being added to products that are shipped from U.S.-based warehouses. In anticipation of tariff policy changing, Temu has been building up a network of distribution centers around the U.S. and has even been encouraging shoppers to choose “local” sellers.

Temu Responds to New Tariff Policy

Reportedly, Temu’s added import charges are a direct reply to new tariff rules set to go into effect. For years, the Chinese outlet built its business around a U.S. customs loophole known as the “de minimis” exemption, which allows parcels worth $799 or less to enter without tariff fees. Temu specializes in selling and shipping small, low-value products.

However, the exemption is going away as of May 2. After that date, all products, regardless of value, are subject to duty fees at the U.S. border. On top of that, products from China are being hit with 145% tariff fees, which significantly impact Temu’s bottom line.

To adjust, both Temu and rival Chinese online retailer SHEIN need to either pass the fees onto customers through higher prices or absorb the costs. As it stands, it appears Temu is taking the extra fees straight to customers’ carts, asking them to bear the load.

SHEIN, on the other hand, has seemingly taken a different approach. While it has not outwardly added import fees at checkout, the discounter has quietly raised the prices on many items, with some products costing twice as much as they did before the price hikes.