If you’ve noticed your favorite $18 Temu sundress suddenly costing as much as dinner for two, you’re not imagining things. Temu has officially started adding hefty import charges — and by hefty, we mean up to 145% — thanks to new tariffs put in place by former President Donald Trump, according to a report from CNBC.
Here’s the deal:
Temu shoppers are now seeing extra fees that sometimes cost more than the item itself. (Yes, really.) In one example, CNBC found a cute $18.47 dress ballooned to $44.68 once a $26.21 import charge was slapped onto the bill. It’s giving “surprise credit card cry session.”
Temu isn’t alone in the price-hike party either. Rival Shein is also quietly making things more expensive for U.S. shoppers — but without adding a separate “import charge” line item (sneaky!).
So, what’s behind the chaos?
Two big changes just crashed the cheap-shopping party: edit
1. Massive Tariffs: A new 145% tariff on products made in China.
2. No More Duty-Free Deals: Trump also ended the $800 loophole that used to let small packages enter the U.S. without extra customs fees. (RIP to those guilt-free $5 cart additions.)
Both Temu and Shein warned shoppers a few weeks ago that price increases were coming after April 25. But now that it’s here, many customers are understandably shocked by how much their orders are suddenly costing.
Bottom line:
If you’re shopping on Temu, double-check your cart before you check out — those new fees can add up fast. And if you were wondering why your $20 haul now requires a payment plan, well… blame tariffs, not your lack of willpower.
