How Brands Like Shein Are Adapting to Global Tariffs
At the start of President Trump’s second term, talk of global tariffs left many Americans worried and confused. What would tariffs on other countries mean for the U.S. and could it really help “make America great again”? Well, we’re about to find out.
Early Friday morning, a major shipping loophole closed due to changes made by the Trump administration. For years, this de minimis exemption allowed shipping of goods under $800 to come into the US, duty free, with the ability to skip inspection and paperwork. This helped Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein, Temu and AliExpress to grow in popularity.
But at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump called the de minimis exception “a big scam”, saying,
“It’s a very, it’s a big deal…And we’ve ended, we put an end to it.”
With the closing of the shipping loophole, tariffs will increase the price of Chinese shipped goods by 145%, possibly adding $100 or more depending on the shipping carrier. Shein has already posted a notice online:
“Due to recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs, our operating expenses have gone up. To keep offering the products you love without compromising on quality, we will be making price adjustments. We’re doing everything we can to keep prices low and minimize the impact on you.”
Soooo….I think it’s safe to say that our favorite Shein and Temu deals may be no more. Nearly 4 million de minimis shipments come into the U.S. daily and most of them are from China and Hong Kong.
And get ready… In June, tariffs are set to rise again, up to 290%.
