Well-known retailer quietly halts overseas shipments as surprising new rules hit online shoppers
- Replies 1
It was the go-to place for $2 shirts, $5 shoes, and some home appliances listed for less than $100.
For many shoppers watching every dollar, it felt like a secret weapon during high inflation.
But that bargain-hunting shortcut has suddenly hit a wall—and many are finding their favorite items marked “out of stock.”
A major behind-the-scenes change is now reshaping what shows up in your cart—and how much you’ll pay.
Temu, one of the fastest-growing online retailers in the country, has stopped all product shipments from China.
As of late April, only items already warehoused in the US are available to buy.
Customers logging into the app are now greeted with slimmer selections and rising prices.
Temu’s main rival, Shein, is also adjusting to the sudden shift.
The change came swiftly—triggered by the elimination of a major import loophole known as the de minimis rule.
Previously, shipments under $800 were exempt from tariffs if they were sent directly from China to American consumers.
That allowed apps like Temu to undercut traditional retailers by skipping taxes and shipping ultra-cheap goods directly from factories.
But that exemption is now gone. A new executive order signed in April ended the rule.
And by 12:01 a.m. on a Friday, US border agents began charging tariffs on nearly all global imports, hitting Chinese goods hardest.
That sudden change forced Temu to halt all Chinese shipments overnight.
Its app was updated to show only US-stocked items, while many popular products were quietly labeled as “out of stock.”
Prices have already started rising. That $2 shirt? It’s now $4. Those $5 shoes? You’ll be lucky to grab them for under $9.50.
Temu and Shein have both warned customers that prices will keep rising as they navigate the new landscape.
Despite the hike, business experts say these companies may still offer lower prices than many competitors.
Their edge comes from low-cost labor, minimal markdowns, and the ability to react quickly to trends and demand.
Even with new tariffs, that formula still gives them leverage.
But it’s not just about cheaper shirts. For American businesses, the tariff change is a potential lifeline.
US retailers—many of whom blamed Temu and Shein during bankruptcy filings—now have a more level playing field.
By closing the loophole, the government aims to protect domestic jobs and boost local economies.
That’s something many are hoping will create longer-term stability.
Temu is already making moves.
The company is actively recruiting US-based merchants to supply products and expanding American warehouse operations.
This pivot could create new opportunities for small businesses looking to partner with a high-volume online platform.
Still, for shoppers used to ultra-low prices, this marks a major adjustment.
Read more:
Have you noticed fewer bargains or rising prices on your favorite apps? Are you shifting your shopping habits, or sticking with what’s familiar? Let us know in the comments—our community learns best when we share real experiences.
For many shoppers watching every dollar, it felt like a secret weapon during high inflation.
But that bargain-hunting shortcut has suddenly hit a wall—and many are finding their favorite items marked “out of stock.”
A major behind-the-scenes change is now reshaping what shows up in your cart—and how much you’ll pay.
Temu, one of the fastest-growing online retailers in the country, has stopped all product shipments from China.
As of late April, only items already warehoused in the US are available to buy.
Customers logging into the app are now greeted with slimmer selections and rising prices.
Temu’s main rival, Shein, is also adjusting to the sudden shift.
The change came swiftly—triggered by the elimination of a major import loophole known as the de minimis rule.
Previously, shipments under $800 were exempt from tariffs if they were sent directly from China to American consumers.
That allowed apps like Temu to undercut traditional retailers by skipping taxes and shipping ultra-cheap goods directly from factories.
But that exemption is now gone. A new executive order signed in April ended the rule.
And by 12:01 a.m. on a Friday, US border agents began charging tariffs on nearly all global imports, hitting Chinese goods hardest.
That sudden change forced Temu to halt all Chinese shipments overnight.
Its app was updated to show only US-stocked items, while many popular products were quietly labeled as “out of stock.”
Prices have already started rising. That $2 shirt? It’s now $4. Those $5 shoes? You’ll be lucky to grab them for under $9.50.
Temu and Shein have both warned customers that prices will keep rising as they navigate the new landscape.
Despite the hike, business experts say these companies may still offer lower prices than many competitors.
Their edge comes from low-cost labor, minimal markdowns, and the ability to react quickly to trends and demand.
Even with new tariffs, that formula still gives them leverage.
But it’s not just about cheaper shirts. For American businesses, the tariff change is a potential lifeline.
US retailers—many of whom blamed Temu and Shein during bankruptcy filings—now have a more level playing field.
By closing the loophole, the government aims to protect domestic jobs and boost local economies.
That’s something many are hoping will create longer-term stability.
Temu is already making moves.
The company is actively recruiting US-based merchants to supply products and expanding American warehouse operations.
This pivot could create new opportunities for small businesses looking to partner with a high-volume online platform.
Still, for shoppers used to ultra-low prices, this marks a major adjustment.
Read more:
- Act fast: How tariff changes could affect your online shopping and the loophole to save money!
- Trade tensions rise between US and Canada—tariff decisions pending
