Temu, Shein US Customers Hit by Trump Tariffs
As the trade war between China and America continues, Temu and Shein customers are feeling the pinch, with many low-income households struggling to afford basic items due to the significant price increases, and critics questioning the effectiveness of the tariffs in promoting American manufacturing and businesses.
Temu and Shein customers in the US are struggling to cope with the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports, which have led to significant price increases on many items, making it difficult for low-income households to afford even the "cheap" products.
The tariffs, which include a 145% levy on Chinese goods and a 10% minimum tax on all other countries, are set to expire on May 2, but the companies have already raised prices on many items. For customers like Rena Scott, a retired nurse in Virginia, the increased prices make it difficult for her to afford items like yarn and furniture, which have risen significantly in price.
The tariffs are affecting lower-income households the most, with 48% of de minimis packages shipped to the poorest zip codes in the US. Critics argue that buying American-made goods is not a viable option for many consumers, as prices are often high and products may have been manufactured overseas using poor labor practices. Phillip Dampier, a consumer rights writer, has been stocking up on items from Temu and other Chinese e-commerce sites ahead of the tariffs, saying he has a "feeling that this economy is about to go into the tank."
The Trump administration maintains that the tariffs are designed to put American manufacturing and businesses first, but US consumers have expressed skepticism that the tariffs will work. The tariffs have also raised questions about questionable practices, such as the lack of labeling and environmental concerns, associated with Shein, Temu, and AliExpress, leaving consumers to wonder about the true cost of their purchases.