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Shoppers on the popular Chinese e-commerce site Temu are facing a sharp increase in prices as the platform introduces hefty import charges, sometimes more than doubling the cost of items.

According to USA Today, these new fees are a direct result of the 145% tariff on Chinese imports imposed by President Donald Trump earlier this month.

The charges, which began appearing over the weekend, have caught many customers by surprise. For example, a summer dress priced at $18.47 now costs $44.68 after an import fee of $26.21 is added.

Similarly, a child's bathing suit priced at $12.44 jumps to $31.12 when the $18.68 fee is included, marking a 150% increase.

Even small items, like a handheld vacuum cleaner listed at $16.93, now cost $40.11 due to a $21.68 import charge.

Temu, which has rapidly gained popularity since launching in the US in 2022, explained the changes on its website, stating that these charges cover customs-related costs. The company did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

Temu Shoppers Hit With Steep Import Fees as US Tariff Kicks In

These new fees follow the announcement by both Temu and rival retailer Shein that they would be raising prices due to the tariff.

The price hikes come after the US government's decision to end the "de minimis exemption," which previously allowed most low-value goods under $800 to enter the US duty-free.

This change, set to take effect on May 2, will impose additional costs on imports from China, further driving up prices.

Temu, owned by Chinese giant PDD Holdings, was known for offering low-cost products in categories like clothing, home goods, and electronics, CNBC said.

However, these new import charges are eroding the value proposition that made the site so attractive to consumers.

Many users flocked to Temu due to its rock-bottom prices, despite the longer shipping times from China.

For example, a corduroy jacket that was originally priced at $34 now costs nearly $83, including an import charge of around $46.50.

A double bed folding mattress originally listed at $119 has risen to about $273 with an import charge of $146.

As prices rise, customers are increasingly unhappy. Macinzi Morris, a Missouri resident, shared her frustration on social media, stating that she could now find similar items on Amazon for the same price but with faster shipping.

"There's no point in paying a 140% upcharge when I can get the same thing on Amazon," she said.

Temu has also been adjusting its business model, promoting products that ship from US-based warehouses to avoid the new import fees. Still, many products continue to be shipped from China, where the tariffs apply.