By Tuesday, it became clear to US shoppers that Temu had filtered its listings to show only items marked “Local,” indicating that these goods were imported into the country before the new tariffs came into effect. Previously, users could browse both domestic products and those shipped directly from China. Now, only inventory already stored in US warehouses is available for purchase.
Over the past several days, Temu has made a series of swift adjustments in response to the ongoing trade conflict, which threatens its US operations—built over the last three years on ultra-low prices and aggressive marketing. The platform initially announced price increases for China-sourced items starting April 25. However, the situation quickly evolved, with the removal of all China-based listings from the US storefront, causing confusion among sellers who reportedly received no prior warning.
Suppliers, especially those dealing in furniture and home goods, have confirmed the disappearance of their China-shipped products. This move appears linked to the end of the “de minimis” exemption, which previously allowed Americans to import goods worth under $800 without paying tariffs. Temu and similar platforms like Shein have benefited from this loophole for years, but new regulations have eliminated this privilege for Chinese shipments starting May 2, following an executive order.
This sudden shift has also disrupted many regular users of the platform. Customers have reported vanishing items from shopping carts and wishlists, with many products suddenly marked as sold out. Some users, including small business owners who depended on Temu for affordable inventory, expressed frustration at no longer finding essential supplies.
Temu’s changes bring its operations more in line with established competitors like Amazon, as all available items now ship from domestic warehouses—resulting in faster delivery times but a noticeably reduced product range.
The elimination of the de minimis exemption may significantly alter Temu’s business model in the US. The company, known for its ability to undercut prices and deliver directly from Chinese manufacturers, may now face increased costs and longer delivery times due to more stringent customs processes. These developments could impact its competitiveness and its ability to retain a loyal customer base in the American market.
