Shein and Temu, two Chinese e-commerce sites that are highly popular among Dominican shoppers, have announced that they will raise prices next week as US President Donald Trump put an end to a trade loophole and imposes heavy taxes on goods from China.
Items from China heading to Dominica go through the US and both Shein and Temu benefited from a tax loophole, known as “de minimis” exemption, which has allowed goods worth less than $800 to enter the US duty-free. This has benefited shoppers from across the Caribbean, including Dominica, but in an executive order on April 2, Trump said the loophole will end on May 2.
According to the White House, shippers from China used the loophole to “hide illicit substances and conceal the true contents of shipments sent to the United States through deceptive shipping practices.”
“These shippers often avoid detection due to administration of the de minimis exemption,” the executive order said.
It said beginning on May 2, shipments from China will be subjected to “all applicable duties.”
In a note to customers, Shein said it will be making “price adjustments” late next week due to “recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs.”
“We’re doing everything we can to keep prices low and minimize the impact on you,” the company told customers in a statement.
“Our team is working hard to improve your shopping experience and stay true to our mission: making fashion accessible for everyone.”
The company did not indicate the size of the price hikes.
Temu posted a similar statement, saying operating costs have risen and it will introduce a rise in prices next week.
Over the years, Dominican online shoppers have flocked to both Temu and Shein because of their low prices. Many made sure they kept their orders below $800, thus taking advantage of the “de minimis” exemption.
With a price hike looming, at least one online shopper Dominica News Online spoke to appeared undeterred.
“Whatever it is, the prices are definitely going to be lower than stuff sold in Dominica,” the shopper said.
“Prices in Dominica are way too high and it will be still cheaper than buying here.”
Online retail giant, Amazon, has already indicated that prices will go up because of worldwide tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Trump is both erratic and desperate. Can the USA fight a trade war with China? NO.
Tariffs beyond a certain percentage make no sense. Trump will pretty soon, declare something different.
Why not find another route and bypass the US hmm Shein and Temu??
because they can’t. You all don’t get it. If China didn’t need the U.S. this war would have been over already. The fact that they need the U.S. so badly is why they will eventually concede and Trump will get what he wants.