Shein and Temu face rising costs as US ends de minimis rule

The removal of the ‘de minimis’ rule has significantly increased costs for consumers using Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu. Previously, packages valued up to $800 could enter the United States without being subject to customs duties, fees, or taxes.

Following the repeal of this rule for shipments from China and Hong Kong on May 2, 2025, prices for low-cost items have surged. For example, some platforms have introduced import fees ranging from 130% to 150% on goods sent from China. In some instances, these fees exceed the actual price of the product.

A directive implemented in late 2025 allowed postal operators to apply a fixed customs fee per package, with a minimum amount of $80. This disproportionately affects small orders; a $5 item could face a customs charge 16 times its original value, plus additional processing fees.