Temu halts shipping direct from China as de minimis tariff loophole is cut off

Core Insights - The expiration of the de minimis rule has significantly impacted Temu's business model in the U.S., forcing the company to adapt to new tariffs and regulations [3][4][6]. Group 1: Business Model Changes - Temu has shifted its website and app to display only products shipped from U.S.-based warehouses, with items shipped directly from China now labeled as out of stock [3]. - The company has confirmed that all U.S. sales are now handled by local sellers and fulfilled domestically to improve service levels [4]. - Temu is actively recruiting U.S. sellers to join its platform, aiming to help local merchants reach more customers and grow their businesses [5]. Group 2: Pricing and Tariffs - The end of the de minimis rule and the introduction of 145% tariffs on China have forced Temu to raise prices and suspend aggressive online advertising [4]. - Customers previously faced import charges between 130% and 150% for items shipped from China, which often exceeded the cost of the items themselves [5]. - Temu now advertises that local products have "no import charges" and "no extra charges upon delivery" [6]. Group 3: Industry Context - Other companies, such as Shein, have also raised prices in response to the end of the de minimis rule, indicating a broader trend in the industry [7]. - Amazon considered showing tariff-related costs on its Haul products but scrapped those plans following discussions with the White House [8]. - The Biden administration had previously looked to curtail the de minimis provision, reflecting ongoing trade tensions and regulatory scrutiny [9].