Temu, Shein To Raise Prices Starting Tomorrow: Here are What Nigerian Shoppers Should Know
By Epiphanus Obia
Temu and Shein, two major e-commerce platforms with a growing presence amongst Nigerian online shoppers, are set to raise prices on some of their products beginning Friday, April 25, following increased U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. The platforms made this known in official customer notices during the week, although the exact items and price changes remain unclear.
According to Forbes, the companies attributed the impending price hikes to new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which have significantly increased the cost of imports from China. These tariffs, now standing at 145%, have reportedly impacted their operational expenses.
Nigerian Shoppers Could Feel the Pinch
While the tariffs are part of a larger U.S. and China trade dispute, Nigerian consumers, especially Temu users, are likely to feel the aftershock. Temu, which has grown rapidly in Nigeria due to its super low prices on fashion, gadgets, and home items, sources most of its products from China. That makes it vulnerable to global pricing shifts tied to manufacturing and trade routes.
Shein, though also popular internationally, plays a lesser role in Nigeria’s e-commerce landscape but is likewise affected. Both companies said their price adjustments were necessary due to increased costs, though they didn’t specify which categories or how the increases would be.
According to Forbes: What the Platforms Are Saying
As Forbes reported, both Temu and Shein released nearly identical customer alerts this week confirming the price updates. Neither platform detailed how much higher prices will go or which products are involved, but the implication is clear: shoppers should expect certain deals to disappear or become more expensive in the coming days.
Forbes also noted that the two companies saw a spike in sales immediately after the tariff announcement, an indication that customers, anticipating the hike, rushed to make last-minute purchases.
Reactions Online and Urgency Among Shoppers
Across global social media platforms, users have begun sharing tips and product links, urging others to shop quickly before prices rise. One user, according to Forbes, posted a video showcasing earrings for $2, a Stanley-style water bottle for $21, and sunglasses for $3, encouraging followers to buy before the deals vanish. Another, with over 75,000 followers, said she would no longer shop with Shein after the hikes.
In Nigeria, similar urgency is expected. With Temu’s popularity rising due to affordability, many local shoppers may rush to place final orders before the price changes kick in.
Why Are Prices Going Up?
The root cause is a growing trade war between the U.S. and China. Trump has dramatically raised tariffs on Chinese imports to a total of 145%. At a recent White House briefing, he admitted the rate is “very high” but said it may “come down substantially” over time, though not to zero.
In response, Chinese officials have insisted that any trade talks must be fair and that the U.S. must cancel its “unilateral tariff measures,” according to Forbes.
What Nigerian Consumers Should Do Now
With little clarity on which items will be affected or by how much, Nigerian consumers are advised to; make urgent purchases on wish listed items today before Friday’s price changes, monitor frequently purchased categories like clothing, accessories, and household goods for signs of increase, watch for shifting discounts and flash sales as platforms adjust to the new cost realities.
Looking Ahead
As it stands, shoppers may see gradual changes rather than overnight shifts, but the direction is clear: higher prices are coming. For Nigerian users who’ve grown accustomed to unbeatable deals from Temu, this may signal the end of an era of cheap online shopping.
