New tariffs and the end of the de minimis rule which exempted imports into the U.S. under $800 from duties is having a marked effect on consumer shopping habits, according to two surveys conducted by 3PL Radial — one regarding tariffs, the other regarding de minimis shipments. 

“Tariff uncertainty isn’t the only disruptor for retailers heading into peak season,” the company said. “Recent changes to the de minimis exemption, especially for goods from China, are compounding supply chain pressures and degrading consumer shopping behavior.” 

Platforms such as Shein and Temu that were once able to take advantage of the exemption are now facing a decline in customer experience when shopping on their platforms, and a growing need to pivot their supply chain strategies, the surveys of 1,000 U.S. consumers found.

In regards to the impact of tariffs, the data shows that 95% of respondents are at least somewhat aware of tariff changes, and more than half (52%) want retailers to break out tariff surcharges separately from the full price. Meanwhile, 67% said they plan to cut spending or shift spending behaviors. 

Turning to the results from the survey on the end of the de minimis rule, Radial says approximately 45% of Millennials and Gen Z (the primary buyers on Shein or Temu) have experienced longer shipping times since the exemption went away, and the same proportion say they have seen higher prices, along with higher shipping costs when buying from these platforms.

Across all demographics, about 45% of consumers have either decreased shopping on platforms discount retailers based in China such as Shein or Temu, or no longer order from them at all, indicating that this decline in positive customer experience is directly impacting the attractiveness of these platforms, Radial concludes.