Fast Fashion Prices Rise in Wake of Tariffs

Fast fashion prices are rising in the wake of tariffs. For many, it's a simple matter of clicking a button to access affordable options like Shein and Temu, which import Chinese-made products to the U.S.

"Shein - that's the go-to for the summertime," says 20-year-old Howard Swain, who relies on the e-commerce site for the latest trends. He notes that both sites attract customers with their ultra-low-cost options, such as shirts ranging from $5 to $10.

Chinese imports into the U.S. currently face a 145 percent tariff. Both Temu and Shein have released notices stating that operating expenses have increased "due to recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs."

"We expect shoppers to be more conscious when they make purchase decisions, and they may make fewer impulsive purchases of cheaper items that were available in the past," says Associate Professor of Marketing at IU Krista Li. She expects delivery delays and a reduction in product variety.

Li also notes that Amazon will start raising prices due to the tariff, as it works with third-party sellers from China and international markets.

Consumer Jacqueline Coleman, who rarely uses online shopping platforms but relies on them for occasional purchases, says she thinks customers will ultimately bear the cost of the tariffs. "I think the customer is gonna feel it the most because that's who's gonna eat that cost," she says.