American Shoppers Show Resilience: Temu and Shein Experience a Rebound Despite Tariffs

In a surprising turn of events, U.S. consumers are returning to the beloved Chinese ecommerce platforms Temu and Shein, even in the face of rising tariffs and an increase in prices. According to the latest consumer survey conducted by Omnisend, Americans are undeterred, showcasing increased traffic and activity on these platforms since April 2025. This article explores the dynamics of this resurgence and what it means for the future of ecommerce in America.

Findings from Omnisend's Survey

The Omnisend survey indicates a significant rebound in consumer engagement with Temu and Shein, with some impressive statistics that reflect a higher level of shopping activity. Temu, for instance, has noted a rise in weekly shoppers, climbing to 12% from 10.6% in April. This figure is not far off from its all-time high of 13.2% recorded in 2024. Meanwhile, 28.5% of adults shop monthly on Temu, a number that, while steady, still lags behind the 34.8% noted in 2024. Further analysis by Similarweb highlights a remarkable 22% month-over-month increase in U.S. site visits for Temu, while Google Trends shows a staggering 44% rise in searches for the platform.

Shein has mirrored this growth, with its weekly shoppers increasing to 12%, up from 10% in April. Monthly shopping at Shein also rose to 28%, showing robust growth compared to the 23% noted in April and 26% last year. Annual shoppers showed a notable increase, reaching 48% compared to only 39.8% in the earlier months of 2025. Additionally, Shein remains the leader in related categories on Similarweb and has cemented its position as the second most downloaded shopping app in the nation.

Price Sensitivity and Consumer Behavior

Despite the favorable statistics, some buyers expressed concern regarding rising costs; 29% reported noticing higher prices on Temu and 24% on Shein. Omnisend's Ecommerce Expert, Marty Bauer, noted that while consumers are indeed sensitive to price hikes, they still find value in browsing for deals, particularly when coupons, free shipping, and positive social influence can help mitigate these increases.

The analysis reveals that even amidst a rebound, there are vulnerable points that could lead consumers to reconsider using Chinese platforms. A significant 34% of survey respondents indicated that additional price hikes would prompt them to explore alternative shopping venues, while 24% pointed out the allure of faster shipping from domestic competitors. Factors like supporting local businesses, better customer service, and concerns over data privacy were also mentioned, albeit to a lesser extent.

Tactical Recommendations for U.S. Merchants

Given the trends and findings, Marty Bauer provided strategic insights for U.S. merchants looking to compete effectively with these ecommerce giants. Here are some actionable tips:

1. Be Present Where Deal-Seekers Shop: Merchants should focus on listing competitive, margin-friendly products on popular marketplaces and collaborate with content creators who engage with these channels to intercept price-sensitive consumers.

2. Outpace Shipping Times: Emphasize speedy delivery options such as same-day or two-day shipping, alongside real-time tracking and hassle-free returns, which can counteract the fulfillment advantages of Chinese marketplaces.

3. Focus on Building Trust: It’s vital for businesses to spotlight local sourcing, product quality, and sustainable practices in advertising and customer interactions, which can justify a higher price point against competitors.

4. Strategically Sweeten Deals: Use targeted promotions like limited-time bundles or tiered loyalty rewards to provide perceived value without simply slashing prices. Utilizing automation tools like Omnisend can facilitate this.

5. Implement Data-Driven Marketing: Leverage first-party data to create email and SMS marketing flows that remind lapsed shoppers of quicker shipping, easy returns, and loyalty programs, especially when these consumers show interest in shopping from competitors.

Conclusion

The latest Omnisend survey paints a robust picture of consumer demand for Temu and Shein, revealing an unexpected resilience among American shoppers. As tariff discussions and price fluctuations continue to shape the market landscape, it will be crucial for U.S. merchants to adapt and implement strategic responses to maintain their share against potent international rivals. As we dive deeper into a digitally-driven retail era, understanding these shifting consumer behaviors will be vital for success in the increasingly competitive ecommerce realm.