If you shop on Temu, AliExpress, Alibaba, or Shein, your orders are now significantly more expensive than they used to be. The elimination of the $800 de minimis exemption for Chinese goods, combined with multiple layers of tariffs, means every order from China faces import duties in 2026.
Here's exactly what you'll pay and why.
Until recently, packages from China valued under $800 entered the US duty-free under the de minimis exemption. In 2024, over 1.3 billion such packages entered the country — mostly from platforms like Temu and Shein. That loophole is now closed.
Every package from China, regardless of value, is now subject to US import duties. These duties stack across multiple tariff programs, making the total significantly higher than any single rate.
| Tariff Layer | Rate |
|---|---|
| MFN Base Duty | 0–32% (varies by product) |
| Section 301 (China-specific) | 7.5–25% |
| Section 122 (Global surcharge) | 15% |
| Total effective rate | 22.5–72% |
Example 1: $30 Phone Case from Temu
Product: Phone case (plastic article)
MFN: 5% + Section 301: 25% + Section 122: 15% = 45%
Duty: $13.50 → Total cost: $43.50
Example 2: $80 Dress from Shein
Product: Women's clothing (synthetic fiber)
MFN: 28% + Section 301: 7.5% + Section 122: 15% = 50.5%
Duty: $40.40 → Total cost: $120.40
Example 3: $200 Electronics Kit from AliExpress
Product: Consumer electronics
MFN: 2.5% + Section 301: 25% + Section 122: 15% = 42.5%
Duty: $85.00 → Total cost: $285.00
Temu and Shein have started incorporating estimated duties into the checkout price. When you order, the listed price may already include an estimate of the duties. If the actual duty assessed is different, you may see an additional charge upon delivery.
AliExpress and Alibaba typically do not include duties in the listed price. You'll pay the product price at checkout, and then receive a duty bill from the shipping carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, or USPS) when the package arrives. If you refuse to pay, the package is returned.
Buy from domestic sellers. Products sold on Amazon, Walmart, or other US-based retailers have already had duties paid by the importer. While the tariff cost is built into the retail price, you avoid the surprise of a separate duty bill at delivery.
Source from non-China platforms. Products from Vietnam, India, Thailand, and other countries don't face Section 301 tariffs. While they still have the 15% Section 122 surcharge, total rates are 15-40% lower than Chinese goods.
Check if the product is made in China. Some Alibaba sellers source products from other countries. If a product is manufactured in Vietnam but sold by a Chinese company on Alibaba, it faces Vietnamese tariff rates, not Chinese rates. Ask your supplier for the country of origin.
Calculate Duties on Any Chinese Product
Enter your product details and see the exact tariff before you order.
Use Free Calculator →They're significantly more expensive than before. A $30 item might now cost $40-50 after duties. Whether it's still a good deal depends on the product and domestic alternatives.
You do. Either the platform collects it at checkout or the shipping carrier bills you at delivery.
You can, but the package will be returned or abandoned. You won't receive your order and may or may not get a refund from the platform.
Yes. Business orders face the same tariff rates. As the importer of record, you are responsible for all duties and fees.