Big win for bargain hunters, President Trump just signed an executive order slashing tariffs on cheap Chinese goods, and it’s sending shockwaves through the online shopping world.
The move cuts tariffs from a brutal 120% down to 54%, part of a wider trade breakthrough between the US and China. For anyone addicted to low-cost hauls from places like Shein and Temu, this change is huge.
It all started with the controversial “de minimis” rule that used to let imports under $800 slide through customs without facing any duties. Trump previously scrapped that loophole, making things a lot more expensive for people relying on ultra-cheap goods from China and Hong Kong. But now, with this new order in place, those same shoppers are getting some much-needed relief.
Under the latest deal, the US will lower tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, and in return, China is reducing its own duties on American products from 125% to just 10%. It’s the kind of trade handshake that has real impact at the checkout screen. Starting Wednesday, the updated tariffs go into effect, with a $100 flat fee per parcel still in play. That’s down from a planned hike to $200 on June 1, which, thankfully, is no longer happening.
So, while shoppers won’t get off completely free, the cost is way more manageable. The timing couldn’t be better either, as demand for fast fashion and low-cost gadgets continues to skyrocket.
Meanwhile, Amazon is making some quiet but bold moves of its own. It just launched “Haul” in the UK, a new low-cost shopping service meant to rival the likes of Temu and Shein. The twist? Everything on Haul is under £20, with most stuff priced under £10. The platform is being trialed with select users for now, but a wider rollout is expected in the coming weeks.
Haul is mobile-only, so if you want to try it out, you’ll need to use a smartphone. You can either scan the QR code on Amazon’s site or just search “Haul” in the Amazon app. The platform promises free delivery on orders over £15, and an extra 5% off if you spend more than £50. There’s a slight wait, though, Haul orders take up to two weeks to arrive.
Amazon UK country manager John Boumphrey said this is just another way they’re helping shoppers save during tough times. He emphasized that customers are constantly hunting for better value, and Haul is Amazon’s way of stepping up.
And if you’re not using all the extras that come with Amazon Prime, you’re probably missing out. The Try Before You Buy feature lets you order clothing to try on at home and only pay for what you keep. Amazon Photos gives unlimited full-res photo storage. Prime Reading unlocks a rotating library of eBooks, audiobooks, and comics. First Reads gives early access to new books every month, and Prime Gaming hooks you up with free games and in-game bonuses every single month.
On top of that, you can share your Prime membership with other family members, stream ad-free music, and even score a free year of Grubhub+ in the US, wiping out delivery fees on orders over $12.
Between Trump’s tariff rollback and Amazon’s new bargain-hunting app, shoppers are suddenly living in a golden era of cheap imports and digital deals. The only real question now is: who’s winning the online shopping war, Temu, Shein, or the retail beast that is Amazon?
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
