Trendy styles. Two-day shipping. $5 dresses.
Fast fashion retailers have exploded in popularity by offering low prices and fast delivery, much of it directly from China. That model is now facing a major shake-up.
A new round of tariffs and trade policy changes are poised to raise the cost of many imports. Both Shein and Temu announced they will increase prices for U.S. shoppers beginning April 25, citing rising operating expenses and new restrictions on international shipping.
“We’re reconsidering where we travel and what we buy and where we buy it,” said Jane Casteline, a Wake County resident who said hearing about the new tariffs prompted her to rethink her spending.
Some experts believe this moment could mark a shift in how Americans shop — and how much ends up in landfills.
Price hikes may slow fast fashion
The Trump administration recently announced plans to impose tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports, including apparel, electronics and household goods. Starting May 1, the U.S. will also close a shipping loophole that allowed companies to bypass taxes on low-cost items.
The policy, known as the de minimis exemption, applied to packages valued under $800. It let companies like Shein and Temu avoid paying import duties and skip traditional customs procedures, cutting costs and delivery times.
With that exemption ending and tariffs increasing, shoppers could soon feel the impact when they checkout. A recent analysis from the Budget Lab at Yale estimates that trade policies currently in place could cost U.S. households nearly $5,000 per year.
Dr. Sheng Lu, a professor of fashion and trade at the University of Delaware, said cost increases could push consumers to buy less frequently or explore alternatives like resale and thrift shopping.
Environment advocates see opportunity
Fast fashion is a leading contributor to textile waste. The United States discards more than 11 million tons of clothing annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Much of it is made from synthetic materials that don’t break down for decades.
Shipping also plays a role in global emissions. A slowdown in international freight could reduce carbon pollution from cargo ships and delivery trucks.
“If there’s less shipping coming from China, we’ll see fewer cargo trips, fewer emissions and less carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere,” said Emily Porro, author of the Climate Positive newsletter on LinkedIn. “It could serve as a reset in how people think about what they consume.”
She pointed to early 2020 as a real-world example. During the early months of the pandemic, global trade slowed and carbon emissions temporarily dropped.
Thrift stores see more interest
As prices on new clothing rise, more consumers appear to be turning to secondhand stores for both affordability and sustainability.
“I stopped by to shop for sporting goods,” said Denys Volodko, a local tennis coach browsing at a Raleigh thrift store. “It’s just a good way to save.”
Porro said higher prices may push shoppers to invest in fewer, better-quality items that last longer. She believes the shift could encourage longer use and reduce overconsumption.
“When things cost more, people tend to keep them longer and choose better materials,” she said.
Secondhand demand could grow
Lu said the secondhand market may experience a surge in demand as prices rise on fast fashion. However, he noted that supply could become an issue.
“If more people hold on to their clothes longer, there could be fewer items entering the secondhand market,” he said. “Even in resale, we may see prices rise over time.”
He also warned that higher tariffs could result in fewer overseas orders and lower wages for garment workers in countries with limited labor protections.
“I am concerned that this will come at the expense of the most vulnerable people in the global supply chain,” Lu said.
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