Shein, Temu take advantage of tariff reprieve: Shein is raising prices while Temu resumes China shipments, as both retailers try to undo a sales slump.

A 90-day pause in tariffs added over $800 billion to the Magnificent Seven’s market cap, revealing just how damaging trade tensions had been for investor confidence.

The Trump administration is stepping back from the brink: After trimming China tariffs to 30% for 90 days, it reduced duties on low-value parcels from China to a still-high 54%.

Amazon Haul expands overseas as de minimis uncertainty clouds domestic prospects: The low-cost marketplace is now available to UK and Saudi Arabian shoppers.

US sales on Shein and Temu fell sharply following price increases: The decline is an unwelcome sign as both marketplaces fight to stay relevant with shoppers.

Shein and Temu pull back US digital ad spending, shift to Europe: The change shows how geopolitical tensions trickle down to business operations.

In April, Walmart led the retail rankings thanks to its advanced grid-based delivery system and an elevated in-store beauty experience. Amazon followed closely with the testing of a new AI-powered “Buy For Me” feature designed to simplify purchases. Meanwhile, Temu and Shein adjusted their pricing strategies due to rising import costs, risking their low-price appeal. Here are the eight most interesting retailers and brands from last month, as ranked on our “Behind the Numbers” podcast.

The biggest ecommerce disruptors face a reckoning: The closing of the de minimis exemption is forcing Shein, Temu, and TikTok Shop to pivot, but it isn’t clear that shoppers will follow.

Turbulence in trade relations is changing how China’s ecommerce platforms do business in the US, with spillover effects on US retail and advertising.

Gen Z will be the fastest-growing group of digital buyers in 2025. In addition, they’re more willing than previous generations to switch brands. So, brands and retailers should focus on enticing them while also retaining existing customers.

China-based firms look to skirt the tariffs: Some have reached out to Indian exporters to fill orders on their behalf, while others turn to bonded warehouses.

Low-cost online marketplaces like Temu and Shein have surged in popularity across the US in recent years, and starting today, both retailers have enacted price hikes due to rising import costs As of January 2025, 44% of US adults have shopped on Temu, while 31% have purchased from Shein, according to data from Morning Consult. Competitive pricing is a key draw for consumers.

US ecommerce sales will be hit hard by tariffs: Many online platforms’ advantages could disappear as prices rise, inventory runs dry, and delivery times slow.

Tariffs drive ad pullbacks: Temu and Shein reduce US ad spending ahead of policy shift, signaling fallout across ecommerce and social platforms.

Consumer spending surged in March: But the rapid decline in consumer sentiment and likely surge in inflation is sure to slow that momentum in the coming months.

Temu pulls its Google Shopping ads: The escalating US-China trade war puts the company’s business model at risk and threatens ad giants like Meta and Google.

UK regulators approve Shein IPO in a victory for China: While it may be too late for the fast-fashion retailer, the move could put the UK in China’s good graces and protect it from the worst of the trade war.

Trump quadruples de minimis duties on Chinese imports as trade war escalates rapidly: The new fees will not only erase Shein’s and Temu’s price advantage, but also hit US businesses hard.

If ad dollars shrink, Meta and others may need to ditch risky side projects and focus on scalable, affordable services to survive the slowdown

The end of de minimis is nigh: The rule that fueled the rise of Temu and Shein is set to end on May 2.