Some Shein and Temu ‘haul video’ creators are stocking up

The Verge - Apr 7th, 2025

TikTok creators specializing in 'haul videos' are facing challenges due to new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump. These tariffs are expected to significantly increase the cost of goods imported from China, impacting retailers like AliExpress, Shein, and Temu. Creators like Donna Leah and Clarissa Shah, who often showcase budget-friendly finds, express concern over the rising prices that could dampen the appeal of their content. While some creators are adapting their content strategies to focus more on upcycling and thrifting, others are determined to continue showcasing affordable fashion despite the potential price hikes.

The announcement of the tariffs marks a significant shift in the landscape of online retail, potentially ending the era of ultra-cheap hauls from Chinese retailers. The tariffs specifically target the de minimis provision, which allowed packages under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. Starting May 2nd, low-cost packages from China and Hong Kong will incur a fee, making goods from retailers like Shein and Temu more expensive. This development not only affects individual creators but also has broader implications for the U.S. apparel industry, where a large percentage of clothing is imported from Asia, potentially driving up prices across major brands.

Donald Trump Tik Tok E Commerce Tariffs Shein Temu Haul Videos Ali Express Import Duties

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and engaging look at the impact of new tariffs on consumer goods and social media content. It effectively highlights the personal experiences of TikTok creators, making the issue relatable to a broad audience. While the story is clear and accessible, it lacks depth in terms of sourcing and expert analysis, which limits its overall accuracy and balance. The focus on personal anecdotes provides a narrow perspective, and the absence of official data or broader economic insights reduces the article's credibility. Despite these limitations, the article addresses a topic of significant public interest and has the potential to influence discussions about trade policies and consumer behavior. Overall, the story is well-written and engaging, but could benefit from more comprehensive sourcing and analysis to enhance its impact and reliability.

Accuracy

The story presents a generally accurate depiction of the situation regarding tariffs and their impact on retail prices, especially for items from Shein and Temu. The factual basis is supported by the announcement of tariffs by the Trump administration, which is expected to affect goods imported from China. The story correctly notes the end of the 'de minimis' loophole, which previously allowed packages under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. However, the article lacks specific data on the exact price increases for Shein and Temu products, which remains speculative at this point. The claim that tariffs will lead to a significant reduction in haul videos is plausible, but not yet verifiable as a direct consequence. Overall, the story aligns well with available information but could benefit from more precise details and corroboration from official sources.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the perspective of TikTok creators and consumers who are affected by the tariff changes. It provides a personal angle by including quotes from creators who express concerns about rising prices and the impact on their content. However, the story lacks a broader range of perspectives, such as insights from economists, policy analysts, or representatives from the affected companies like Shein and Temu. Additionally, the article could have included viewpoints from policymakers or trade experts to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the tariffs' implications. By focusing mainly on the consumer and creator side, the article presents a somewhat narrow view of the issue.

Clarity

The article is written in a clear and engaging manner, making it accessible to a general audience. It effectively communicates the potential impact of tariffs on consumer behavior and the content of TikTok creators. The structure is logical, with a progression from the introduction of the issue to the personal experiences of those affected. The language is straightforward, avoiding technical jargon, which aids comprehension. However, some sections could benefit from additional context, such as a brief explanation of the 'de minimis' rule for readers unfamiliar with trade policies.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on anecdotal evidence from TikTok creators and lacks direct citations from authoritative sources such as government announcements or economic experts. While the creators' perspectives are valuable, the absence of official data or expert analysis weakens the overall credibility of the piece. The story would benefit from including statements from the Trump administration or trade officials to substantiate claims about the tariff changes. Additionally, referencing studies or reports on the economic impact of tariffs would enhance the article's reliability and depth.

Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative about the anticipated effects of tariffs on consumer goods, particularly focusing on TikTok haul videos. However, it lacks transparency in terms of the methodology used to gather information and the sources of its claims. The article does not disclose how the interviews with TikTok creators were conducted or whether any attempts were made to reach out to companies like Shein and Temu for comments. Transparency would be improved by detailing the steps taken to verify the information presented and by acknowledging any limitations in the reporting process.