As President Donald Trump imposes steep tariffs on imports from China, it’s starting to shake up the fashion industry hard. The result? Viral videos, rising prices from fast fashion giants like SHEIN and TEMU, and luxury brands getting called out for what critics are calling “dirty secrets.” Read more about how Trump’s tariffs are effecting fashion inside.
According to a recent report by the Associated Press, Trump’s proposed plan to implement a 60 percent tariff on Chinese goods is already affecting retail strategy. That includes fast fashion powerhouses TEMU and SHEIN, which source the majority of their products from Chinese manufacturers. Both brands, known for their rock-bottom prices and lightning-fast turnaround, have already started quietly increasing prices in response to economic pressure and anticipation of rising costs.
In fact, TEMU has reportedly raised prices on some items by up to 30 percent, while SHEIN customers have noticed smaller but steady hikes. The brands, built on mass-volume affordability, are now struggling to maintain their image with Gen Z shoppers who flock to them for $5 tops and $10 dresses. With higher tariffs ahead, it could signal the end of the ultra-low-cost era as we know it.
But the impact doesn’t stop at budget buys. A viral story reposted by Earn Your Leisure on Instagram shows various Chinese manufacturers revealing the “dirty secrets” of some luxury brands. They reveal that many high-end items are also made in Chinese factories, just like their fast fashion counterparts. The major difference? Branding and inflated markups. The videos have reignited conversations around transparency, labor, and whether “Made in Italy” or “Made in France” labels always tell the full story.
Trump’s tariffs are doing more than just raise costs, but they are pulling back the curtain on how much the global fashion industry depends on Chinese manufacturing. From $800 luxury bags to $8 crop tops, this economic shift is forcing brands to rethink their supply chains and customers to rethink their purchases.
As tariffs and price hikes continue to collide, consumers are left with fewer options and higher price tags. Meanwhile, brands scramble to maintain profit margins and protect reputations. The fashion industry (amongst many others) is in for a major shakeup no matter your budget.
