'SHEIN? More Like SHEOUT': X users react to USPS suspension of inbound packages from China

If you just bought or recently bought anything from SHEIN or TEMU & haven’t received their packages yet.

Just go and cry right now. The man shut it down. 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

This change comes amid Trump’s broader strategy to end the “de minimis” rule, which allowed goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free.

Trump’s plan to end this rule has already caused a ripple effect across international commerce, particularly with the rise of China-based online retailers who depend on low-cost imports. In a move to curb illicit trade, especially fentanyl, Trump imposed additional tariffs on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico, although some of these levies have been delayed for a month.

"If [Shein and Temu] behave like most companies, I wouldn't be surprised if they pass on the costs. But the real challenge is that their entire business model depends on how insanely cheap these products are," said Michael Sobolik, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute.

For Shein and Temu, this suspension could be a massive blow. Nearly half of all packages shipped under the de minimis rule come from China, with Shein and Temu responsible for a large portion of those shipments.

As Sobolik notes, the change could force these companies to raise their prices, directly impacting American consumers who have grown accustomed to ultra-low-cost fashion.

Many users took to X to express their shock and amusement over the potential downfall of Shein, one of the biggest fast-fashion giants to rely on low-cost imports.

"we finna see the downfall of shein omg" tweeted one user, capturing the sentiment of many who see this as a major blow to budget-conscious shoppers. 

we finna see the downfall of shein omg —- https://t.co/jYzks7PakA

Others leaned into humor, imagining a future where Shein’s clothes are treated as “vintage,” mocking the disposable nature of the brand’s products.

“In 20 years, children will be at the goodwill bins in post-nuclear New Los Chicago like omg guys I just found vintage Shein,” joked one user, highlighting the irony of the trend-driven fast fashion cycle.

In 20 years children will be at the goodwill bins in post-nuclear New Los Chicago like omg guys I just found vintage Shein

Some users were quick to mock the potential difficulties for Shein shoppers, particularly those relying on the retailer for their spring break wardrobes.

“all the trumpie white girls not gonna be able to post up in their shein bathing suits on spring break this year” wrote one X user. 

all the trumpie white girls not gonna be able to post up in their shein bathing suits on spring break this year😭😭😭 https://t.co/UBbNsuolw0

But not all reactions were purely comedic. Several users pointed out that the suspension could affect much more than just trendy clothing.

“People in the comments crying about shein or temu are completely ignorant to how much MUCH larger of an impact this will have on their lives should the suspension last longer than a day. And it will.” one X user warned, suggesting that the broader implications of the postal suspension could extend far beyond fast fashion.

People in the comments crying about shein or temu are completely ignorant to how much MUCH larger of an impact this will have on their lives should the suspension last longer than a day. And it will. https://t.co/p4sZ5sqtMU

Others weighed in on the suspension with biting sarcasm, suggesting that consumers would now have to face the harsh reality of paying for goods made in China through traditional import channels, pushing prices higher.

“SHEIN? More like SHEOUT” one tweet humorously declared.

SHEIN? More like SHEOUT https://t.co/qUk353ORw6

Meanwhile, some believe that larger U.S.-based platforms like Amazon and eBay could benefit from these changes. Amazon, which operates domestically, already pays duties on imported goods, potentially giving it a competitive edge over international sellers.

everyone getting jokes off about SHEIN and Temu like 70% of the things we buy in everyday life arent made in China

The suspension of parcels from China is just one piece of the larger trade puzzle, and as tariffs continue to shape the future of global commerce, consumers and retailers alike will have to navigate the uncertain terrain ahead.

“American consumers are going to have to ask themselves, are they going to be willing to pay higher prices for these goods?” Sobolik warned.

Despite the jokes, the impact of these changes could be much larger than anticipated, with critics warning that this could disrupt millions of U.S. consumers who rely on these low-cost imports for everyday goods.