The Trump administration drops the tariff rate on packages from China valued at under $800 from 120% to 54%, but that's still pretty high for a Shein haul.

The recent tariff cut has offered a window of opportunity for them to ramp up shipments from China and restock their warehouses and fulfill existing orders.

The Chinese government has leverage over the two firms. Although Temu has grown quickly, PDD, its parent company, remains heavily dependent on its Chinese business, Pinduoduo. Shein does not sell its wares in the country, but it does rely on Chinese tech talent for its algorithm.