The chase to recoup tariff payments made to the U.S. government under the overturned International Emergency Economic Powers Act is trickling down the supply chain. Even before FedEx Corp. sued the Trump administration on Monday for a “full refund” of money collected under a series of broad presidential tariff orders deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court, a FedEx customer filed a class-action suit against FedEx (NYSE: FDX) for breach of contract and seeking a refund of IEEPA duties with interest. Hali An ...

Core Insights - The American high street experienced significant bankruptcies in 2025, affecting well-known brands like Rite Aid and Party City [1][2] Group 1: Bankruptcy Trends - A combination of rising debt and changing consumer habits led to the downfall of many household names, as inflation prompted shoppers to favor online retailers like Amazon and large stores like Target [2] - Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy for the second time in six years in March 2025, having previously declared bankruptcy in 2019 [3][4] - Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy in 2023 due to over $4 billion in debt, exacerbated by legal issues related to the opioid crisis, and filed again in May 2025 [8] Group 2: Company-Specific Details - Forever 21, once generating over $4 billion in annual revenue, struggled to adapt to changing consumer preferences and faced competition from brands like Shein and Temu [3][5] - Rite Aid, which peaked with over 5,000 locations, closed 500 stores to reduce debt but ultimately shut down its last 89 stores in October 2025, transferring millions of prescriptions to competitors [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - FedEx's shares dropped significantly due to a disappointing profit forecast, attributed to the impact of President Trump's tariffs on global transit [1][3]. Financial Performance - FedEx expects earnings per share of $3.40 to $4 for the current quarter, slightly below the forecasted $4.05 [1]. - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $6.07 for the quarter ended May 31, exceeding expectations of $5.84 [12]. - Revenue for the same quarter was $22.22 billion, surpassing projections of $21.79 billion [13]. - US daily package volume increased by 6% year-over-year, with US ground home delivery volume rising by 10% [14]. Market Sentiment - The disappointing forecast led to a decline in investor confidence, as FedEx is viewed as a bellwether for various industries [1][15]. - The stock initially fell by about 6% on the day of the announcement [3]. Trade and Tariff Impact - FedEx executives indicated that tariff policies are expected to continue affecting US-China air trade, with the company being more exposed to China compared to UPS [4]. - The tariffs have been reduced from an initial 145% to 30%, but this remains significantly higher than previous rates [4]. - The end of the "de minimis" exemption, which allowed duty-free entry for shipments under $800, is also impacting FedEx's operations [5]. Cost Management - FedEx announced plans for $1 billion in cost-cutting measures for fiscal year 2026, although challenges are anticipated due to ongoing trade unpredictability [11].

Core Points - Temu has ceased direct shipments from China to U.S. consumers due to the removal of the de minimis exemption, marking a significant change in its business model [1][2][4] - The company had previously thrived by sending small, low-cost items from China while avoiding tariffs by keeping packages under the de minimis threshold [2][6] - Following the tariff changes, Temu has raised prices and is now offering products that are already in U.S. warehouses, labeling them as "local" [3][4] Business Model Impact - The elimination of the de minimis exemption has resulted in a loss of price advantage for Temu, which will face challenges once its U.S. inventory is depleted [4] - Temu's response to the new tariffs includes a shift in its supply chain strategy, asking factories to ship goods in bulk to U.S. warehouses [5] - The number of shipments utilizing the de minimis exemption had dramatically increased over the past decade, highlighting the significance of this change for eCommerce platforms [6]

Core Viewpoint - Temu, a Chinese e-tailer, has introduced significant import charges of approximately 145% due to new tariffs imposed by President Trump, which could drastically increase the total cost of products for consumers [1][4]. Pricing Impact - The import charges can exceed the price of the products themselves, with examples showing a summer dress priced at $18.47 costing $44.68 after a 142% surcharge, and a child's bathing suit priced at $12.44 costing $31.12 after a 150% fee [2]. - A handheld vacuum cleaner listed at $16.93 now costs $40.11 when factoring in a 137% markup due to import charges [2]. Company Response - Temu has stated that these import charges cover customs-related processes and costs, indicating that the listed amount may not reflect the actual fees paid to customs authorities [3]. - The company acknowledged that recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs have increased its operating expenses, leading to price adjustments starting April 25, 2025 [5]. Competitive Landscape - Rival discount retailer Shein has also raised prices but has not implemented additional import charges, instead including tariffs in the prices displayed at checkout [4]. - Both Temu and Shein had previously warned of price increases following the imposition of a 145% tariff on many imports from China [4]. Market Position - Temu's popularity in the U.S. has surged since its launch in 2022, primarily due to its low prices on various products, which allowed consumers to purchase items without significant financial strain [5][6]. - However, the new import fees may align Temu's prices more closely with U.S. competitors like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, potentially diminishing its competitive edge [6]. Advertising and Market Ranking - Following the announcement of the tariffs, Temu has significantly reduced its online advertising spending in the U.S., resulting in a drop in its app store ranking from the top 10 to No. 73 [7]. - Shein has also experienced a decline in its app store ranking, falling from 15 to 54 [7].

Core Viewpoint - The recent executive order by President Trump to end the de minimis exemption has led to significant price increases for products from Chinese retailers Shein and Temu, affecting low-value items previously imported without tariffs [6][10]. Price Adjustments - Shein and Temu have raised prices on various products to offset the new 120% tariff, with specific examples showing a 91% increase for a bathing suit set on Shein and a 13% increase for patio chairs on Temu [2][4]. - Price fluctuations were noted, with some items, like a smart ring on Temu, being cheaper despite the overall trend of price hikes [4]. Impact of Tariffs - The end of the de minimis rule will require U.S. customs to scrutinize an additional 1 million packages daily, which may help prevent dangerous products from entering the market [7]. - Low-income Americans, who rely heavily on affordable options from Shein and Temu, will be disproportionately affected, as they spent significantly more of their income on apparel compared to wealthier households [8][9].