Temu has announced that it will cease selling products imported from China in the United States directly to consumers through its platform.

According to the online marketplace, order fulfillment will now be conducted by “locally based sellers” within the country.

The decision was made in response to the closure of a duty-free rule for low-value shipments.

Temu and Shein, a rival Chinese retail behemoth, had previously utilized the “de minimis” exemption to sell and ship low-value items directly to the United States without incurring import taxes or duties.

Temu stated that it had been actively recruiting US firms to join the platform.

“All sales in the United States are currently managed by sellers who are located in the country, and orders are fulfilled from within the country.”

It was further stated that the initiative is intended to assist local merchants in expanding their enterprises and attracting a greater number of consumers.

Advocates of the de minimis exemption, which was applicable to shipments valued at less than $800 (£600), contend that it facilitated the customs procedure.

But both Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, claimed that it was used to smuggle illicit products, including narcotics, and that it damaged American enterprises.