ISLAMABAD: Many Pakistanis who shop online are now seeing much higher prices on Chinese shopping apps like Temu and AliExpress. The price hike began after new taxes and shipping rules took effect on July 1, 2025.
Temu customers have shared examples of product prices increasing by 300% to 500%. One item that was previously selling for Rs4,000 is now listed at over Rs20,000. Others said their shopping carts jumped from Rs6,000 to Rs30,000 overnight.
These changes are linked to the Finance Bill 2025, which introduced:
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A 5% tax on foreign online shopping apps
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An 18% sales tax on all online purchases
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A ban on low-cost shipping, forcing apps to use more expensive options like DHL and Speedaf
Some experts say the taxes alone don’t fully explain the spike. According to a report by BBC Urdu, Temu may have raised prices ahead of time due to confusion about customs duties, which have not been clearly announced yet. This has made many users hesitant to place new orders.
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AliExpress has also been affected. It has suspended cheaper delivery services to Pakistan, including AliExpress Standard Shipping and Cainiao, after Pakistani and Sri Lankan customs took new steps to regulate shipping.
In a message to sellers, AliExpress said that from July 7, affordable delivery options will no longer be available for Pakistani orders. Sellers have been asked to update their shipping settings.
The lack of clear rules and the removal of cheap delivery options are making it harder for people in Pakistan to shop online. For now, buyers may have to deal with higher prices until the situation improves.
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