Trump’s De Minimis Cancellation: A Blow To Shein, But Temu Adapts Quickly

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 6, 2025

The Trump administration’s move to cancel the de minimis rule, which allowed low-cost imports worth less than $800 to enter the U.S. tariff-free, could hit fast fashion retailer Shein harder than online dollar-store Temu. While both companies have relied heavily on this rule in recent years, Temu has adapted faster to mitigate the impact.

The de minimis rule enabled Chinese retailers like Temu and Shein to ship millions of packages to the U.S. without import duties. However, the Biden administration’s scrutiny of the rule prompted both companies to prepare for its eventual cancellation. Analysts and sellers noted that Temu, owned by PDD Holdings, quickly adjusted its model by expanding its semi-managed approach. This model, similar to Amazon’s, involves bulk shipments to overseas warehouses instead of direct shipments to consumers.

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By the end of 2024, about 20% of Temu’s U.S. sales were shipped from local U.S. warehouses, and by the end of the year, half of its U.S. sales were shipped through warehouses. Temu has also increased its use of ocean freight for larger, more valuable goods, such as furniture, reducing its reliance on de minimis shipments.

In contrast, Shein, known for its ultra-fast fashion, still relies heavily on air freight for rapid delivery, despite opening supply chain hubs in several U.S. states. Shein’s model focuses on speed and trend reactivity, making it less flexible than Temu when it comes to adapting to changes in shipping regulations.

Following Trump’s executive order, the U.S. Postal Service reversed a decision to stop accepting parcels from China and Hong Kong, adding to the confusion in the express shipping industry. Analysts predict that the volume of de minimis shipments to the U.S. could drop by 60%, raising prices for American consumers shopping from Shein, Temu, and Amazon Haul.

Despite these challenges, tech analyst Rui Ma believes that China’s e-commerce operators, including Shein and Temu, will quickly adapt, thanks to their competitive supply chains. While the short-term impact may be significant, Ma does not anticipate catastrophic consequences, as China’s e-commerce sector is highly agile and capable of finding solutions.

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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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