The latest ranking highlights the continued success Chinese apps are having in the U.S., with Bytdance's TikTok ranking third and Temu-competitor Shein coming in at number 12. Temu's success comes amid increased scrutiny by U.S. officials, which might worsen under the incoming Trump administration. Temu, the popular e-commerce app owned by China's PDD Holdings, topped Apple's list of the most downloaded free apps on its U.S.
iOS store for the second year running, highlighting the massive success that Chinese apps are enjoying in the world's largest consumer market.ByteDance's TikTok came in third in the ranking despite doubts over its ability to continue operating in the U.S., while Temu-competitor and fast-fashion giant Shein came in at number 12.Temu, which ships cheap goods from China, first entered the U.S. market in 2022. It has taken the market by storm. The Chinese company, however, faces increased scrutiny from U.S. officials, and risks posed by tariffs which the incoming Trump administration has promised to raise. As the likes of Temu and Shein attract American consumers with cheap goods and aggressive advertising, they have also caught the attention of Washington. U.S. officials are attempting to block the 'overuse and abuse' of the long-standing 'de minimis' provision by companies such as Shein and Temu. The provision allows shipments valued under $800 certain import duty exemptions. If Temu and Shein were to lose their de minimis exemption, it could push up prices and reduce the Chinese companies' competitiveness. Donald Trump's impending return to the White House adds another layer of uncertainty as the president-elect made curbing imports from China a major focus of his campaign. Trump has proposed tariffs as high as 60% to 100% on goods from China, although it is unclear whether he will carry out his threat. Vietnam banned Temu. In a global outlook report released Friday, Nomura said that its U.S