Chinese e-commerce giant Temu, owned by PDD Holdings, has ranked as the most downloaded free app on the U.S. Apple Store for the second consecutive year. This success underscores the growing influence of Chinese apps in the U.S., the world’s largest consumer market.
ByteDance’s TikTok ranked third, maintaining its popularity despite ongoing uncertainty about its future in the U.S., while Shein, a Temu competitor and fast-fashion leader, placed 12th.
Temu, which entered the U.S. market in 2022, has quickly gained ground with its inexpensive, China-sourced goods, challenging Amazon’s dominance. Apple’s iOS, commanding over 56% of the U.S. mobile market (StatCounter), has been a critical platform for its rise.
However, Temu’s growth faces mounting scrutiny from U.S. officials, fueled by concerns over Chinese imports. Former President Donald Trump, the president-elect, has renewed his call for higher tariffs on Chinese goods, proposing rates between 60% and 100%. While it’s unclear if these measures will materialize, they add to uncertainties for companies like Temu and Shein.
Beyond the U.S., Chinese imports face backlash in Southeast Asia. Vietnam and Indonesia have imposed anti-dumping tariffs, and Thailand has introduced measures to monitor low-cost imports. Earlier this month, Vietnam banned Temu just two months after its local launch.
As Temu and Shein continue to lure consumers with low prices and aggressive advertising, the geopolitical landscape could significantly shape their trajectory.
