Temu, the e-commerce platform owned by China’s PDD Holdings, has topped Apple’s list of most downloaded free apps on the U.S. iOS store for the second consecutive year, reflecting the growing success of Chinese apps in the U.S. market.
ByteDance’s TikTok secured the third position despite ongoing concerns about its future in the U.S., while fast-fashion giant and Temu competitor, Shein, ranked 12th.
Apple’s iOS holds over 56% of the U.S. mobile phone market, according to StatCounter data.
READ ALSO: Apple warns customers to expect delays of some iPhones
Temu, known for offering inexpensive products shipped from China, has gained rapid popularity since entering the U.S. market in 2022, posing a significant challenge to e-commerce giant Amazon.
However, Temu’s success comes amid increasing scrutiny from U.S. officials. Former President Donald Trump’s potential return to office in 2025 introduces further uncertainty, as his campaign has focused on reducing imports from China. Trump has proposed steep tariffs on Chinese goods, ranging from 60% to 100%, though it remains unclear if these plans will materialize.
Analysts believe the growing dominance of Chinese e-commerce platforms, including Shein, stems from their ability to lure U.S. consumers with competitive pricing and aggressive marketing campaigns. However, this success has also raised concerns in Washington over the economic impact of low-cost imports.
Beyond the U.S., concerns over Chinese goods have also gained traction in Southeast Asia. Vietnam and Indonesia have imposed anti-dumping tariffs, while Thailand has introduced stricter measures to monitor low-cost imports.
Vietnam recently took a decisive step by banning Temu from operating in the country, just two months after the platform’s local launch.
