Temu topped the US app download charts in early April, a position it had held since January. But its rapid surge coincides with increased scrutiny of platforms with ties to China. As well as the impending ban on youth favourite TikTok.
According to Sensor Tower data, TikTok, video editor CapCut, and fashion upstart Shein are among the most popular platforms downloaded in the US right now.
Temu is positioned as an Amazon-like superstore. Selling everything from make-up to homeware and electronics. And its discreet launch last September marked the first venture into the US market for Chinese e-commerce behemoth Pinduoduo.
The App, which is based in a Boston office building, is the second Chinese-made shopping app to make an impression in America in recent years, following Gen Z darling Shein.
It had 33 million US downloads since its introduction. According to Sensor Tower, with user numbers increasing during the month of the Super Bowl, the most-watched TV event in the US.
Links to China –
However, the rise of Chinese apps has been accompanied with scrutiny, which Temu may also face.
Non-governmental organisation Public Eye discovered in 2021. That some workers behind Shein’s rapid production labour 11 to 13 hours a day.
It has also been chastised for producing fast fashion garbage and has apologised for products such as a swastika necklace in 2020.
TikTok may face a ban in the United States because to concerns that its data collection creates a national security risk. And that its algorithm is harmful to mental health.
So far, Temu and Shein have dodged the fate of TikTok. Whose CEO underwent a bruising hearing in US Congress last month. With legislators unanimously accusing the social media app of being a threat to America.
