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When Tariffs Hit Home: How the U.S.–China Trade War Is Reshaping Online Shopping for Millions

Just a year ago, millions of Americans were hooked on the thrill of getting cute tops from Shein, quirky gadgets from Temu, and discounted tech from AliExpress—all straight from China, often for under $10. For working-class families, students, and bargain hunters, these apps became essential. But now, the once-booming wave of ultra-cheap shopping is crashing—and it’s not by choice. The $800 Loophole That Made It All Work For years, Chinese companies capitalized on a U.S. customs rule that allowed goods under $800 to enter the country duty-free. By shipping directly to consumers in small packages, giants like Temu , Shein , and Alibaba bypassed traditional retail tariffs. It was a win-win: businesses saved money, and customers got rock-bottom prices. But the rules of the game have changed. Tariffs Go Nuclear: Up to 145% on Chinese Goods The U.S. government has recently imposed drastic new tariffs , with some rates reaching 125% or even 145% depending on the category. ...

We didn't start the fire - Billy Joel - Still fighting the fire in 2024

 We didn't start the fire -  Billy Joel


Still fighting the fire in 2024

**Verse 1:**

Climate change, AI rise, Twitter sold, big surprise,  
Crypto crash, ChatGPT, electric cars on every street,  
Ukraine fights, NATO grows, Elon Musk, space to Mars,  
Tech layoffs, work remote, TikTok bans, court revoke.  

**Chorus:**

We didn't start the fire,  
It was always burning, since the world's been turning,  
We didn't start the fire,  
No, we didn't light it, but we're trying to fight it.  

**Verse 2:**

COVID's gone, vaccines stay, Roe v. Wade in disarray,  
BRICS alliance, China spies, climate talks, wildfire skies,  
AI art, deepfake news, refugee crisis, oil crews,  
G7, G20, protests, inequality.  

**Chorus:**

We didn't start the fire,  
It was always burning, since the world's been turning,  
We didn't start the fire,  
No, we didn't light it, but we're trying to fight it.  

**Verse 3:**

Energy crunch, solar power, tech monopoly, abuse of power,  
Inflation high, interest rates, Amazon dominates,  
Housing crisis, student debt, crypto wars, big regret,  
BRICS summit, global shift, rising powers, economic rift.  

**Chorus:**

We didn't start the fire,  
It was always burning, since the world's been turning,  
We didn't start the fire,  
No, we didn't light it, but we're trying to fight it.


**Verse 4:**

India lands on the Moon, G20, monsoon doom,  
Digital rupee, tech boom, Chandrayaan's lunar room,  
Farmer protests, Bollywood, Ganga clean, neighbourhood,  
Space power, global rise, cricket wins, stock prize.
  

**Chorus:**

We didn't start the fire,  
It was always burning, since the world's been turning,  
We didn't start the fire,  
No, we didn't light it, but we're trying to fight it.


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