Commentary
Even as security concerns mount over TikTok, Americans are downloading another app from China at record speeds. The e-commerce app, called Temu, is for online shopping. It competes directly with Amazon, which it seeks to undercut by selling stuff at much lower prices.
Lenovo wireless earbuds, for example, can be bought for as little as $3 on Temu but go for over $10 on Amazon. The lower Temu price is only unlocked through coupons acquired by promoting the app to social media connections, leading to Temu’s viral spread.
Temu boasts over 10 million downloads in the United States and leads in downloads for all categories of apps since November. The app sells mostly unbranded products made in China….