Overview

• Chinese factories and influencers are flooding TikTok with viral videos urging Americans to buy directly from Chinese manufacturers to bypass steep U.S. tariffs, which now reach 145%.
• The videos claim products like Lululemon leggings and Louis Vuitton bags can be purchased for a fraction of the U.S. retail price, although major brands deny any association with these suppliers.
• Concerns over counterfeit goods are rising, as experts suggest many of the promoted items are replicas or dupes exploiting the current trade tensions.
• American consumers are increasingly turning to Chinese e-commerce platforms such as DHgate and Shein, with some apps seeing a surge in downloads and purchases.
• The campaign reflects a broader digital strategy by Chinese manufacturers to counter U.S. trade policies, leveraging TikTok's algorithm to reach millions of U.S. users.