Chinese TikTok Campaigns Drive Surge in E-Commerce App Downloads

Chinese influencers promote direct-from-factory purchases, sparking U.S. consumer interest despite tariff and counterfeit concerns.

TikTok videos by Chinese influencers claim to reveal factory sources for luxury and mid-range brands, urging Americans to buy directly from China to save costs.
Chinese e-commerce platforms like DHgate have seen a dramatic rise in U.S. downloads, with DHgate reaching the second spot in the U.S. App Store rankings.
Major brands such as Lululemon and Adidas have refuted claims of affiliation with the factories featured in these videos, warning consumers about counterfeit risks.
Experts clarify that U.S. tariffs, including a 145% levy on Chinese imports, remain unavoidable, challenging the narrative presented in these viral videos.
The campaign highlights broader issues of consumer protection, counterfeit goods, and the impact of the ongoing U.S.-China trade war on global commerce.