Overview

• Chinese TikTok influencers are showcasing factory-direct deals, claiming drastically lower prices for products like Lululemon leggings and Birkin bags.
• Videos emphasize bypassing U.S. tariffs, which have risen to 145%, by purchasing directly from Chinese manufacturers.
• Major brands, including Lululemon and Louis Vuitton, deny affiliations with the factories in the videos and warn consumers about counterfeit goods.
• Experts suggest that many of the promoted products are likely counterfeit or replicas, exploiting the trade tensions to boost sales.
• The upcoming expiration of the U.S. de minimis tariff exemption for small parcels on May 2 could further complicate direct-from-China purchases.