- Chinese language e-commerce platforms DHgate and Taobao have soared in recognition this week after viral TikTok movies declare to promote luxurious model gadgets from Lululemon and Hermès for a fraction of the worth. The pattern has grabbed the eye of American social-media customers, who’re calling out U.S. firms for his or her excessive costs. Lululemon says the factories that declare to fabricate their items weren’t included throughout the firm’s provide chain.
Downloads of well-liked Chinese language e-commerce platforms soared within the U.S. this week, spurred by viral TikTok movies from alleged Chinese language suppliers claiming to reveal luxurious manufacturers.
Amid a budding commerce battle between the U.S. and China, highlighted by President Donald Trump imposing 145% tariffs on imports from Beijing final week, some Individuals say they will not pay greater costs because the U.S. seeks to shut the “de minimis” commerce loophole.
Because it pertains to commerce, de minimis permits shipments valued beneath $800 to enter the U.S. with out paying any taxes. It’s one of many key causes firms like Shein and Temu have been so profitable lately.
“What do American firms assume we’re gonna do? We’re gonna pay their costs slightly than Chinese language costs, after I can get a thousand occasions extra product for a similar worth as we get right here?” one TikTok consumer stated in a submit that amassed almost 22 million views.
Amid the stress, Chinese language low cost retailer DHgate is gaining recognition amongst American customers. The platform ranks because the second-most well-liked app on Apple’s U.S. App Retailer. Along with DHgate, one other Chinese language e-commerce platform known as Taobao ranks seventh.
The recent demand for Chinese language e-commerce platforms comes after Chinese language social media accounts went viral on TikTok for claiming to undercut the excessive costs from a number of luxurious manufacturers.
Whereas the app’s future within the U.S. stays unsure—the deadline for TikTok’s Beijing-based dad or mum firm to divest possession is June 15— “China ‘Exposes’ Luxurious Manufacturers” was trending on the app Wednesday. Movies with hundreds of thousands of views claimed that Chinese language suppliers promote related or equivalent items at cheaper costs than well-liked manufacturers.
A video posted to TikTok by @LunaSourcingChina alleged Lululemon leggings could possibly be bought from two factories in Yiwu, China, for $5 to $6, claiming the activewear model sources its clothes instantly from them.
“And what’s even higher, the fabric and the craftsmanship are mainly the identical as a result of all of them come from the identical manufacturing line,” the video says.
Lululemon rejected these claims.
“Lululemon doesn’t work with the producers recognized within the on-line movies and we urge customers to pay attention to doubtlessly counterfeit merchandise and misinformation,” a Lululemon spokesperson informed Fortune.
The 2 factories that claimed to produce Lululemon’s leggings weren’t listed within the firm’s April 2025 Provider Record.
One other Chinese language TikToker named Wang Sen claimed he’s the unique gear producer (OEM) for many luxurious purse manufacturers like Hermès. OEMs manufacture merchandise that one other firm sells.
“Why don’t you simply contact us and purchase from us? You received’t imagine the costs we (will) offer you,” he stated in a video.
Hermès didn’t reply to Fortune’s request for remark.
This story was initially featured on Fortune.com
