Chinese Firms Flood TikTok With Videos Urging Americans To Buy Direct

Chinese factories are flooding TikTok with videos urging Americans to buy directly from them to undercut Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

These viral videos promote the opportunity to purchase goods from Chinese factories. I Photo: Solen Feyissa Flickr

These viral videos promote the opportunity to purchase goods from Chinese factories that claim to manufacture products for high-end brands like Lululemon and Louis Vuitton—offering them at a fraction of the U.S. retail price, Richard Hall reported for The Independent.

In one video with nearly 10 million views, a creator claims she can sell yoga pants made by the same manufacturer that supplies Lululemon for just $5–$6, compared to the $100 retail price in the U.S.

“The material and the craftsmanship are basically the same because they come from the same production line,” she says, standing in front of what appears to be a factory.

In another video, a man on a factory floor, claims to have access to manufacturers that produce Louis Vuitton bags, which he says can be sold directly to customers for $50.

However, both companies deny their products are made in China. Experts told The Independent the videos are likely part of an effort by counterfeit or “dupe” manufacturers to exploit the confusion surrounding the tariffs.

Lululemon manufactures only 3% of its goods in China, while Louis Vuitton does not manufacture any products there.

Hannah Boland of The Telegraph reported that the U.S. produces only about 2% of the clothing sold within its borders. In contrast, China is a major exporter, producing approximately 66.6% of the world’s garments.

The U.S. remains the largest market for Chinese textile exports, receiving around $49 billion worth last year.

Nike sources about 18% of its footwear from China. H&M relies heavily on manufacturers in China and Bangladesh, and its shares have dropped approximately 11% over the past two months.

JD Sports chairman Andrew Higginson recently warned that prices will rise if the high tariffs remain.

He added, “It’s an illusion that this is just about cheap labor. These countries have invested heavily in the technology and manufacturing capabilities behind many of these products.”