Chinese Factories Flood TikTok with Videos “Trying” to Mock Trump's Tariffs

*you can watch the video here. 

Recently, numerous videos from Chinese factories have appeared on TikTok, encouraging Americans to buy directly from them to bypass the tariffs set by Donald Trump. These videos advertise the opportunity to purchase items from Chinese factories that claim to make goods for popular brands like Lululemon and Louis Vuitton, but at much lower prices.

One viral video with almost 10 million views features a creator who says she can sell yoga pants from the same factory as Lululemon for just $5 to $6, instead of the $100 they cost in the U.S. She claims the quality is basically the same since they come from the same production line.

In another video, a man claims he can sell Louis Vuitton bags directly to consumers for $50, stating that he has access to the factories that make them.

However, both Lululemon and Louis Vuitton report that their products are not made in China, and experts suggest that these videos are likely created by counterfeit manufacturers trying to take advantage of the tariff situation to increase sales.

"They are trying to connect fake manufacturers in China with real ones," said Conrad Quilty-Harper, who writes about the luxury goods industry. He added that these manufacturers are very clever with social media and effective at increasing demand.

Lululemon confirmed that it only makes about 3% of its finished products in mainland China, and it provides a complete list of its manufacturing partners on its website.

TikTok users mention that they have noticed these videos more frequently as the trade war between the U.S. and China grows. Trump has imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods, but his administration has granted exemptions for smartphones and some electronics.

In response, China has placed a 125% tariff on American imports.

Many of these videos are high-quality ads, likely made by influencers hired by the manufacturers. Others are simpler and look like they were filmed directly in factories or warehouses, often including links to the manufacturer's website and instructions for purchasing. Some creators have even made videos opposing the U.S. tariffs, suggesting that the surge in these videos is a reaction to the tariffs.

Imports from China under $800 previously avoided tariffs, but that exemption is set to end on May 2. A few American TikTok users appreciate these videos for exposing a hidden side of the luxury goods market and bypassing U.S. companies by buying directly from China.

China has the largest counterfeit market in the world. U.S. Customs seized counterfeit goods worth about $1.8 billion in retail value in 2023.

Quilty-Harper noted that the counterfeit issue in China has been a concern for Western companies for years, and enforcement of laws about trademarks and intellectual property often depends on the state of U.S.-China relations.

"In the past, China has been stricter or more lenient based on its relationship with the U.S. and its presidents," he explained. "This situation is part of a larger geopolitical battle over intellectual property between America and China, making it interesting to see this kind of propaganda in popular TikTok videos."