China Suppliers Mock Tariffs with Nike, Lululemon Deals on TikTok

TikTok users in the US are being inundated with videos from Chinese influencers encouraging American buyers to overcome punitive Trump tariffs by buying direct from the “world’s factory” – China.

Chinese Influencers Urge US Buyers to Buy Direct from China

Mostly filmed at Chinese factories purporting to supply top US brands from Lululemon Athletica to Nike, the influencers aim to “expose” how the vast majority of consumer goods are made in the world’s second-largest economy.

Encouraging Direct Purchases

Many of them provide website URLs and contact details for viewers to order directly from these suppliers. “Why do not you just contact us and buy from us? You will not believe the prices we give you,” said one creator selling luxury handbags.

factories and Suppliers

In another video, TikTok creator @LunaSourcingChina, stands outside a factory she said makes Lululemon yoga leggings for US$5 to US$6 even though they retail in the US for more than US$100. “The material and craftsmanship are basically the same,” she said.

A Response from Lululemon

A Lululemon spokesperson said the company manufactures about 3 per cent of its finished goods in Mainland China and that authentic products are only available for purchase at Lululemon stores, official websites and authorised partners.

Popular Videos and Algorithm

Some of the most popular videos – many uploaded in March but only gaining traction in recent days – have been amplified by a video titled “China exposed the truth” with 8.3 million views and 492,000 likes, as at Monday (Apr 14) morning, New York time. The one that reveals the Chinese supplier to Lululemon garnered 2.6 million views and over 215,000 likes, while a “How we bypass tariffs” clip had close to one million views and 118,000 likes.

TikTok Algorithm

The sheer volume of similarly themed videos in a short period of time points to a popular backlash against US President Donald Trump’s barrage of tariffs, including a 145 per cent levy on China.

Global Reaction and Chinese Creators

While it’s unclear how ordering directly from Chinese suppliers would allow consumers to sidestep the tariff – the duty waiver for small parcels that are sent to American homes is also being scrapped from May 2 – the videos speak to the ongoing global reaction to Trump’s tariffs, and the White House narrative that the economic measures are in Americans’ interest.

Chinese Creators and TikTok

The flood of posts also reflects the increased effectiveness of Chinese creators to reach into the daily lives of ordinary Americans. TikTok’s algorithm, and its ability to influence what information millions of US users see, is one of the main driving forces behind US government efforts to force its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to relinquish control of its international operations.

Conclusion

The videos have sparked a heated debate on social media, with some users calling for a boycott of Chinese products and others urging Americans to take advantage of the cheaper prices offered by Chinese suppliers.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the videos?

A: The videos aim to encourage American buyers to overcome punitive Trump tariffs by buying direct from the “world’s factory” – China.

Q: How do the videos affect long-standing business relationships between brands and their manufacturers?

A: The videos do not explain how the factories have non-disclosure agreements with their international clients, and it is unclear how the videos will potentially affect long-standing business relationships between brands and their manufacturers.

Q: What is the impact of the videos on the global reaction to Trump’s tariffs?

A: The videos speak to the ongoing global reaction to Trump’s tariffs, and the White House narrative that the economic measures are in Americans’ interest.

Q: What is the future of TikTok in the US?

A: The US government is pushing to force ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, to relinquish control of its international operations, citing national security concerns.