Tech Desk 
Apr 15, 2025
A new trend on TikTok is shaking up US-China trade discussions and pushing a Chinese shopping app, DHgate, to the top of the US App Store.
This comes after former President Donald Trump announced a massive 145% tariff hike on Chinese imports, triggering strong reactions online.
What is DHgate?
DHgate is an online shopping app that links consumers with Chinese factories offering items such as clothing, shoes, bags, electronics, etc. It exists already, but it recently became a massive sensation on TikTok.
Surprisingly, Chinese merchants began sharing clips explaining that quite a number of high-end fashion brands, such as Gucci or Louis Vuitton, produce their merchandise in China, rather than in Europe, which is where one might think they do.
These viral videos demonstrated how thousands of dollars' worth of handbags are made in China for a mere hundred dollars and subsequently have a brand label attached in Europe.
Moreover, a TikTok user argued that a $38,000 Birkin bag costs just $1,400 to make in China. This gained attention from users, prompting them to download DHgate in hope of finding "luxury dupes" or authentic products prior to a brand label being attached.
Consequently, DHgate leapt from No. 352 to No. 3 in the US App Store within days, based on Appfigures. US downloads increased by more than 940% alone, as consumers wanted to shop straight from Chinese factories.
