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$100 Lululemon For $6? China’s TikTok Sellers Expose Big US Brands

Amid rising US-China tariffs, Chinese factories are using TikTok to sell luxury brand lookalikes directly to Americans - same materials, same craftsmanship, no logos, slashing prices and exposing retail markups.

US-China tariff war Edited by
$100 Lululemon For $6? China’s TikTok Sellers Expose Big US Brands

Amid trade war, China’s Tiktok sellers expose big US brands.

Amidst a tariff war initiated by US President Donald Trump, China has come out with a unique method of retaliation. Social media, especially TikTok, has been flooded with posts and videos by Chinese manufacturers trying to sell their products directly to American consumers. These aren’t just any products. The Chinese manufacturers are selling products from top luxury brands including Birkin, Lululemon, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and more.

The Chinese manufacturers point out that even after adding import tariffs and shipping costs, the prices remain significantly lower than those of similar products sold by American firms. The videos emphasise high-quality materials and skilled labour to manufacture the products at a fraction of the retail price, often without the brand logos.

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In one TikTok video, an influencer called Lily breaks down how a customer could purchase cosmetic products from luxury brands like Givenchy, Chanel and Dior for just $10 by purchasing them directly from the companies’ manufacturing factories.

“Same materials. Same craftsmanship. Just no luxury logo. Save 99% of the money directly,” the influencer pointed out.

 

According to Reuters, Chinese companies selling on Amazon are planning to increase prices for US customers or leave the US market. This comes after US President Donald Trump announced that tariffs would increase to a whopping 145 per cent on Chinese goods. China retaliated with duties of up to 125 percent. Ever since, tensions have increased between China and the US, the world’s two largest economies.

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From shoes and clothes to even laundry detergents, the videos circulating across social media inside manufacturing units in China have taken over the online feeds of Americans. Some Chinese manufacturers are even offering to cover the shipping costs for buyers in the US and have filmed detailed videos showing the manufacturing process to dispel the myth that products made in China are of poor quality.

Another video of a Chinese supplier offered replicas of Fila, Under Armour, and Lululemon products at significantly lower prices with Lululemon items, typically costing $100, which can now be bought for $5-6.

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Netizens argued that the US can’t win the trade war against China, keeping in mind China’s manufacturing prowess and competitive pricing. Others speculate that direct sales might become the only affordable option for luxury goods if tariffs keep rising.

“I don’t think anyone was ever under the impression that big brands aren’t making 70% margins or higher. You are paying for the convenience and the brand recognition. Providing a direct line will definitely be of impact it all depends on whether they are able to market correctly (sic),” another user pointed out.

Yet several others wondered why American customers still buy these items at full price from retail stores when they’re now available at a fraction of the cost through direct sales.

Topics
China Tiktoks China Us brands lululemon US China Tariffs US-China tariff war

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