Chinese TikTok creators are gaining traction online after posting videos alleging that luxury brands use budget manufacturers. The videos suggest that, amid ongoing trade tensions, Chinese factories are now offering lower-priced alternatives—often dubbed 'dupes'—of these high-end goods.
In a notable development, Chinese factories appear to have found a direct route to consumers via the social media platform TikTok. While previously known for dance trends and beauty tips, TikTok is now seeing a surge in videos claiming to reveal the production secrets of luxury brands. These clips reportedly focus on how shoppers can bypass retail mark-ups and import tariffs by purchasing directly from Chinese manufacturers.
Several videos purportedly showcase luxury items, including handbags from brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermès (Birkin), as well as Lululemon leggings, being sold for significantly less than their usual retail price.
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These claims have emerged following a period of fluctuating trade tariffs. While a previous pause on US tariffs for most countries, excluding China, led to a reported retaliatory imposition of tariffs and restrictions by China, the TikTok trend seems to represent a new tactic by manufacturers.
Chinese manufacturers reportedly assert that numerous well-known luxury companies rely on their low-cost bulk production, subsequently inflating the prices for consumers. Some reports claim that over 80% of luxury handbags are, in fact, manufactured in China, despite being labelled as made in France or Italy.
Reactions to these videos have been widespread on social media, particularly TikTok, with many users expressing belief in the claims, while others remain sceptical.
Fashion historian Cora Harrington commented on social media platform X, stating: “The thing about videos saying a knockoff product is exactly the same as a more expensive product is that most people don’t know what they’re looking for, which makes them incredibly easy to scam. Hermès bags are a good example of this.”
Another user claimed that their Instagram account was "suspended without any warning" after Hermès allegedly filed a complaint. This incident has prompted varied reactions, with some suggesting the brand was protecting its trademark, while others speculated about potential attempts to conceal manufacturing practices or concerns about promoting counterfeit goods.
American magazine Newsweek has reported that Hermès maintains it does not manufacture its handbags in China, with production based in workshops across France.
The brand stated: “Hermès bags are crafted exclusively in our ateliers in France by highly trained artisans. We do not outsource production of our leather goods to China or any other country. Any claims suggesting otherwise are categorically false and may be the result of counterfeit misinformation.”
However, a Bloomberg report indicates that Chinese manufacturers are also allegedly targeting sportswear brands such as Nike and Lululemon, offering consumers the opportunity to purchase their products at considerably reduced prices.
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