What in the Chinese suppliers advise Americans to avoid Trump's rates: “No one will believe what prices we have”
This week, American social networks have been invaded by videos and messages in which Chinese suppliers urge users to bypass the new 145% customs rates imposed by the Trump administration, buying directly from China factories.
Chinese suppliers boast of prices and 10 times lower. Photo: Tiktok video capture
On Tiktok, the Wang Sen user claims to be the original luxury brands like Hermès, appearing in a clip in front of a Birkin's bag. “Why don't you contact us directly? No one to believe what prices we have”, he says. The video was later removed from the platform, but others remained on the same theme.
Meanwhile, Chinese applications such as DHGATE and Taobao have quickly climbed into the US App Store charts, a sign that more and more Americans are looking for cheap alternatives to brand products.
The heaven of counterfeit products
However, experts cited by CNN warn that the authenticity of these offers is questionable. The real producers of the large brands are obliged by the contract to maintain confidentiality, so it is unlikely that these creators will sell authentic products. In addition, brands deny any links with factories promoted on Tiktok.
Even if some components of luxury products are partially manufactured in China, experts point out that there are no guarantees on quality, safety or possibility of return for products purchased. In addition, it is not clear how the customs tariffs imposed by the US could be avoided.
Tiktok did not offer an official point of view on these practices.
The “Made in Italy” label can hide a global route
Bags, watches and other luxury products bearing the label “Made in Italy” or “Made in Switzerland” are not always manufactured exclusively in these countries.
Many of the luxury brands outsource some of the production in China. These are usually about components or accessories, which are then assembled or completed in Europe.
Moreover, even the factories located in Italy or France can have direct links with China, either by shareholding or through management. So, “Made in Europe ” no longer necessarily means “Manufactured in Europe”.
The ecological cost of shopping in China
In addition to the economic and ethical implications, this explosion of directly online trade in China has a major ecological cost.
Individual shipment of packages worldwide – every plastic packaged, sent by plane or on cargo ships – leaves a huge carbon imprint. Often, these cheap products are used little and then thrown, becoming unnecessary waste.
