Trump’s Trade War Spurs Viral TikTok Trend, Catapults DHgate to Top of App Store
A wave of TikTok videos revealing behind-the-scenes details of global manufacturing has propelled Chinese e-commerce platform DHgate to the No. 3 spot on the U.S. App Store, following a surge of interest triggered by former President Donald Trump’s 145% tariff hike on Chinese imports.
The viral trend began as Chinese suppliers and manufacturers took to TikTok to explain how many high-end luxury goods—believed by many to be made in Europe—are actually produced in factories in China. These videos have resonated with American consumers, reshaping perceptions of global supply chains and fueling a rush to purchase items directly from Chinese manufacturers.
DHgate, a wholesale marketplace connecting consumers and businesses with Chinese suppliers, experienced an explosive rise in downloads. According to app intelligence firm Appfigures, the app jumped from No. 352 in the U.S. App Store on April 11 to No. 3 by April 15, also reaching No. 3 on the Top Overall chart, which includes both games and non-game apps.
Install Data Highlights:
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Saturday, April 12: 35,400 installs globally (17,300 in the U.S.), a 56% increase over the 30-day average.
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Sunday, April 13: 117,500 installs on iOS alone, with 65,100 from the U.S.—a 940% increase over the 30-day average.
DHgate offers over 30 million products, including electronics, apparel, accessories, and home goods. While not new, the app is now enjoying renewed attention thanks to TikTok creators who claim that many luxury items—such as Hermès Birkin bags—are manufactured in China at a fraction of their retail price, with labels added later in Europe.
One now-removed viral video by user @senbags2 alleged that a $38,000 Birkin bag is produced for around $1,400. Other creators chimed in with similar claims involving brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Lacoste, and Lululemon, highlighting the disconnect between manufacturing costs and retail pricing.
The videos emphasize a larger point: the deep reliance of Western markets on Chinese manufacturing, despite rising political tensions and protectionist policies. As one commenter on TikTok noted, “The U.S. says it holds all the cards. China replies, ‘We make all the cards.’”
However, the surge in DHgate usage doesn’t mean consumers can sidestep tariffs entirely. Imports from China are still subject to the increased duties, though some categories—like electronics—may be temporarily exempt.
The viral moment also pushed another Chinese marketplace app, Taobao, into the Top 10 on the U.S. App Store, further reflecting consumer interest in alternative, direct-from-China shopping platforms.
While experts and those familiar with global manufacturing won’t be surprised by these revelations, the TikTok trend has introduced a younger, broader audience to the reality of modern supply chains—transforming geopolitical tension into a new form of viral commerce.
