Birkin bag for $1,400, Lululemon for $6: Chinese manufacturers flood TikTok with videos of ‘luxury brands’

Amid the escalating US-China trade war, particularly after Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, many Chinese vendors part of the supply chain for prominent global luxury brands are using social media platforms to promote their products. They are offering direct-to-consumer sales at a fraction of retail prices.

These factory workers and business owners claim to offer luxury products ranging from handbags to apparel and cosmetics, from renowned brands such as Birkin and Louis Vuitton to Chanel, Estee Lauder and Bobbi Brown, with prices notably lower than retail. In the viral videos posted on X, factory workers are seen detailing the hand-stitching techniques, premium leather and production lines of these items.

On X, a video shows a woman discussing the suppliers for the expensive brand Dior. She went on to say, “Their knits and cardigans are from Beyond Garments from Hangzhou, which is also the supplier behind many luxury brands like Sandro, Maje, Versace….” “Dior’s cosmetic products are actually produced by Thai Ho Group, which is also the supplier behind Lancome and L’Oréal…,” the woman added.
Another X user posted a video of a man advertising counterfeit products of well-known luxury brands. “China TikTok is so messy rn Because now that the Chinese government legalised Counterfeit products of all American goods because of the tariffs, their now exposing a lot of Big brands and how their stuff is manufactured and encourages you to buy them in China for cheaper,” read the caption.

In the viral video, a man showcasing many bags resembling the styles of premium brands, said, “For more than 30 years, we have been the OEM factory for most of the luxury brands from around the world – Gucci, Prada, Coach, Louis Vuitton. You name it…But I’m not proud because we were only making our wages, and the profit margin for those who make the bags is very low…”

In one of the videos, a Birkin bag supplier indicated that the manufacturing cost of a bag priced at $34,000 (Rs 29,23,320) was approximately $1,400 (Rs 1,20,372). He further claimed the bag producers made a small profit margin, while the premium brand kept most of the profit due to its logo and branding. “More than 90% of the price is for the logo, but if you do not care about the logo and want the same quality, same material, you can just buy from us,” he added.

Another social media user posted a video of a Chinese manufacturer selling Birkenstock footwear, writing, “My fyp is suddenly filled with Chinese manufacturers trying to sell directly to Americans. The gag is that even with paying the import tariff and shipping, it’s still way cheaper than buying the same products through American corporations. We are not winning this trade war lmao.”

Sharing a video of a Chinese supplier offering replicas of Fila, Under Armour, and Lululemon products, a user wrote, “China is definitely having their moment… The tea is steaming hot.”

Another user posted a video of a woman seen exposing the key supplier of Zara and H&M. “China is so pissed-off with the US! The situation is getting out of hand. They’re exposing brands in Europe and the US, including cars,” read the caption.

Are Luxury Handbags Made in China?

As per a 2023 Statista report, there are about 200 to 250 fashion and accessory brands globally that are categorised under the ‘luxury’ label. About 70 to 100 of these brands are recognised as top-tier luxury fashion brands and are often owned by luxury conglomerates, including LVMH and Kering.

The top three most popular luxury fashion brands worldwide were Prada, Miu Miu and Saint Laurent, according to the Lyst index for Q4 of 2024. Most premium manufacturers make their handbags in nations such as France, Italy and Spain.

China Urge US To ‘Completely Cancel’ Reciprocal Tariffs

Trump has put a 90-day pause on tariffs on many nations but imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, and in its own tit-for-tat tariffs, the Xi Jinping government imposed 125% tariffs. China has now urged the United States to ‘completely cancel’ its reciprocal tariffs.

“We urge the US to… take a big step to correct its mistakes, completely cancel the wrong practice of ‘reciprocal tariffs’ and return to the right path of mutual respect,” read a statement from the commerce ministry.

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