The Chinese e-commerce platform DHgate has surged in popularity in the U.S. App Store following viral TikTok videos and heightened trade tensions between the U.S. and China.
DHgate Surges in the U.S. App Store Rankings
The recent escalation of tariffs on Chinese imports by former President Trump—raising them by 145%—sparked a wave of online content that unexpectedly propelled DHgate, a Chinese wholesale marketplace, into the limelight.
| Date | Ranking in Free Non-Game Apps (U.S. App Store) | Overall Free iPhone Apps Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, April 11 | No. 352 | — |
| Sunday, April 13 | No. 6 | — |
| Monday, April 14 | No. 3 | No. 3 |
TikTok Trend Reveals the Truth Behind “Luxury” Goods
A viral trend on TikTok helped fuel this meteoric rise. Chinese manufacturers began posting videos explaining that many high-end products believed to be made in Europe—like handbags and clothing—are actually produced in Chinese factories. According to these videos, these items are only labeled and packaged in Europe.
One now-deleted TikTok video claimed that a luxury Birkin bag retailing for $38,000 costs about $1,400 to produce, with consumers largely paying for branding. Though the original content was removed, reuploads and stitches kept the message alive.
Download Numbers Skyrocket After Viral Buzz
According to data from Appfigures, DHgate saw massive spikes in downloads. On April 12 alone, the app was downloaded over 35,000 times globally, including 17,300 installs from the U.S. On April 13, that number jumped to 117,500 downloads on iOS, with over 65,000 from U.S. users—a 940% increase over the 30-day average.
What DHgate Offers to Consumers
DHgate connects both consumers and businesses to suppliers in China and other markets. The app offers more than 30 million products spanning electronics, fashion, home goods, health and beauty, and more.
It’s especially appealing to those intrigued by the idea of buying luxury products straight from the source—before branding and markup.
Communities and Controversy Around Authenticity
Determining whether products are authentic or “dupes” is tricky. Online communities like Reddit’s r/DHgate try to guide buyers toward quality goods and away from obvious counterfeits. Still, distinguishing between original suppliers and copycat factories remains a challenge.
Not a Way to Bypass Tariffs
Despite its rising popularity, DHgate doesn’t offer a workaround for tariffs. U.S. imports from China are still subject to high duties, except for limited electronics exemptions. The TikTok trend’s success is rooted more in consumer curiosity than in avoiding tariffs.
The Bigger Picture in the Trade War
The videos highlight how deeply intertwined American consumerism is with Chinese manufacturing. Brands like Hermès, Chanel, Gucci, and even mid-tier names like Lululemon and Hugo Boss were all mentioned in these videos. It sheds light on how reliant the West is on Chinese supply chains—even for luxury goods.
As one TikTok user joked: while the U.S. might think it holds the cards in the trade war, China reminded everyone: “We make all the cards.”