As the U.S.-China tariff war escalates, Chinese suppliers have taken to social media, encouraging American consumers to bypass luxury retailers and buy directly from them. Viral TikTok videos show suppliers, like Wang Sen, claiming to be original manufacturers for luxury brands, offering products like Birkin bags at steep discounts.
However, experts say these claims are highly questionable. Regina Frei, professor at University of the Arts London, and Hao Dong, senior lecturer at the University of Southampton, told CTVNews.ca that genuine luxury manufacturers are bound by strict non-disclosure agreements, making direct sales highly unlikely. They warned that many of these products are either high-quality fakes or factory defects—not authentic luxury goods.
Sarah Jay, executive director of Fashion Revolution, noted that while China is a major manufacturing hub for global fashion, true luxury goods emphasize quality and fair labor practices, justifying their high prices. Experts added that consumer fascination with cheap luxury stems from a broader culture of overconsumption, fueled by platforms like Shein and Temu.
Meanwhile, trade tensions continue, with China recently exempting some U.S. imports from hefty tariffs. Experts warn the tariff war may further strain the global supply chain, impacting vulnerable sectors.
Source: Swifteradio.com
