American shoppers flock to Chinese apps on tariff fears
As US-China trade tensions mount, Americans turn to Chinese platforms like DHgate, Taobao, and Shein for luxury lookalikes at rock-bottom prices.
A user browses the DHgate app on a smartphone, with the DHgate website in the background, on April 15, 2025. The Chinese e-commerce platform has surged in popularity among American shoppers seeking cheaper alternatives amid renewed US tariffs. Viral TikTok content promoting discount luxury and fashion dupes has driven the app to No. 2 in the US App Store. Image: Getty Images
A user browses the DHgate app on a smartphone, with the DHgate website in the background, on April 15, 2025. The Chinese e-commerce platform has surged in popularity among American shoppers seeking cheaper alternatives amid renewed US tariffs. Viral TikTok content promoting discount luxury and fashion dupes has driven the app to No. 2 in the US App Store. Image: Getty Images
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