Chinese E-Commerce giants DHgate, Taobao lead U.S. App downloads as buyers seek cheaper alternatives.
With fears that tariffs might cause price hikes at U.S. retailers, many American consumers are turning to Chinese e-commerce platforms like DHgate and Taobao for cheaper alternatives, such as handbags and yoga wear. As of Thursday, these apps climbed into the top three of Apple’s free apps ranking in the U.S. App Store, according to data cited by Global Times.
Beijing-based DHgate, an online marketplace specializing in cross-border trade, rose to become the second most downloaded app on Apple’s U.S. App Store by Wednesday, surpassing even ChatGPT, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
The app’s rise in popularity has largely been fueled by viral TikTok content, where Chinese influencers explain the global supply chain in relatable terms, the Wall Street Journal noted.
Other major Chinese shopping platforms, such as Alibaba’s Taobao and fast-fashion giant Shein, also featured prominently among the most downloaded shopping apps on the U.S. App Store, as reported by Bloomberg.
Bloomberg added that Chinese producers and suppliers have increasingly used TikTok to showcase their products and give global viewers a glimpse into the origin of what they call “good goods.”
These viral videos often assert that many high-end European fashion items are manufactured in China. They frequently include links and contact information, encouraging direct purchases from Chinese vendors, according to Bloomberg.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) also highlighted that DHgate’s sudden success in the U.S. was driven by TikTok videos posted by Chinese manufacturers, who claimed to supply well-known luxury brands.
One popular video by the user “bagbestie1” alleged that over 80 percent of luxury handbags are made in China before being rebranded and sold overseas, SCMP reported.
Another TikTok creator, “lunasourcingchina,” remarked, “There’s nothing a Chinese factory can’t produce,” in a video showcasing factories in Guangzhou that supposedly supply major brands like Brooks Brothers, Tommy Hilfiger, and Hugo Boss. The video gained over 3.5 million views within three days, according to SCMP.
Tech Crunch reported that the DHgate app was downloaded approximately 35,400 times on April 12 via Apple’s App Store and Google Play—a 56% rise from its 30-day average. Downloads from U.S. users alone reached 17,300, marking a 98% increase.
On April 13, the app’s iOS downloads jumped to 117,500—up 732% compared to its 30-day average. Of these, 65,100 came from the U.S., reflecting a 940% spike. (Android figures for that day were not available at the time), Tech Crunch added.
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