Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

fashion

viral

tiktok

China

luxury

exposed

supplier

tariff

crashout

As tensions between the United States and China continue to escalate into a full-blown trade war, an unexpected trend has emerged online&mdash;factory tours and cost breakdowns of luxury goods are going viral on TikTok. Dubbed &ldquo;Trade War TikTok&rdquo; by netizens, these videos offer an unprecedented look behind the glamorous curtain of global luxury manufacturing, claiming that many high-end goods are, in fact, produced in Chinese factories before being rebranded and sold at enormous mark-ups.
OEM Factories Go Public: &ldquo;We Make the Real Thing&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Cerita pasal OEM ni berat sikit lah consumer kadang nak telan kata benda ni wujud Macam parts untuk laptop. Direct Apple untuk skrin mau harga sama dgn macbook tu sendiri atau lebih lagi Order di china dgn tool dia sekali. Ada lah dekat 1k macam tu Sebab logo ja takdak.&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/FK2VBgyASC">https://t.co/FK2VBgyASC</a>
&mdash; frdnl (@fareddanial) <a href="https://twitter.com/fareddanial/status/1911621309311975702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A series of TikTok videos posted by Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) has taken social media by storm. One of the most viral accounts, @senbags, run by a man claiming to be a supplier to several top-tier fashion houses, has become a focal point of the conversation.
In one clip, he confidently states that many &ldquo;boutique bags&rdquo; are made in their factory before being shipped to the brands to have their logos and final touches added. He walks viewers through piles of high-quality leather, hardware, and zippers allegedly identical to those used by global luxury labels. His message is clear: the only difference is the brand name.
He also argues that his workers&mdash;the same artisans who produce for internationally renowned brands&mdash;&ldquo;know how to make it real, make it good.&rdquo; In another video, he encourages viewers to stop overpaying for luxury and instead buy directly from Chinese manufacturers for a fraction of the price.
While his primary account has faced takedown attempts, @senbags has vowed to continue operations through backup profiles, promising, &ldquo;We will keep making good bags for as long as we can.&rdquo;
Behind the Cost: A $38,000 Bag That Costs $1,000 to Make?
Further fuelling public interest are videos disclosing the supposed production costs of luxury items. The Herm&egrave;s Birkin bag, which can retail for up to US$38,000 (approximately RM180,000), allegedly costs only around US$1,000 to manufacture. One TikTok video even breaks down the cost of raw materials, claiming they rarely exceed 10% of the retail price.
Other viral clips highlight similar revelations&mdash;such as leggings allegedly identical to Lululemon&rsquo;s being sold for US$5&ndash;6 directly from factories, compared to their usual retail price of around US$100. Sourcing agents and factories are also showcasing laundry products, skincare tools, and hair accessories made in China for luxury and beauty brands like Chanel, Dior, Shu Uemura, and even the Rosewood Hotel.
Another popular TikTok account, @lunasourcingchina, has toured facilities that claim to supply international household names with products like claw clips, brushes, and packaging.
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@lunasourcingchina/video/7491194742265466158" data-video-id="7491194742265466158">
<section><a title="@lunasourcingchina" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lunasourcingchina?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@lunasourcingchina</a> Who made those hair pin hair claw for TARGET, CHANEL and many more big brands???! <a title="chinasourcing" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/chinasourcing?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#chinasourcing</a> <a title="sourcingtips" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/sourcingtips?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#sourcingtips</a> <a title="sourcingagent" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/sourcingagent?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#sourcingagent</a> <a title="yiwuagent" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/yiwuagent?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#yiwuagent</a> <a title="yiwuminigoods" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/yiwuminigoods?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#yiwuminigoods</a> <a title="yiwumarkets" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/yiwumarkets?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#yiwumarkets</a> <a title="lunasourcingchina" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/lunasourcingchina?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#Lunasourcingchina</a> <a title="chinasource" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/chinasource?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#chinasource</a> <a title="hairaccessories" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/hairaccessories?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#hairaccessories</a> <a title="hairpin" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/hairpin?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#hairpin</a> <a title="hairclaw" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/hairclaw?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#hairclaw</a> <a title="hairband" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/hairband?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#hairband</a> <a title="comb" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/comb?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#comb</a> <a title="luxury" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/luxury?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#luxury</a> <a title="luxuryevent" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/luxuryevent?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#luxuryevent</a> <a title="giveaways" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/giveaways?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#giveaways</a> <a title="eventgift" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/eventgift?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#eventgift</a> <a title="giftset" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/giftset?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#giftset</a> <a title="factory" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/factory?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#factory</a><a title="chinashipping" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/chinashipping?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#chinashipping</a> <a title="wholesale" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/wholesale?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#wholesale</a> <a title="clothfactory" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/clothfactory?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#clothfactory</a> <a title="jewelryaccessories" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/jewelryaccessories?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#jewelryaccessories</a> <a title="beddingfactory" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/beddingfactory?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#beddingfactory</a> <a title="alibaba" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/alibaba?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#alibaba</a> <a title="directfactory" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/directfactory?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#directfactory</a> <a title="chinasupplier" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/chinasupplier?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#chinasupplier</a> <a title="♬ original sound - LunaSourcingChina" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7491194733377669930?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - LunaSourcingChina</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

Public Reaction: Skeptics, Supporters, and the Rise of &ldquo;Direct from Factory&rdquo; Shoppers
The response online has been mixed. While some remain sceptical of the factories&rsquo; claims&mdash;arguing that brand authentication and final assembly still play a significant role&mdash;others are embracing the revelations. A growing number of consumers are now openly seeking ways to purchase directly from OEMs, bypassing brand mark-ups, shipping channels, and now, tariffs.
A notable subset of users found China&rsquo;s alleged strategy to combat Western tariffs by openly showcasing how many luxury products are &ldquo;Made in China&rdquo; to be a kind of satirical revenge&mdash;a &ldquo;reverse UNO card&rdquo; against rising import taxes.
Here&rsquo;s some comments from users online:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ab40c1b536e63e39b5d39b2c2128624bd84f45456c50541b3470bbf3bbd97d1f" />
Luxury Brands Push Back: Not All That Glitters Is &ldquo;Made in China&rdquo;
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d2642105ee698322ff8ebffe7a96e5b3292aa5eb0cb6019cf8aae7ed02be7b32" />
Major luxury houses have been swift to defend their reputations and clarify their production origins. Louis Vuitton, for instance, states on its official website that its leather goods are produced exclusively in France, Spain, and the United States. Similarly, Herm&egrave;s, Chanel, and Dior all insist their main production workshops remain in France or Italy.
Here are a few examples of well-known brands and their officially declared manufacturing locations:
<ul>
<li>Herm&egrave;s &ndash; France</li>
<li>Chanel &ndash; France and Italy</li>
<li>Louis Vuitton &ndash; France, Spain, and the US</li>
<li>Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Bottega Veneta &ndash; Primarily Italy</li>
<li>Burberry &ndash; UK and Italy</li>
<li>Loewe &ndash; Spain</li>
<li>Goyard, Moynat &ndash; France</li>
<li>Lululemon &ndash; Various locations including Asia</li>
</ul>
While it's not unusual for certain components or early-stage production to be outsourced to Chinese factories, the brands emphasise that final assembly, quality control, and finishing occur in-house or in designated European ateliers to meet brand and legal standards.
Here&rsquo;s more videos of China factories explaining their manufacturing process:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Not China yang tetiber spill the tea luxury brand mana yang buat dekat kilang diorang. Even it&rsquo;s open secret but since Donald Trump starts the tariff war dengan China, supplier diorang terus menumpahkan teh haha. China said seprais bestie! Yang dupe kau beli tu actually ori 😂 <a href="https://t.co/nxIFtppB0f">pic.twitter.com/nxIFtppB0f</a>
&mdash; Januar Haikal (@Januarhaikal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Januarhaikal/status/1911422591035752719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Looks like we got a Trade War Winner&hellip;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> <a href="https://t.co/DHUrD7srHm">pic.twitter.com/DHUrD7srHm</a>
&mdash; Meidas_Charise Lee (@charise_lee) <a href="https://twitter.com/charise_lee/status/1911141317058675032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@lan.furniture6/video/7492660010162441478" data-video-id="7492660010162441478">
<section><a title="@lan.furniture6" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lan.furniture6?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@lan.furniture6</a> Chinese supplier of Luluemon 👍👍 <a title="sourcing" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/sourcing?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#sourcing</a> <a title="sourcefactory" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/sourcefactory?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#sourcefactory</a> <a title="business" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/business?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#business</a> <a title="smallbusinesstips" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/smallbusinesstips?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#smallbusinesstips</a> <a title="overseas" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/overseas?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#overseas</a> <a title="import" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/import?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#import</a> <a title="importstuff" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/importstuff?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#importstuff</a> <a title="supplier" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/supplier?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#supplier</a> <a title="supplychain" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/supplychain?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#supplychain</a> <a title="factory" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/factory?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#factory</a> <a title="makeinchina" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/makeinchina?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#makeinchina</a> <a title="♬ original sound - lan furniture" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7492660047885978373?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - lan furniture</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

The Trade War and Its Fallout on the Luxury Market
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/187493d3d48590ddb42b638b3781bc059e218489ce5bf11c6d97b5948b421eb9" />
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4228/trump-pauses-global-tariffs-for-90-days-but-escalates-trade-war-with-125percent-levy-on-china">Trump Pauses Global Tariffs For 90 Days &mdash; But Escalates Trade War With 125% Levy On China</a>
This wave of factory transparency arrives at a critical juncture. President Donald Trump has intensified his tariff policy, recently raising import duties from China to 125%, and eliminating the de minimis threshold&mdash;meaning all goods, regardless of value, now face tax when entering the US.
This has far-reaching consequences for retailers and brands that rely on Chinese manufacturing or fulfilment services. Even small businesses are raising concerns about increased costs and compliance headaches.
As a result, many brands, from household names like Nike to boutique fashion houses, are reevaluating their supply chains. Some are exploring options outside of China, but according to OEM representatives, many of these efforts have failed due to higher labour costs, less efficient infrastructure, and inconsistent quality.
Will the Luxury Illusion Survive?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/624cd6422d6dc47f3d4566fda628477aa6a6e17da20f9a6e637a407aa30f28d5" />
Despite the buzz, industry analysts caution that TikTok exposes alone are unlikely to upend the luxury sector. The desirability of branded goods is rooted not just in craftsmanship, but in symbolism, lifestyle, and exclusivity&mdash;attributes that are difficult to replicate, even with identical materials.
However, the proliferation of high-quality counterfeits or &ldquo;unbranded originals&rdquo; could impact resale values. Brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci have already seen second-hand market depreciation, driven in part by counterfeit saturation. To preserve brand integrity and rarity, some have resorted to destroying unsold inventory rather than risk it being resold at a discount.
In the end, while Chinese OEMs may succeed in peeling back the curtain on how luxury is made, shifting consumer behaviour remains an uphill battle. For many, the logo, the boutique experience, and the illusion of rarity remain worth the price tag&mdash;even if they&rsquo;re made in the same place as the &ldquo;dupes&rdquo;.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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The crash out is real — and Trump might’ve just ruined your favourite brand with the tariff.

1e51ecd72e39f6ef7ff7c81d86de7eacf44ae751acd89382608e78a7c556098b

“Made In China”: Luxury Lies? TikTok Exposes Reality Behind High-End Brands & Trade War Fallout

“Made In China”: Luxury Lies? TikTok Exposes Reality Behind High-End Brands & Trade War Fallout

The crash out is real — and Trump might’ve just ruined your favourite brand with the tariff.

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