These TikTok videos focus on the idea that Chinese manufacturers are selling luxury goods that are the same quality as well-known brands for a fraction of the price, and urging consumers to buy directly from them. (@Senbags02 and @elizabethhenzie/Screenshot by NPR) hide caption
toggle caption (@Senbags02 and @elizabethhenzie/Screenshot by NPR)
This week, in the wake of widespread confusion about Trump's tariffs on China, a certain kind of video started going viral on TikTok, and then on other corners of the internet.
What is it? Why, it's the Chinese luxury goods conspiracy,Charlie Brown! If you don't already know what we're talking about, the videos in question feature a pretty standard format:
A supposed Chinese manufacturer or factory owner informs the viewer that they are going to be "spilling the tea."
The alleged secret? That European luxury manufacturers have been using their factories to produce their brand name wares, then charging an enormous markup that is passed on to the consumer.
