Trade War Goes Viral on TikTok
The escalating trade war between the US and China is dominating headlines—and TikTok is no exception. As tensions rise, the social media platform (which itself faces a potential US ban) has become a battleground for opposing viewpoints on tariffs, supply chains, and the future of global trade.
Chinese Manufacturers Take Pride in Their Products
Some TikTok users, particularly those promoting Chinese manufacturing, are pushing back against Western brands while praising the quality of goods made in China. Though their exact locations aren’t always clear, their message is: Chinese factories are essential to global supply chains.
User @Lunasourcingchina highlights the Chinese suppliers behind major brands like Sephora and Zara. Meanwhile, @Senbags, a custom bag maker from Guangzhou, boasts that his products rival Western luxury brands—a claim that’s earned him 2.7 million views. Another creator, @Gonest_lily, even shares tips on importing Chinese goods into the US while avoiding steep tariffs.
US Business Owners Brace for the Impact
On the other side of the trade war, American entrepreneurs are sounding the alarm. Small business owners fear rising costs could force them to shut down.
Chelsey Brown, who runs a home goods shop, posted a tearful TikTok announcing she’ll have to close temporarily. “Our last shipment isn’t hit with the new 145% tariff, but the existing 54% duty will wipe out our remaining cash,” she wrote.
Beth Pratt, a Denver baker who sources packaging from Shanghai, told Business Insider the tariffs will “100% affect” her business. And Andrew Chan, founder of fashion brand 3sixteen, warned that Trump’s tariffs could disrupt his supply chain, particularly Japanese denim—now subject to a 24% levy. More info
A Trade War with No End in Sight
The conflict escalated rapidly after Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on over 180 countries on April 2, calling it “Liberation Day.” While some tariffs were paused for 90 days, China wasn’t spared—its rates skyrocketed from 20% to 145%.
China retaliated with a 125% tariff on US imports, and despite temporary exemptions for tech products like smartphones, Trump hinted more tariffs could come. “There was no ‘exception,’” he posted on Truth Social.
China’s commerce ministry fired back, urging the US to “abolish reciprocal tariffs and return to dialogue.” But as businesses on both sides reel from the fallout, one thing is clear: This trade war is playing out not just in boardrooms—but on TikTok feeds worldwide.
Will the platform itself survive the feud? With its US ban looming, even TikTok’s future is now tangled in the trade war’s web.