Chinese shopping app Taobao joins DHgate in Top 5 on US App Store

Tech Crunch - Apr 17th, 2025

Chinese e-commerce apps DHgate and Taobao are seeing a surge in U.S. downloads as consumers respond to viral TikTok videos explaining the origins of luxury goods. These videos revealed that many luxury items are made in China before being repackaged in the brand's home countries, prompting U.S. shoppers to buy directly from Chinese manufacturers through these apps. This shift has been reflected in the app store rankings, where Taobao has climbed swiftly to become the No. 2 Shopping app, surpassing major platforms like Amazon and Walmart.

The rise in popularity of these Chinese apps is partly attributed to President Trump's tariffs on imports from China, which have driven American consumers to seek cost-saving alternatives. While buying directly from manufacturers doesn't eliminate tariffs, it offers potentially lower prices, attracting those looking for luxury dupes or more affordable goods. Despite the appeal, there are concerns over product quality on these marketplaces, and consumers are advised to review seller ratings and buyer feedback carefully before purchasing.

Tik Tok E Commerce Trump Tariffs Luxury Goods U.S. Consumers D Hgate Taobao Chinese Imports

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded and timely examination of the rise in popularity of Chinese e-commerce apps in the U.S., driven by social media trends and consumer responses to tariffs. It effectively uses data to support its claims and is engaging for readers interested in consumer behavior and international trade. However, the piece could benefit from more diverse perspectives and greater transparency in sourcing. While it addresses public interest topics, its potential impact on policy or societal change is somewhat limited by its focus. Overall, the article is informative, engaging, and accessible, though it leaves room for deeper exploration of the economic and social nuances involved.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports the rise in popularity of the Chinese e-commerce apps DHgate and Taobao on the U.S. App Store, supported by app analytics data and media reports. It provides specific figures, such as Taobao's download increase and rank changes, which align with verified data sources. The claim that TikTok videos influenced consumer behavior is credible, as it is consistent with known trends of social media impacting consumer choices. However, the article could improve by explicitly citing sources for some claims, such as the precise impact of tariffs on consumer decisions.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the situation by highlighting both the appeal of these apps due to lower prices and the potential risks involved, such as quality concerns. However, it could provide more perspectives, such as the views of U.S. retailers or economists on the economic implications of this trend. The focus is primarily on consumer behavior, which may overlook other important angles, like the broader trade implications.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and easy to follow, with a logical flow from the introduction of the apps' popularity to the reasons behind it. The language is clear and accessible, making the information understandable to a broad audience. However, the inclusion of more detailed explanations on certain economic terms, like tariffs, could improve clarity for readers less familiar with these concepts.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources such as app analytics firms and media reports to substantiate its claims. The use of data from Appfigures and references to TikTok trends adds reliability. However, the article would benefit from direct quotes or statements from industry experts or representatives from the apps themselves to enhance source authority and depth.

Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of events but lacks explicit disclosure of its sources or methodology in detail. It mentions data from Appfigures but does not delve into how the data was collected or analyzed. Greater transparency regarding the basis of claims, such as the impact of tariffs and specific TikTok content, would enhance credibility.