Two Chinese shopping apps, DHgate and Taobao, are currently trending in the U.S. App Store. DHgate has already secured the No. 2 spot among free iPhone apps, while Taobao made a surprising leap into the Top 5 as of last Thursday — a first in its history.
This surge in popularity was driven by viral TikTok videos from Chinese manufacturers revealing that many high-end luxury items — such as bags, clothing, and shoes — are actually produced in China. These products are then shipped to countries like Italy or France, where brand labels are added before being sold at premium prices. This revelation has sparked American consumers’ interest in buying directly from manufacturers via apps like Taobao and DHgate, cutting out the hefty markups.
With rising prices on popular platforms like Shein and Temu, U.S. shoppers have started turning to these alternatives. As a result, Taobao’s downloads soared by 514% in April compared to the previous month, with the biggest spike occurring over the weekend.
On Saturday, Taobao ranked No. 461 in the overall (non-game) category, jumping to No. 188 on Sunday, and skyrocketing to No. 5 by Thursday. In the shopping category, it climbed from No. 49 to No. 2 — surpassing giants like Amazon, Walmart, Shein, and Temu. Another Chinese app, Alibaba.com, is also climbing the charts, now sitting at No. 6 in the shopping category.
Although switching apps doesn’t exempt U.S. consumers from import tariffs, many believe that purchasing directly from factories can help lower the total cost. For others, it’s simply a way to find luxury-style items or affordable dupes.
Still, shoppers should proceed with caution, as product quality on these platforms can vary. It’s always wise to read seller reviews and check photos from other buyers before making a purchase.
