The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is reportedly using TikTok to undermine President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods. A recent report from the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) claims that the CCP is behind a wave of TikTok videos encouraging consumers to buy directly from Chinese manufacturers instead of American brands. This trend emerged shortly after Trump announced new tariffs on Chinese imports in April.
These viral videos promote the idea of bypassing American middlemen to access cheaper products from China. The report highlights that many of these videos, which have garnered over 50 million views, feature influencers in Chinese factories showcasing items like shoes and bags. One influencer even claimed that his factory produces goods for major luxury brands.
The report suggests that TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, is influenced by the CCP and is subject to Chinese laws that require cooperation with government intelligence efforts. TikTok’s algorithm is said to favor this content, promoting videos tagged with “#sourcing” at a much higher rate than other trending topics.
NCRI co-founder Joel Finkelstein pointed out that the CCP has a vested interest in undermining U.S. tariffs. He criticized mainstream media for treating this trend as a mere curiosity without considering the possibility of state involvement. The report also mentions that the CCP’s "Shopping in China" campaign aligns with the timing of these TikTok videos, suggesting a coordinated effort.
TikTok has denied these allegations, calling the NCRI’s claims unfounded and an attempt to harm the company’s reputation. However, the NCRI’s findings indicate that TikTok is amplifying CCP-affiliated content, which may normalize tariff evasion tactics like "triangle shipping." This method involves routing goods through a third country to avoid tariffs, and discussions about it have appeared in various online communities.
The report comes as the U.S. has recently tightened shipping regulations, including the expiration of a duty-free exemption for low-value goods, which may impact how Chinese sellers operate. The ongoing scrutiny of TikTok by U.S. lawmakers, concerned about data privacy and national security, adds another layer to this complex issue.
As this situation unfolds, it raises questions about the influence of social media on consumer behavior and international trade, as well as the role of foreign governments in shaping narratives on platforms like TikTok.