As the U.S.-China trade war intensifies, Chinese manufacturers are seemingly increasingly turning to transparency to defend their practices and reassure global consumers — especially in the luxury sector.
Where are Birkin Bags Made
This move comes in the wake of escalating tariffs imposed by both countries, significantly impacting the cost of goods crossing borders.
In early April, U.S. President Donald Trump reimposed steep tariffs on Chinese imports, starting at 54% and now soaring to a staggering 145%. In retaliation, China enacted its own tariff measures on American goods, initially set at 34%, rising to 84%, and now standing at 125% as of this past Saturday.
Birkin Bag Dupe
Amid the economic tensions, Chinese factories and manufacturers have allegedly begun pulling back the curtain on production processes, hoping to prove the value — and in many cases, the authenticity — of their work. One recent video on the alleged TikTok account @senbags2 has seemingly gone viral across social media, allegedly claiming a number of other luxury brands are made in China and supposedly showcasing luxury Birkin-inspired bags being produced in a Chinese facility. It was alleged that the brand would have the goods made in China and finished in other countries. The clip has ignited a controversial firestorm online, drawing skepticism from fashion enthusiasts and loyal Hermès customers alike. At the end of the video, it is revealed that the bags reportedly sell for less because they do not include a brand name logo, even though there are claims that similar materials (leather, hardware, etc.) are used to get the look for less.
Also, now it seems as though the account was seemingly banned on the platform- it is unclear why.
The controversy touches a nerve in the fashion world, as Hermès has long claimed that all of its Birkin bags are handcrafted in France by highly trained artisans.
Birkin Bag China
No Birkin Bags- or any bags from Hermès- are not made in China.
According to online sources, “Hermès for their part, do not manufacture their bags in China.” As a result, the brand’s bags are made in France, and it has workshops in regions including Pantin, just outside of Paris, Ardennes, Lyon, and Normandy, among others.
While some argue the video might depict counterfeit production or simply a misrepresentation, the buzz reflects broader anxieties about authenticity and manufacturing origins — especially with the rising costs triggered by tariffs. Chinese manufacturers, for their part, appear to be seizing the moment to showcase their quality control, costs, and craftsmanship.
There is no concrete evidence to support claims that the Birkin video regarding the bags allegedly being produced in China is accurate. However, the push for transparency from China may signal a shift in global manufacturing dynamics — one shaped as much by politics as it is by public perception.
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Published by HOLR Magazine