DHgate Ranked Among the Most Downloaded Apps in the US
China-based e-commerce platform DHgate has achieved a remarkable success among free apps on the US App Store. The app rose from 352nd to 3rd place in just 4 days.
DHgate was founded in 2004 by former Microsoft and Cisco executive Diane Wang. Offering a wide range of products from electronics to clothing, the app provides affordable alternatives to well-known brands.
DHgate gained popularity in the US thanks to the impact of viral videos on TikTok. In these videos, Chinese manufacturers shared the production processes and costs of luxury goods, causing consumers to question the true value of these products. During a period of increasing trade tensions between the US and China, platforms like DHgate offer an alternative shopping experience by enabling consumers to shop directly from Chinese manufacturers. This presents an appealing option for consumers seeking to bypass traditional retail channels and access more affordable products.
DHgate Climbs from 352nd to 3rd Place in 4 Days
DHgate has climbed to the top of the US App Store rankings. According to data from app intelligence company Appfigures, DHgate ranked 352nd among free iPhone apps without games in the US as of April 11, 2025. The app rose to number 6 on April 13, and to number 3 the next day.
On April 12, 2025, the app was downloaded 35,400 times across the App Store and Google Play. This number represents a 56% increase compared to its 30-day average. Of these downloads, 17,300 came from US users, marking a 98% increase. On April 13, downloads surged to 117,500 on iOS alone — a 732% increase over the 30-day average. The US accounted for 65,100 of these downloads, representing a 940% increase. As of April 14, 2025, the app had reached 3rd place among free iPhone apps on the US App Store.
Viral Video: “There’s Nothing a Chinese Factory Can’t Make!”
With over 30 million products ranging from electronics to clothing, DHgate has become an attractive option for consumers looking for more affordable alternatives to luxury brands. The app has drawn further attention as TikTok users share insights into global manufacturing realities. It is highlighted that many luxury products are made in Chinese factories and then sold at high prices in the West under brand labels.
In a viral video, a TikTok user said, “There’s nothing a Chinese factory can’t make,” while showcasing various items claimed to be produced for world-renowned brands. This type of content resonated with viewers and directed them to platforms like DHgate, where they could buy similar products at much lower prices.
DHgate as a Form of Resistance Against Trade Policies
After the US government imposed an additional 145% tax on products imported from China, many Chinese suppliers began using social media as a tool to counter this negative perception. These videos have become not only a marketing tool for DHgate but also a form of resistance against trade policies affecting their business.
In the shadow of this surge, other apps like Taobao have also attracted growing interest, rising as high as 10th place on the US App Store. This trend indicates that consumers are turning to direct-to-consumer platforms that enable direct connections with Chinese manufacturers, bypassing traditional retail channels.