Are Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci made in China? How to tell real luxury from fakes

Donald Trump’s tariff hike on China has been welcomed by TikTok videos claiming that most of the luxury designer wear is manufactured in China, sparking widespread consumer confusion and unintentionally legitimising the counterfeit market.

Many people are of the view that luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermes, Karl Lagerfeld, and others are manufactured in China due to the TikTok videos.

Content creators have been claiming that after the products have been manufactured, they are shipped off to France and Europe to get branded, then sold to the rest of the world at a higher price.

Where authentic luxury products are manufactured

Michael Zahariev from Luxity, South Africa’s pre-owned luxury reseller and authenticator, told The Citizen these videos are misleading.

“One popular video falsely claims that Hermès Birkin bags are manufactured in factories in China, with logos later added elsewhere.

“In reality, each Birkin bag is meticulously handcrafted in France by a single artisan who undergoes years of specialised training. Hermès maintains strict control over its production processes to uphold exceptional quality standards.”

Zahariev said the spread of misleading content blurs distinctions between authentic luxury products, mass-produced items, and counterfeits. This undermines consumer understanding and diminishes the value of genuine luxury craftsmanship.

Luxury brands document the process

Zahariev added that claims that luxury brands are primarily manufactured in China are not true, because companies such as Hermès have a well-documented commitment to local production.

“Hermès operates numerous production sites across France, where the majority of its products are crafted.

“While some components or products may be sourced or manufactured in other countries, luxury brands generally ensure that their core items, especially their iconic bags, are produced under stringent quality controls.”

This dedication to localised, high-quality production is a hallmark of luxury brands, distinguishing them from mass-market counterparts that often rely on large-scale manufacturing hubs.

ALSO READ: Trump pauses global tariffs but hits China harder

Spread of misinformation

Zahariev stated that the spread of misinformation has led some consumers to mistakenly believe that purchasing high-quality counterfeits is equivalent to owning authentic luxury items.

This perception is false and fuels the counterfeit market, which is frequently linked to unethical practices such as labour exploitation and organised crime.

“Many customers feel disappointed when they realise that the considerable amounts they have spent on high-quality counterfeits (“super fakes”) mean they cannot resell these items.

“Conversely, those who purchased authentic luxury goods can often recoup their investment or even turn a profit upon resale.”

ALSO READ: Is your Shein order late? This might be why

Trump’s tariffs

“Recent tariff implementations, such as those introduced by the Trump administration, have significant implications for the luxury market.

“These tariffs can drive up prices for luxury goods, making authentic items less accessible to consumers and potentially increasing the demand for counterfeits.

“We also anticipate a corresponding rise in the prices of pre-owned luxury goods as new product prices increase.”

NOW READ: Counterfeit goods worth R400m seized over eight months in SA