April 3, 2025
I’m risking being roasted online for saying the following, but I really want to help, so I’ll still proceed: U.S. sellers are screaming about Chinese sellers taking over Amazon, but they’re perfectly fine raking in cash on TikTok, a platform owned and controlled by China. Make it make sense.
Chinese Competition on Amazon
These same sellers are losing their minds over Chinese sellers dominating over 50% of Amazon. Why? Because they’re tired of unfair competition:
- China doesn’t pay U.S. taxes
- They get subsidized shipping
- They have direct access to factories
- They avoid U.S. sales tax nexus requirements
These are valid complaints.
But now look at TikTok. It’s a Chinese owned platform collecting data and shaping narratives, and some U.S. sellers are thriving on it.
Suddenly, they’re fine with China running the show, as long as they’re making money.
Obvious Double Standard
Here’s the double standard: When Chinese sellers use Amazon to sell to the U.S., it’s evil. When U.S. sellers use TikTok to sell in the U.S., it’s genius. (And let’s not forget, it’s only a matter of time before Chinese sellers dominate TikTok like they dominate Amazon).
So which is it? Are we against China exploiting the system, or does it only matter when it doesn’t work in your favor?
Real Fairness
If we’re serious about fairness, here’s what we should demand:
- China allows our apps into their country
- U.S. sellers can sell on Alibaba, Temu, and Shein
- Chinese sellers pay their fair share of U.S. taxes
Once it’s even, we’ll talk about keeping their app here. Until then? Shut it down.
Conclusion
There are plenty of other platforms where you can sell, scroll, and exercise your right to free speech without selling out to the CCP.
Let’s stop playing both sides. If we care about fairness and protecting American interests, we need consistency, not convenient exceptions. Just my $0.02 for today.