Trump tariffs spark Chinese meme wave on TikTok, other platforms

As the US-China trade tensions deepen, Chinese netizens have launched a meme offensive.

Now, Chinese social media is ablaze with a new genre of satirical AI-generated videos depicting US leaders and workers in exaggerated factory settings.

AI-generated videos show American figures—Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Elon Musk—in grey uniforms, mimicking the kind worn in Chinese tech hubs like Foxconn.

These clips, widely circulated on platforms like X and TikTok, mock the White House’s campaign to revitalise American manufacturing and Trump's "America First" manufacturing revival pitch.

One viral video shows overweight, dejected Americans at sewing machines, and captioned “Make America Great Again,” underscoring the irony of bringing low-end manufacturing back to US soil.

These memes aren’t just comic relief—they supposedly serve as biting satire aimed at the perceived futility and irony of America’s trade tactics.

Also Read: What prompted Trump’s 90-day pause on higher tariffs for most nations

As Trump ramps up tariffs on Chinese imports—pushing rates to a staggering 145%—Chinese meme-makers have responded with biting humour.

Also Read: ‘Will fight to the end’: China spews rage after Trump’s 50 pc tariff hike threat