TikTok has announced a new joint venture in the U.S., providing a pathway for its operations to continue amid ongoing concerns about its ties to China. Despite facing scrutiny over its ownership by Beijing-based ByteDance, the app maintained its popularity, ranking as the second-most-downloaded app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in 2025. This comes after a turbulent year in which TikTok was nearly banned in the U.S., with significant legal challenges aimed at restricting its access to American users.
According to data from Sensor Tower, TikTok remained resilient throughout the uncertainty and even expanded its e-commerce business, TikTok Shop, which lets users buy products directly through its platform. The U.S. revenues of TikTok reportedly increased by 26.2% year-over-year to approximately $13.9 billion, and the company sees a promising future with ongoing negotiations involving U.S. investors and potential strategic meetings between former President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Alongside TikTok, other apps linked to China showed strong performance. E-commerce giants Temu and Shein continued to thrive despite new tariffs and regulatory scrutiny. Temu, which made waves with its Super Bowl advertisement campaign in 2024, ranked seventh among the most downloaded apps, while Shein led the apparel shopping category, showcasing a growing appetite for products from China despite geopolitical tensions.
Both Temu and Shein have adapted to the changing economic landscape following the Trump administration’s implementation of tariffs and the closure of the “de minimis” trade loophole, which previously allowed certain imports duty-free. These companies have adjusted by negotiating supplier prices, absorbing some costs, and diversifying their supply chains to maintain competitiveness. In 2025, Shein recorded U.S. revenue growth of 16.8% year-over-year, totaling $14.6 billion, while Temu’s gross merchandise value increased by 21.8%, reaching $27.4 billion.
Experts suggest that these developments reflect a profound shift in how Chinese companies navigate the complexities of international trade and consumer preferences. Liang Chen, a professor of strategy and entrepreneurship, noted the adaptability of these platforms, emphasizing that they have established robust ecosystems capable of responding to both market demands and regulatory challenges.
In an environment marked by increasing tension between the U.S. and China, these companies exemplify resilience and strategic innovation, potentially setting a precedent for navigating future geopolitical headwinds. This adaptability in the face of challenges could offer optimism for other businesses aiming to succeed in a difficult global landscape.