Importing goods from China costs $3–$8 per kg by express courier with delivery in 3–7 business days, or $0.50–$1.50 per kg by sea freight in 20–40 days. China is the world's largest merchandise exporter. The four main risks to manage are: supplier quality, shipping costs, transit times, and customs duties. Use ShippingToGo to compare real-time freight rates across DHL, FedEx, and UPS.
Things You Should Know About China – and a Smart Importing Guide
China is not only one of the world's oldest and most fascinating cultures, but also a modern economic powerhouse that influences nearly every aspect of global trade. With a population of over 1.4 billion people and the second-largest economy in the world, China is a major source of imports for countless companies around the globe.
However, despite its enormous potential, importing from China requires prior knowledge of the process, caution when selecting suppliers, and smart handling of logistics and customs. In this article, we'll present key facts about China as an economic force, explain the main challenges involved in importing from the region, and provide practical tools and tips to help you save time, money, and most importantly – avoid unnecessary headaches.
4 Facts about China
- China is a country with a rich cultural and historical heritage. It has been the world's most populous country for many centuries and remains one of the most populous today.
- China is the second-largest economy in the world, after the United States.
- The Chinese government has put emphasis on industrialization and modernization, and has succeeded in developing its economy by increasing foreign trade.
- As a result, China has become one of the largest exporters of goods to other countries around the world.
The main exports from China are machinery, electronics, clothes, toys, and textiles. According to World Trade Organization data, China is consistently ranked as the world's largest merchandise exporter, accounting for roughly 14–15% of global exports.
Importing goods from China is a common practice for many companies. However, there are some key risks to manage:
- Quality of goods — verifying products meet specifications before shipping
- Finding the right supplier — vetting for reliability and compliance
- Shipping costs and time — balancing speed against budget
- Customs and Duties — understanding applicable tariffs for your product category
The Chinese market is one of the fastest growing markets for global trade. In 2017, China imported goods worth $1.2 trillion from other countries, an increase of 16% from 2016. Based on ShippingToGo's analysis, e-commerce imports from China represent one of the fastest-growing segment categories on the platform, with consumers and businesses shipping everything from electronics to textiles.
What's Important to Know About Importing Goods from China
Exporting from China can be a costly and lengthy process if approached without preparation. The following tips will help you save time and money when importing from China.
Find the right suppliers: It is important to do your research before deciding on a supplier. A good place to start is Alibaba, which has millions of suppliers all over the world. You can also find good suppliers through word of mouth or by asking others who have imported from China in the past.
Understand the import process: Understanding how things work in China is crucial for importing successfully. This includes understanding how shipping works, what are the best import routes, and what are the most common export methods.
Get competitive quotes: Shipping rates vary significantly between carriers for the same route and parcel specifications. Based on ShippingToGo's shipping data, customers who compare at least two carrier options save 18–25% on average versus booking with the first carrier they find.
The Chinese government has been promoting the idea of "going global" for some time, leading to a surge in export opportunities for international companies. There are several ways to import from China, and many international companies choose to use one or more methods simultaneously.
Importing from China to markets worldwide is a process that involves multiple steps:
- Obtaining an importer identification number in the destination country
- Filing the required customs declarations for imports
- Paying applicable duties and taxes
- Arranging freight and logistics from the Chinese factory to your destination
Shipping from China to the Rest of the World
A lot of the products that we buy come from China. Shipping costs are calculated on a per kilo basis and also on a per cubic meter basis. The rates vary depending on what type of shipment you are transporting, as well as on where you are sending it.
Shipping Method Comparison: China to International Destinations
| Method | Transit Time | Best For | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | 3–7 business days | Urgent, small–medium parcels | $3–$8 per kg |
| Air Freight | 5–10 business days | Medium shipments, time-sensitive | $2–$5 per kg |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 20–40 days | Medium volume, cost-sensitive | $0.80–$1.50 per kg |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 20–40 days | Full container loads | Lowest per kg |
| Rail Freight | 14–21 days | Europe-bound, medium volume | $1.50–$3 per kg |
Companies that ship from China usually have their own freight forwarders who work with them to get their products delivered in the most efficient way possible. The cheapest option may not always be the best option, as it will take longer to arrive.
Steps to get your package delivered in the quickest and cheapest way possible:
- Find a shipping company that is reliable and has competitive rates.
- Decide on the best delivery time for your needs – same-day air or economy sea depending on urgency.
- Find out what size box is required for your product, as this affects volumetric weight billing.
- Fill out your order online with all relevant information (weight, dimensions, declared value).
Finding the Right Suppliers in China
Alibaba is the largest online wholesale marketplace in China, founded in 1999 and headquartered in Hangzhou. The company has more than 500 million buyers and 100 million sellers on its platform. Alibaba provides services to small businesses to help them grow and expand globally through platforms including Tmall Global for international brands, Taobao for consumers in China, 1688 for wholesalers, and AliExpress for consumers overseas.
The first step is to find a reputable supplier with a good reputation. You can find this by looking at reviews and ratings, and by checking what other importers are saying about them.
The next step is to research the supplier and confirm whether they are certified by any third-party organizations such as Alibaba or AliExpress. These certifications show the supplier has met certain quality control standards.
5 Verified Ways to Find the Right Supplier in China
- Working with Alibaba
- Using AliExpress
- Google Search for specialized manufacturers
- Using recommendations from other importers
- Making thorough market research at industry trade shows
Dealing with Custom Taxes
Customs taxes are the taxes imposed on goods and services moving from one country to another. For example, if a company imports products from China, the company has to pay customs duties.
Custom taxes can be divided into two types:
- Import Taxes: When a product is imported into a country, it is subject to import tax based on the declared value and HS code classification.
- Export Taxes: When a product is exported from China and sold in another country, it may be subject to an export tax depending on the product category.
Ways for dealing with custom taxes:
- Deducting the custom tax amounts from the purchase price when negotiating with suppliers.
- Collecting the customs duties before exporting or importing.
- Using DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms so the supplier covers duties.
- Working with a customs broker for accurate HS code classification.
Custom taxes are a reality of modern global trade. Every country has its own set of taxes applied to imported goods. Understanding your specific duty rates in advance allows you to accurately cost your imports and price products competitively.
Working With ShippingToGo
ShippingToGo's main role is to help you with the shipping process and make things easier for you. Our main goal is to simplify the operation and help you with the process as much as possible.
We help primarily with shipping comparison across DHL, FedEx, and UPS — allowing you to see real-time rates and delivery times side by side. We also provide support with documentation, customs guidance, and the broader logistics process.
If you feel lost and need help, contact us with any questions and we will help you with the entire process.
Related guides: Importing from Turkey · International Shipping Methods · How to Track an International Package
Frequently Asked Questions About Importing from China
What are the main challenges when importing from China?
The main challenges are: quality control (ensuring goods meet your standards), finding reliable suppliers, managing shipping costs and transit times, and handling customs duties and import taxes. Working with verified suppliers on Alibaba and partnering with an experienced freight forwarder significantly reduces these risks.
How do I find reliable suppliers in China?
Five verified methods: Alibaba (the largest B2B marketplace with 500M+ buyers), AliExpress for smaller retail orders, Google search for specialized manufacturers, referrals from other importers in your industry, and industry trade shows. Always request product samples and verify certifications before placing large orders.
What customs duties apply when importing from China?
Import duties vary by product category (HS code) and destination country. Rates can range from 0% to 25%+ depending on the product and trade agreements in place. Work with a customs broker to determine the accurate duty rate for your specific goods before committing to a large order.
What are the best shipping methods from China?
Express courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS) takes 3–7 days at $3–$8/kg. Air freight takes 5–10 days at $2–$5/kg. Sea freight (LCL or FCL) takes 20–40 days but is by far the cheapest for large volumes. Choose based on urgency, parcel size, and budget constraints.
What is China's main export?
China's main exports include machinery and electronics (computers, phones, semiconductors), textiles and clothing, furniture, plastics, and steel products. According to World Trade Organization data, China is consistently the world's largest merchandise exporter, accounting for approximately 14–15% of global exports.
How do I manage shipping costs when importing from China?
Compare rates across multiple carriers using ShippingToGo — based on our shipping data, comparing at least two carrier options saves 18–25% on average. Pack efficiently to reduce volumetric weight, consolidate shipments when possible, and choose sea freight for non-urgent bulk orders.
