Do you know China ceramic tile market is over 39.8 billion USD?
Well, that is how big the market is.
In fact, most global companies import tiles from China. It does not matter the types of tiles you are looking for; China’s market is the perfect place to source for your tiles.
Today, we will take you through 8 critical points that will help you import tiles from China easily. From identifying the right tiles, evaluating surface finish, the right market to having correct documentation.
Let’s dive right:
Table of ContentsToggle
- Why Choose Chinese Tiles
- Know Types of Tiles to Import from China
- Consider Chinese Tiles Finishes
- Identify Key Tile Markets in China
- Understand Cost of Importing Tiles from China
- Consider Visiting China or Using Agent to Source Tiles from China
- Proper Documentation when Importing Tiles from China
- Arrange for Tiles Shipping from China
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Why Choose Chinese Tiles
Chinese tiles are often beneficial in construction especially when you are in business. It does not matter whether you are a tiles distributor, or in the building and construction industry. There are many reasons why you should consider buying tiles from China.
· High Production
China has numerous tile manufacturers varying from small scale to large scale. The production of tiles depends on what the company wants and its cliental.
It does not matter whether you are looking for high end tiles or premium tiles or ordinary designs. The Chinese tile market offers unlimited tile options to for different market needs.
· Affordable Tiles from China
Do you know Chinese tiles are more affordable that local producers? Well, this is the fact – a reason, many businesses in Europe and America import tiles from China.
Importing from China offers lower prices or higher profit margins due to numerous tile manufacturers in the country as compared to the western suppliers.
Therefore, as a business owner, by lowering importation costs, you will definitely remain competitive in the market.
· Variety and Unlimited Designs Available
You can access diverse types, styles, colors, texture and sizes in China. Many factories offer different designs and branding to suit the market.
Even when you want custom-made tiles, Chinese factories will produce tiles with unique patterns and finishing for your brand.
· Tile Quality
Many suppliers are rigorous in terms of tile quality. They adhere to all international standards to ensure long term use of their tiles. This has made China the most competitive and trusted tile manufacturing country in the world.
Know Types of Tiles to Import from China
As mentioned earlier, Chinese is a big market for different type designs. There are many tile sizes, colors, and material options. In short, you will get virtuallyany tile pattern.
From standard tiles to custom tile options. But having said that, lets look at common tile materials you can import from China.
· Porcelain Tiles
These are tiles of high quality. They are water resistant, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces. When buying this, you can use it in high traffic or wet areas. They are durable and do not fade or discolor,which ultimately lead to low maintenance quality.
Furthermore, porcelain tiles are available in different types i.e. glazed, unglazed, polished and matte.
· Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are the most common type of tiles and affordable. These tiles are often available in a range of colors and patterns.
Chinese factories manufacture these tiles by mixing natural clay, sand and water which makes the generally softer more porous and less dense. They are easier to cut and install hence cost effective as compared to other types of tiles.
· Glass Tiles
Chinese glass tiles are elegant, reflective and water resistant. These tiles are mostly imported from China due to Chinese factories technological advancement in the manufacturing industry. They are typically used for decoration. Additionally, these tiles are non-porous and water resistant.
· Rustic Tiles
For a traditional or vintage look, most clients would prefer rustic tiles. They have a natural earthy appearance mimicking age stone or clay. For outdoor patios tiles, walkways, hotel owners, café owners and lodges this would be their best choice of tiles.
· Granite Tiles
Granite is often known for its exceptional durability and its elegant appearance. These tiles are the best for areas with a lot of traffic. They are resistant to stains and scratches therefore more expensive than porcelain.
· Marble Tiles
Made from metamorphic rock, prized for luxurious appearance, they are elegant and of high-end aesthetic adding value to property due to premium look.
Consider Chinese Tiles Finishes
Chinese tiles come in wide range of finishes made in different designs and patterns. If you are looking for tiles market that offers timeless, artistic and diverse tile finishes, then China is a perfect destination.
The best part, Chinese tile manufacturers will apply custom finished on every tile to match you brand or market needs. Here are some of the most common tile finishes:
· Matte Finish
Matte finish is non-reflective but has a smooth texture. It’s great for commercial spaces because of its slip resistance.
· Grip Finish
From the word grip, these tiles have the ability to resist slip because of their rough surface in nature. This type of finish is ideal forbathroom tiles, and tiles for other outdoor areas especially around pools.
· Embossed Finish
This adds a tactile and visually appealing to the surface. It can be used to add surface hardness and scratch resistance on tiles.
· Polished Finish
This finish is reflective and characterized by high gloss fish. In most cases, it can be slippery therefore not ideal for places with heavy traffic and moisture areas.
· Glazed Finish
It is often coated with a glass like layer. It is stain resistance hence easy to clean however not ideal for areas with high traffic or wet floors.
Identify Key Tile Markets in China
China being the most influential tile market in both manufacturing and exporting it makes the largest producers in the world. It is always advisable to buy your tiles in factories for competitive prices and discounted.
· Foshan, Guangdong Province
Also known as the ceramic capital of China. This town has hundreds of tile factories and showrooms. It is the major export hub and offers logistic support to its clients.
· Quanzhou Fuian Province
This province has a growing export capability, especially to Africa. It has specialized in stone look and outdoor tiles hence producing mostly rustic and granite type of tiles.
· Tangshan Hebei Province
It’s the best place for sourcing tiles. Located near Beijing making it suitable for the northern market. Tangshan Hebei Province is known for manufacturing ceramic tiles though in small scale.
· Jingdezhen Jiangxi Province
For design-oriented buyers who want high end tiles that are well hand crafted, this is the place to go. It is well known for artistic and decorative tiles therefore produces porcelain tiles in plenty.
· Zibo, Shandong Province
This town is known for ceramic walls and floor tiles and other decorative tiles. They are one of the largest scale manufacturers and oldest ceramic tiles producers, giving the market competitive pricing.
· Yixing, Jiangsu Province
Widely known for terracotta tile products and other clay-based tiles. These manufacturers offer unique styles but in smaller scales.
Please don’t get it wrong – of course, you can get tiles in other regions in China. However, these are some of main tile manufacturing cities in China. Getting tile manufacturer and supplier from these regions implies you are likely to get competitive prices.
Understand Cost of Importing Tiles from China
After identifying your supplier, there will be need for you to understand the cost of importation. This cost will first depend on the minimum order quantity which will vary with your supplier or tile factory in China.
So, let’s summarize the cost you will incur when buying tiles from China:
- Tile price – Always buy tiles directly from the factory. You will get competitive prices.
- Logistics costs – Cost of transporting tiles from factory to port of loading, and shipping cost. Don’t forget cost of transporting tile from your local port to warehouse
- Taxes and duties – Know how much your country charges for importing tiles from China in terms of taxes you will pay. These may include anti-dumping duties, VAT, etc.
- Other services – These may include hiring 3rd party testing company, freight forwarder, clearance agents, sourcing agents and customs. As a rule of thumb, always have some emergency funds just in case unforeseen expenses occurs.
Remember, the cost of tiles will depend on material and finish. Other variables may include modes of shipping and transport. Others include container size, current fuel price, logistic rates, offloading warehousing and transporting the tiles to your storage site.
Tip: Let your tile factory recommend their freight forwarder. It will help you cut costs. At Lyson, we are one of the trusted building materials suppliers in China. When you work with us, our team will ensure you get the best prices and save on logistics costs – send inquiries now.
Consider Visiting China or Using Agent to Source Tiles from China
If it’s your first time to buy tiles from China, start with using a trusted agent to source for you. When confident enough consider now visiting China to deepen your relationship and know how the markets insight.
Using a sourcing agent will saveyoutime and effort since they’ll handle communication, all the paperwork and logistics.
Sourcing agents who are locals in China understand the market well and can negotiate for better prices since they speak the local language. On the other hand, visiting China personally will build relationships directly with suppliers and gives you a chance to inspect tile quality at first hand. You can also get a chance to explore options quickly and compare prices on site.
As much as you will want to verify your tiles physically to ascertain what you’ve ordered and you are not affluent in Mandarin, hiring a sourcing agent is appropriate. You can have them verify the factories and oversee quality control. The sourcing agents can also help in coordinating shipping and paperwork.
Proper Documentation when Importing Tiles from China
Shipping tiles from China requires proper documentation.
Hiring a customs broker or working with a freight forwarder will make your work easier. As a matter of fact, you will need several documents to clear you tiles from China:
· A Proforma Invoice
It includes supplier and buyer information, product details, total order value payment terms, shipping methods and timeline. This invoice is sent by the supplier to the buyer to help you confirm the order and is also required for custom clearance.
· Commercial Invoice
After your tiles are ready for shipping, your supplier is supposed to issue you acommercial invoice as a requirement for custom clearance. It contains the suppliers, and the buyers’ addresses and contact information, invoice number and date, purchase order and product description.
This document acts as the final billing document used by freight forwarders, custom brokers and banks.
· Bill of Lading
This is a legal shipping document that will be issued to you by your freight forwarder. It serves as a receipt for cargo and a document of title that gives you the ownership of your tiles from China. This document must match your commercial invoice and your packing list.
· Packing List
This is a detailed document that outlines how your tiles are packed for shipment prepared by the exporter. This document helps the freight forwarders and custom officers to confirm every tile in the package. It’s also used to verify the shipment at receiving points.
· Certificate of Origin
Certificate of origin is a document that certifies that your tiles were manufactured in China. They are two types, (a) Non preferential COO that confirms country of origin and (b) Preferential COO which confirms origin and qualifies you for lower duties under tread agreements.
· Import License
Just from the word “import” it is a document that allows you to bring your goods in the country. This document is mandatory in some countries to ensure legal compliance and prevents shipment delays or penalties.
Note: These are some of the main documents. Remember, the number of documents may vary depending on your country.
Arrange for Tiles Shipping from China
Whether you are working directly with the factory or using a sourcing agent, confirm your order by checking your quality, sizes and finish.
Negotiate well on the incoterms i.e. the free on board, cost insurance freight and delivery duty paid.
Additionally, choose an appropriate shipping method, mostly sea freight due to the volume of tiles and its weight. In fact, don’t even think of shipping tiles from China via air freight. It will not make any economic sense.
Arrange for logistics by getting a freight forwarder to handle sea transport and a customs broker to handle import and clearance in your country.
More importantly, have insurance to protect your cargo against damage or loss during transportation.
Ideally, the whole process of shipping tiles from China will involve:
- Verifying tiles match your specification and get quality reports
- Package the tiles safely ready for shipping
- Book space on a ship and pay required shipping fees
- Transport tiles to the loading port in China
- Pay all the relevant duties
- Tiles are shipped to your local post and conduct clearance
As we had mentioned earlier, working with a clearance agent and freight forwarder will make your work easier.
FAQs
Are Chinese Tiles Good Quality?
Yes. Chinese tiles are of good quality however it depends on the manufacturing companies and client preference.
What is the Import Duty on Tiles from China to India?
Import duty depends on the type of tiles and its classification under the harmonized codes. For specific tiles, anti-dumping duty, social welfare surcharge, integrated goods and service tax or basic custom duty, contact your supplies and local authorities to get exact value.
What are the Taxes When you Import Tiles from China to USA?
The taxes vary by tile type and classification under the harmonized tariff. There is base tariffs, anti-dumping duties which are the main taxes for importation of goods from China to USA.
What is the anti-dumping duty on tiles from China?
These duties are applied on value imported goods and collected upon entry to a specific country. The anti-dumping duty rates are included in Belite Ceramics. Other duties include countervailing duties based on the extent of subsidization determined.
Conclusion
For a fact, importing tiles from China is straightforward. You will identify the tiles factory in China, verify quality, pay necessary costs alongside duties, arrange for customs clearance and ship.
At the moment, Chinese tiles are popular for their high quality and competitive prices – it is a business worth trying.