A Complete Guide to Exporting from China to the US in 2025

Table of Contents

As the world becomes more connected, more and more trade is happening between different countries. In 2025, much of the world’s trade will still be between China and the United States. If you want to send goods from China to the United States, you must understand how it works. This article will give you all the information you need about sending goods from China to the United States, including how much it costs, the rules, and how to clear your goods through customs.

containers waiting to be exported at qingdao port

Basics of importing goods from China

1. How to import wholesale products from China to the USA

  • Selecting a Supplier: First, identify a suitable Chinese supplier or manufacturer. You can find a partner through trade fairs, B2B platforms (such as Alibaba and Global Sources), or directly contact the manufacturer.
  • Request a quote and negotiate: Please discuss the price, delivery time, payment terms, quality requirements, etc., with the supplier. Ensure the supplier can provide the required products and meet US quality standards.
  • Sign a contract: It is essential to sign a formal contract or purchase agreement with the supplier that clearly states the price, delivery method, payment method, and delivery time.
  • Choose a shipping method: Please determine the most appropriate shipping method: sea freight, air freight, or express. Sea freight is typically used for large shipments, while air freight or express is suitable for smaller shipments.
  • Payment method: The most common methods include Telegraphic Transfer (T/T) and Letter of Credit (L/C). Before making payment, it is essential to verify the supplier’s creditworthiness and the quality of their products.

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2. Costs of importing from China

Several factors influence the cost of importing goods from China to the US

  • Product cost: The product’s price is a key factor in determining its competitiveness in the market.
  • Shipping costs: The cost of shipping is calculated using various metrics, including weight, volume, shipping method (e.g., sea freight, air freight, land freight, etc.), and distance. Sea freight is typically more economical but time-consuming, while air freight is pricier but quicker.
  • Customs duties and taxes: US Customs imposes tariffs and taxes on imported goods. Tariff rates vary depending on the type and value of the goods.
  • Customs clearance fees: These include the customs broker’s fees and customs formalities’ costs.
  • Insurance costs: To mitigate the risks associated with transportation, appropriate insurance coverage, particularly for international shipping, is essential.
  • Storage and delivery costs: If goods must be stored in a warehouse or additional deliveries are necessary, these expenses should also be incorporated into the budget.

3. Import taxes, duties and other fees imposed by the United States on Chinese goods

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) imposes various duties and taxes on goods imported from China. In 2025, certain goods from China may be subject to additional tariffs (particularly in the Sino-U.S. trade dispute). The main fees include:

  • Ordinary tariff: The United States imposes a certain percentage of tariffs on most imported goods based on the commodity’s customs classification code (HS code).
  • Anti-dumping duties and countervailing duties: Additional anti-dumping duties or countervailing duties may be imposed if certain goods are adjudged to have been “dumped” (i.e., sold below market price or at a price subsidized by a government).
  • Consumer taxes (excise taxes): Imposing consumer taxes on certain goods, particularly luxury or high-value items, is a potential policy measure that could be implemented.
  • Import value-added tax (VAT): Although the United States does not have a value-added tax (VAT), certain states may impose a sales tax on imported goods.

4.Documents required for import into the United States

The following documents are generally required for importing goods from China to the United States:

  • Commercial invoice: lists information such as the description, quantity, unit price, total price, and payment method of the goods.
  • Packing list: lists the specific packaging of the goods, the amount of the packaging, and detailed information about the goods.
  • Sea freight bill of lading or Air Freight Waybill: shipping documents that prove ownership of the goods.
  • Certificate of origin: a document that proves the origin of the goods, usually issued by the exporting country’s chamber of commerce or trade association.
  • Customs declaration: provides detailed information on the classification, value, and tariff of goods to help US Customs with verification.
  • Import license or approval document: specific import licenses or approvals may be required for certain goods.

You may want to know: What documents do I need for international shipping?

Chinese export restrictions and regulations

1. Chinese export restrictions

China has implemented restrictions and controls on the export of certain products. For instance:

  • Military-related goods: such as weapons, ammunition and other military equipment.
  • Technical products: certain high-tech products, especially those related to national security, may be restricted.
  • Environmental protection products: In particular, environmentally harmful wastes and pollutants are restricted.

2. Products banned from export in China

  • Endangered animals and plants and their products: It is strictly prohibited to trade in ivory, rhinoceros horn, wild yew products, etc., due to the endangered status of the species. Violators will face severe legal sanctions.
  • Cultural relics: The export of immovable cultural relics, including ancient sites, buildings, stone carvings, and murals, of historical, artistic, and scientific value, as well as various movable cultural relics, is strictly prohibited without the necessary authorization. Cultural relic departments are responsible for the rigorous appraisal and approval of cultural relic exports to safeguard the integrity of the cultural heritage within the country.

3. Obtaining an export license

Certain products require specific export licenses to be exported to other countries. These licenses can be obtained in the following ways:

  • Apply through Chinese government agencies: It’s similar to the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs.
  • Rely on an export agent: work with a qualified export agency to help with the necessary export procedures.
automobiles exported from china to the us

Export and shipping process

1. Understanding the role of the Chinese customs

The Chinese customs authority oversees all goods entering and leaving the country, ensuring compliance with Chinese trade regulations. Its primary roles include:

  • Inspection of export goods: to ensure that all goods comply with relevant regulations.
  • Collection of export duties: Export duties may be required for some goods.
  • Release of goods: after all formalities have been completed, the customs will release the goods and allow them to leave China.

2. Choose the right shipping company and freight forwarder.

Selecting the appropriate shipping company is essential for ensuring a seamless export process. Potential options :

  • Large shipping companies: COSCO and Maersk are known to provide global services.
  • Freight forwarders: TUtilizinga freight forwarder has been demonstrated to facilitate the intricate procedures associated with international shipping while concurrently offering cost-effective solutions.

You may want to know: How to Choose Best Freight Forwarder China to US

3. The significance of a commercial invoice

  • The commercial invoice is one of the most critical documents in the import and export process. It records detailed information about the transaction, including the description of the goods, quantity, price, place of shipment, etc., and is the basis for customs clearance and tariff declaration.

US customs clearance process and precautions

1. How does US customs clearance work?

  • Submit import declaration: The importer or its agent needs to submit declaration documents to US Customs, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc.
  • Tariff and tax assessment: Customs will assess tariffs and related fees based on the commodity classification code (HS code).
  • Commodity inspection: Customs may randomly inspect commodities to ensure they meet US import standards.
  • Clearance and release: Once all formalities have been completed and the relevant fees have been paid, Customs will release the goods and allow them to be delivered.

2. Important notes

  1. Comply with US trade regulations: Becoming acquainted with US product standards, environmental protection requirements, and intellectual property protection regulations is imperative. For instance, electronic products must comply with FCC certification, and toys must meet ASTM safety standards to circumvent detention or recall due to non-compliance.
  2. Accurately declare cargo information: Product composition, purpose, place of origin, and related factors. Notably, the HS code must be accurately classified. Incorrect classification can result in erroneous tax rate assessments and impediments to customs clearance. Companies can consult professional customs brokers or seek advance rulings from customs authorities to ensure accurate classification.
  3. Allow sufficient time for customs clearance: Consider port congestion and the probability of customs inspections, plan the shipping schedule, and avoid customs clearance delays affecting sales and production plans. More flexibility is needed during peak seasons.

3. What are the biggest challenges you face?

  • Customs duties and anti-dumping duties: Some goods may face high customs or anti-dumping duties, affecting profits.
  • Compliance issues: The United States has strict quality, health and safety standards for imported goods, and importers must ensure that the goods meet these requirements.
  • Shipping delays and customs clearance issues: Delays or customs clearance issues encountered in logistics must be communicated and resolved promptly.

You may want to know: Customs Delay? Here’s How to Get Your Packages stuck in customs!

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