Sector guide — Import & Sourcing

Build an import business from China, structured from the first container.

Finding the right suppliers, securing the structure, managing the import: China remains the world's most accessible manufacturing base — provided you don't go in alone.

Why now

What the Chinese market offers in practice

Industrial density

A concentrated ecosystem of manufacturers able to produce almost any product, at flexible volumes.

Cost competitiveness

Production costs that remain among the lowest in the world for consistent industrial quality.

Mature digital ecosystem

Sourcing, payment and logistics platforms already built for international export.

Our logistics partner in China

You're never on your own between the supplier and your warehouse

Sourcing without reliable logistics is the top cause of failed import projects. We work with a logistics operator established in China since 1989, with its own offices — not a simple middleman.

Since 1989

An operator based in Hong Kong, with its own licence in mainland China since 2003.

8 offices in China

Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong — close to the factories.

Every transport mode

Ocean (FCL/LCL), air, rail (direct China-Europe train), road, and import/export customs clearance.

Warehousing and fulfilment

Receiving, consolidation, labelling, quality control and inventory management before shipping.

How to get started

In 4 steps

01

Product framing

Precise definition of the product, target volumes and budget before any supplier contact.

02

Sourcing and vetting

Identifying several suppliers, verifying their reliability, negotiating terms.

03

Structure and payment

The right company to contract with and pay suppliers — often an HK Limited for its territorial taxation and proximity to mainland China.

04

Logistics and customs

Handled by our partner: warehousing, quality control, customs clearance and transport to your target market.

Recommended structure

Why a Hong Kong company

Hong Kong remains the most-used structure for contracting with Chinese suppliers: territorial taxation, geographic and cultural proximity to mainland China, and credibility recognised by factories and international banks alike.

View the HK Limited page
Fit check

Who this path is right for

You have a specific product or product idea, not just a wish to "do import"

You're ready to invest time in vetting suppliers, not just money

You want to build a brand, not just resell white-label with no added value

Two ways forward

Two ways to move forward on this project

We handle everything

You already have your suppliers and process. We handle only the formation of your HK company and its compliance.

We guide you step by step — recommended here

You're starting from scratch or close to it. We support you from sourcing through to bringing the product to market — the format best suited to this sector.

Discover our support programme
Our logistics partner is an independent third-party provider — AR Global Expansion coordinates the introduction and project follow-up, without directly operating warehouses or transport. Timelines and details on this page reflect standard practice in the import/export sector. No pricing is communicated on this page. This content does not constitute tax, legal, or customs advice.

Let's discuss your import project.

Direct reply. No call centre, no form.