How to Import Outdoor Restaurant Furniture from China

China has been the world’s leading outdoor commercial dining furniture manufacturing hub for several years, producing a wide outdoor furniture category and exporting worldwide. China’s outdoor furniture manufacturing industry has changed significantly over the past decade, shifting towards higher-value-added production and adopting new technologies.

The mentioned industry will likely continue to grow and evolve over the next ten years. With the Chinese government’s focus on technological innovation and its “Made in China 2025” initiative, the country is poised to become an even stronger player in the global outdoor commercial dining furniture manufacturing landscape.

As China continues to grow and innovate, establishing a supply chain becomes increasingly vital for businesses looking to grow and expand.

By partnering with Chinese manufacturers, such as Coets, you can access high-quality, low-cost outdoor catering commercial furniture and leverage our expertise in production to enhance your competitiveness in global and local markets.

Here is the ultimate guide for outdoor restaurant furniture importers to successfully import goods from China.

1. Identify your needs.

Here is a list of questions to help you identify your needs and requirements and be better prepared to find the right supplier for your business.

1) What specific products do I need to import, and in what quantities?

2) What are my quality requirements for these products?

3) What is my budget for importing these products, and what price range am I seeking from suppliers?

4) What are my lead time requirements, and what is the expected production time for these products?

5) Do I need any customizations or branding on the products, and if so, what are the specific requirements?

6) What are my payment terms and delivery requirements, and what shipping options do I need?

7) What are my expectations for customer service and after-sales support from suppliers?

8) What certifications and compliance requirements do I need from suppliers for my industry and product category?

9) What are my long-term business goals, and what type of supplier relationship do I need to achieve those goals?

• Google

One of the most common ways to research outdoor furniture manufacturers in China is to use a search engine like Google. You can use search terms such as “outdoor furniture manufacturers in China” or “outdoor restaurant furniture suppliers in China” to find a list of potential suppliers. You can also use advanced search options to refine your search and find more targeted results.

• Alibaba

Alibaba is a popular resource for finding alfresco catering furniture manufacturers in China. You can search for suppliers by product category, location, and other factors. Additionally, you can read supplier profiles, reviews, and ratings to help you evaluate potential suppliers.

• Made-in-China

Made-in-China is another B2B marketplace focusing specifically on connecting Chinese manufacturers with global buyers, offering 40 million product information from 27 industries. It provides various methods to source products: product categories, SMART EXPO, MEI Awards products, industry hubs, and custom products.

• Manufacturer’s websites

Many outdoor furniture manufacturers in China have websites where you can learn more about their products and services.

For instance, by visiting Coets’ website, you can see our product offerings, manufacturing capabilities, certifications, and quality standards we adhere to. Furthermore, you can know about our commitments, missions and visions.

3. Factor additional costs.

When importing from China, in addition to cargo shipping costs, there are several other fees to consider, including:

• Customs duties and tariffs

The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China website provides information on Chinese customs regulations, duties and taxes, and import and export procedures.

The customs duties and tariffs that outdoor furniture importers may face when importing from China can vary depending on many factors, including the type of furniture imported, the country of origin, and the destination country.

Here are some of the common customs duties and tariffs that may apply to outdoor furniture imports from China:

1) Import duty: This is a tax that is levied on imported goods by the destination country. The import duty rate can vary depending on the product category and the country of origin. In the United States, for example, the import duty for outdoor furniture imported from China is generally around 6-8% of the value of the goods.

2) Value-added tax (VAT): In China, a value-added tax is levied on goods and services at every stage of production and distribution. Exporters may claim a refund of the VAT paid, but importers may still be responsible for paying VAT in the destination country.

3) Anti-dumping duty: This is a special duty imposed on goods sold in the destination country at prices lower than the normal value of similar goods in the exporter’s domestic market. Anti-dumping duties are intended to protect domestic producers from unfair competition.

4) Countervailing duty: This is a special duty imposed on goods that benefit from government subsidies in the exporter’s country. Countervailing duties are intended to level the playing field for domestic producers.

Outdoor furniture importers must research the customs duties and tariffs that may apply to their specific product category and the destination country and factor these costs into their import pricing calculations. Importers may want to work with a customs broker or freight forwarder who helps ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

• Brokerage fees

The China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing website provides information on logistics and supply chain management in China, including customs clearance and freight forwarding services.

When importing outdoor furniture from China, importers may need to pay for various logistics and purchasing brokerage fees. Some of the common fees include:

1) Freight forwarding fees: These fees cover shipping the goods from the supplier’s location in China to the importer’s location. The fees may include charges for services such as customs clearance, documentation, and cargo insurance.

2) Customs brokerage fees: are charged by customs brokers who help importers navigate the customs clearance process. The fees may include charges for services such as filing customs documentation, arranging inspections, and paying import duties and taxes.

3) Warehousing fees: If the goods must be stored in a warehouse before being shipped to the importer’s location, the importer may need to pay warehousing fees. The fees may include charges for storage, handling, and inventory management.

4) Inspection fees: Importers may inspect the goods before shipment to ensure they meet their quality standards. The fees for inspection services will vary depending on the inspection scope.

5) Sourcing agent fees: If the importer uses a sourcing agent in China to help them find suppliers and negotiate prices, the agent may charge a fee for their services. The fee may be based on a percentage of the total order value or a flat fee.

Importers must factor these fees into their overall import cost calculations to ensure they can profit from their imported goods. Importers may also want to shop around and compare fees from different logistics and purchasing brokerage service providers to find the best deal.

• Insurance

Importers who import goods from China may need to consider several types of insurance, depending on the nature of your business and the goods being imported:

1) Marine cargo insurance: Cargo insurance covers loss or damage to goods during transit by any mode of transportation, including sea, air, or land. This type of insurance can be useful for importers transporting goods from China to the destination country by multiple modes of transportation.

2) Product liability insurance: Product liability insurance covers legal claims against the importer if the imported goods cause injury or damage to property. This type of insurance can be important for importers who import products intended for consumer use.

It is important for importers to carefully consider their insurance needs and work with an insurance broker or provider who has experience in international trade to ensure that they have adequate coverage:

1) Ping An Insurance: Ping An Insurance is one of the largest insurance companies in China and offers a range of insurance products for importers, including marine insurance, cargo insurance, and liability insurance.

2) China Pacific Insurance: China Pacific Insurance is another large insurance company in China that offers a range of insurance products for importers, including marine insurance, cargo insurance, and product liability insurance.

3) China Continent Property & Casualty Insurance: China Continent Property & Casualty Insurance is a subsidiary of China Reinsurance (Group) Corporation and offers a range of insurance products for importers, including marine insurance, cargo insurance, and liability insurance.

4) China Taiping Insurance: China Taiping Insurance is a state-owned insurance company in China that offers a range of insurance products for importers, including marine insurance, cargo insurance, and liability insurance.

• Currency exchange fees

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) website provides information on China’s foreign exchange regulations and policies. The People’s Bank of China website provides information on currency exchange rates and policies.

Here are some tips and advice for managing currency exchange fees:

1) Compare exchange rates: Before making currency exchange transactions, comparing exchange rates between banks and providers is important. This can help you find the best rate and save on currency exchange fees.

2) Use a multi-currency account: Consider opening a multi-currency account to help manage currency exchange fees. With a multi-currency account, you can hold funds in multiple currencies and convert them when the exchange rate is favourable.

3) Lock-in exchange rates: If you have a large order, consider locking in exchange rates through a forward contract. This can help you avoid fluctuations in exchange rates and plan your budget more effectively.

4) Negotiate with suppliers: When negotiating with suppliers in China, consider negotiating prices in the importer’s home currency rather than the Chinese yuan. This can help you avoid additional currency exchange fees.

Final Thoughts

Importing outdoor restaurant furniture from China requires careful consideration and planning, but it can significantly benefit your business growth. With a wide range of manufacturers and products available, it is essential to identify your needs, research reputable suppliers, and factor in all related costs.

Coets is a trusted manufacturer of outdoor restaurant furniture, offering:

• Brushed aluminium outdoor dining tables & chairs

• Plastic wood outdoor bar tables & stools

• Sling brushed aluminium outdoor sun loungers

• Brushed aluminium olefin outdoor sofas

• Outdoor parasols.

Our customer service has earned us a reputation for professionalism and industry knowledge, ensuring our customers receive the best shipping options, assembly instructions, and maintenance tips.

If you have further questions and would like to learn more about how to import commercial outdoor dining furniture from China, please do not hesitate to contact us today.