Importing Knitted Fabrics from China: Complete Guide for Brands
China produces approximately 50% of the world's textiles and dominates knitted fabric manufacturing. This guide provides a practical roadmap for brands importing fabrics from China, from finding suppliers to receiving shipments.
Step 1: Finding Reliable Suppliers
Trade Shows (Best for Serious Buyers)
Major Shows:
- Canton Fair (Guangzhou, April & October) - Largest trade fair
- Intertextile Shanghai (March & October) - Textile-focused
- Yarn Expo (Shenzhen, Spring & Autumn) - Technical textiles
Benefits:
- Meet suppliers face-to-face
- See/feel fabric samples
- Negotiate in person
- Build relationships
Cost: Travel + accommodation ($2,000-5,000 per trip)
Online Platforms
Alibaba.com:
- Largest B2B platform
- Thousands of fabric suppliers
- Trade Assurance protection available
- Verification services
Tips:
- Filter for "Gold Supplier" status
- Check years in business (5+ years preferred)
- Read reviews carefully
- Request certifications
Other Platforms:
- Made-in-China.com
- Global Sources
- 1688.com (Chinese domestic, requires agent)
Direct Factory Contact
Huada Creation Approach:
- Direct website inquiry
- Email: [contact information]
- Professional relationship from start
- No platform fees
Benefits:
- Lower costs (no platform commission)
- Direct communication
- Better customization
- Long-term partnership potential
Step 2: Vetting Suppliers
Factory Audit Checklist
Before Large Orders:
Business License Verification
- Request business license copy
- Verify registration
Production Capacity
- Ask about monthly output
- Machine types and quantity
- Lead time capabilities
Quality Certifications
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental)
- GRS (Recycled content, if applicable)
Export Experience
- Years exporting
- Main export markets
- Large brand clients (if shareable)
References
- Request 2-3 customer references
- Contact and verify
Red Flags to Avoid
Warning Signs:
- Prices significantly below market (30%+ cheaper)
- Reluctance to provide certifications
- No physical address or only P.O. box
- Poor English communication (legitimate, but challenging)
- Pressure to pay full amount upfront
- No samples policy
Step 3: Sampling Process
Types of Samples
1. Swatches (Free or Low Cost)
- Small fabric cuttings (10×10cm typical)
- Multiple options to evaluate
- Quick shipping (1-2 weeks)
2. Lab Dips (Color Matching)
- Custom color development
- Pantone or physical sample matching
- Iterative process (2-4 rounds typical)
- Cost: $50-150 per color
3. Production Samples (Strike-offs)
- Larger pieces (1-2 meters)
- Final pre-production confirmation
- Cost: $50-200 depending on fabric
Sample Evaluation Checklist
Physical Inspection:
- Weight (GSM) - verify matches specification
- Width - measure (should be ±2cm of stated)
- Hand feel - soft, comfortable?
- Stretch - test stretch and recovery
- Opacity - check if adequate for application
Testing (Critical):
- Wash Test: Wash 3-5 times, check shrinkage, pilling, color fastness
- Stretch Test: Measure stretch percentage, recovery
- Wear Test: Make sample garment, wear, evaluate
- Opacity Test: Squat test for leggings/yoga pants
Step 4: Negotiating Terms
Pricing
What Affects Price:
- Fabric weight (heavier = more expensive)
- Spandex content (more spandex = higher cost)
- Order volume (larger = lower per-meter price)
- Custom colors vs. stock colors
- Special finishes/treatments
Negotiation Tips:
- Get quotes from 3-5 suppliers
- Don't reveal other quotes
- Ask for volume discounts (breaks typically at 1,000, 3,000, 5,000 meters)
- Negotiate payment terms, not just price
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)
Typical MOQs:
- Stock colors: 500-1,000 meters
- Custom colors: 1,500-3,000 meters
- Custom specifications: 3,000-5,000 meters
Negotiating MOQ:
- Offer to accept stock colors for lower MOQ
- Bundle multiple fabrics in one order
- Build relationship with smaller initial order
Payment Terms
Standard Terms:
- 30/70: 30% deposit, 70% before shipping
- T/T (Telegraphic Transfer): Wire transfer, most common
- L/C (Letter of Credit): Bank guarantee, safer but expensive
For First Order:
- Expect 30-50% deposit requirement
- Use Trade Assurance (Alibaba) if available
- PayPal possible for samples (not production)
After Relationship Established:
- May negotiate better terms
- 30/70 common
- Some offer Net 30 after multiple successful orders
Step 5: Production Timeline
Typical Timeline:
Week 1: Order placement, deposit payment Week 2-3: Production (varies by volume and fabric) Week 4: Pre-shipment inspection (if arranged) Week 5: Shipment preparation Week 6-7: Ocean freight to US/Europe Week 8: Customs clearance, delivery
Total: 6-8 weeks from order to receipt
Faster Options:
- Air freight: 1-2 weeks (but 3-5x cost of ocean)
- Express courier: 3-5 days (very expensive, samples only)
Step 6: Quality Control
Pre-Production Sample
Always Required: Final approval sample from actual production run before full production proceeds.
Inspection Options
1. Supplier Self-Inspection
- Free
- Conflict of interest
- Photos/video proof requested
2. Third-Party Inspection
- Cost: $200-500 per inspection
- Independent verification
- Detailed reports
- Recommended for large orders (5,000+ meters)
Services:
- SGS
- Bureau Veritas
- Intertek
- AsiaInspection
What's Checked:
- Fabric weight (GSM)
- Width
- Color matching
- Surface quality (no defects)
- Quantity verification
- Packing inspection
Step 7: Shipping and Logistics
Incoterms (Pricing Terms)
FOB (Free On Board):
- Supplier delivers to port
- You arrange ocean freight
- More control, potentially cheaper
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight):
- Supplier arranges ocean freight to your port
- Easier, but less control
- Compare both options
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid):
- Supplier handles everything to your door
- Easiest, but most expensive
- Good for small shipments
Shipping Methods
Ocean Freight (Most Common):
- Cost: $1,500-3,000 for full container (US West Coast)
- Time: 3-5 weeks (China to US/Europe)
- Best for: 1,000+ meters
Air Freight:
- Cost: $3-8/kg
- Time: 1-2 weeks
- Best for: Rush orders, samples
Express (DHL, FedEx):
- Cost: $8-15/kg
- Time: 3-5 days
- Best for: Samples only
Customs and Duties
HS Codes for Knitted Fabrics:
- 6006.10: Wool or fine animal hair
- 6006.31: Synthetic fibers (most activewear)
- 6006.41: Artificial fibers
Duty Rates (US, 2026):
- Most knitted synthetic fabrics: 10-16%
- Varies by exact composition and construction
- Check HTSUS for exact code
Required Documents:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- Certificate of origin (sometimes)
Customs Broker:
- Recommended for first imports
- Cost: $100-300 per shipment
- Handles paperwork, clearance
Step 8: Building Long-Term Relationships
Communication Best Practices
Be Clear and Specific:
- Provide detailed specifications
- Use technical terms correctly
- Photos/samples of what you want
Time Zone Awareness:
- China is 12-16 hours ahead of US
- Email works better than calls
- WeChat popular for quick communication
Cultural Considerations:
- Directness appreciated in business
- Relationships matter (plan factory visits)
- Chinese New Year: 2-3 weeks (late Jan/Feb, plan ahead)
Scaling Up
As Volume Grows:
- Better pricing negotiated
- More flexible MOQs
- Better payment terms
- Custom development more feasible
Huada Creation Partnership Benefits:
- Dedicated account manager
- Priority production scheduling
- Custom fabric development
- Comprehensive technical support
Working with Huada Creation
Our Process
1. Inquiry: Email with requirements or request samples 2. Samples: Receive swatches/samples (1-2 weeks) 3. Quote: Detailed pricing based on specifications 4. Order: 30% deposit to commence 5. Production: 2-3 weeks typical 6. Inspection: Photos/videos provided 7. Shipping: 70% payment, shipment arranged 8. Support: Ongoing technical and customer service
Our Advantages
Quality Assurance:
- All products tested (GSM, color fastness, pilling)
- Certifications available
- Consistent production quality
Flexibility:
- Competitive MOQs
- Custom color development
- Technical support throughout process
Reliability:
- On-time delivery record
- Transparent communication
- Long-term partnership focus
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Not Testing Samples Thoroughly
- Always wash test, stretch test, wear test
Mistake #2: Choosing Supplier by Price Alone
- Quality, reliability, communication matter more
Mistake #3: Unclear Specifications
- Vague specs = wrong product delivered
Mistake #4: Skipping Pre-Production Sample
- Final approval before full production essential
Mistake #5: Not Planning for Lead Time
- 8-10 weeks minimum for first order
Mistake #6: Ignoring Chinese New Year
- Factor in 2-3 week shutdown (late Jan/early Feb)
Conclusion
Importing knitted fabrics from China offers significant cost savings, access to advanced manufacturing, and extensive product options. Success requires careful supplier selection, thorough sampling, clear communication, proper quality control, and understanding of logistics.
Key Steps Recap:
- Find suppliers - Trade shows, platforms, direct contact
- Vet carefully - Certifications, references, audit
- Sample thoroughly - Swatches, lab dips, production samples
- Negotiate wisely - Price, MOQ, terms
- Monitor production - Pre-production sample, inspection
- Understand logistics - Incoterms, shipping, customs
- Build relationships - Long-term partnership value
With proper planning, realistic expectations, and choosing reliable partners like Huada Creation, importing from China enables competitive pricing, quality fabrics, and successful activewear product development.
Start Your Import Journey:
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