The ultimate guide to buying China tile – everything you need to know

China is one of the largest tile producers and exporters in the world. According to published figures, it produced around 52% of the world’s tiles in 2020. Because of its multiple designs, durability, and economical price, Chinese tiles have increased their popularity among international importers over the years. Many overseas buyers have been attracted to China for reliable and cost-effective ceramic tile products.

In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know when purchasing China tiles. If you’re interested, please keep reading.

Are ceramic tiles made in China good?

First of all, many potential buyers interested in importing Chinese tiles might ask: “Are the ceramic tiles made in China of good quality?” This is a valid question since the answers vary among different buyers and regions. Some say that the quality of tiles they purchased from China is excellent, while others claim that the quality of Chinese tiles is terrible. So, why are there such diverging opinions?

I think it can be attributed to the following:

• Differences in quality standards:

The perception of quality can vary significantly from one region to another due to different quality standards and expectations. What may be considered high-quality in one market might not meet the standards in another. Therefore, some buyers might find Chinese tiles excellent quality, while others may have a contrary opinion.

• Variety of tile manufacturers:

China has numerous tile manufacturers, ranging from small-scale factories to large listed companies. The quality of their products can vary widely. Some manufacturers are known for producing high-end, premium tiles, while others focus on producing more affordable, lower-quality options. As a result, a buyer’s experience with Chinese tiles can greatly depend on the specific manufacturer they’ve dealt with.

• Supplier selection:

Choosing the right supplier is crucial when importing tiles from China. Some suppliers may offer lower prices but compromise on quality. On the other hand, reputable suppliers often prioritize quality and consistency, ensuring that the tiles meet international standards. Buyers who have had a bad experience with Chinese tiles may have picked an unreliable supplier.

Ceramic vs. Porcelain: essential differences importers must understand

Although, we generally refer to all tiles—including porcelain and ceramic tiles—as ceramic tiles, which is a broad phrase. But in a narrow sense, ceramic and porcelain tiles differ in materials, manufacturing techniques, and performance characteristics.

So, for most importers, the common questions face is understanding the distinction between ceramic and porcelain tiles. This is important for selecting the right product for your market needs. Below are some comparision for you to understand easier.

Material composition and manufacturing

Performance characteristics comparison

Generally speaking, based on the basic characteristics of ceramic and porcelain tiles, we recommend porcelain for:

• All floor applications, especially high-traffic areas,
• Outdoor installations,
• Moisture-prone areas like showers and pool surrounds,
• Commercial spaces where durability is paramount, such as airport, hospital, hotel lobby etc.

While Ceramic tiles are ideal for:

• Residential wall applications,
• Light-traffic residential floors,
• Budget-conscious projects,
• Applications where frequent design changes are anticipated.

Understanding these nuances helps you position the right products for specific project requirements.

Next, we will talk about the main types of tiles in China.

What types of ceramic and porcelain tiles does China produce?

The remarkable diversity of tiles produced in China allows importers to source products for every market segment, from basic commodity tiles to high-end designer products. This section we will explore some of the most common types of tiles you can find in China.

Polished porcelain tiles:

Polished tiles are known for their shiny and smooth surface, they can make an entire space look more spacious and bright. They are highly durable, resistant to scratches and easy to clean and maintain. It’s widely used in halls, living rooms, and other indoor floor areas. However, they can be slippery on wet floors, like bathrooms and kitchens.

Glazed rustic tiles :

Also known as rustic tiles or vintage tiles, glazed matt tiles are designed to replicate old looks and feeling. It can be porcelain or ceramics.

Over recent years, as the advances in digital printing technology have dramatically expanded the creative potential of these products, they come in various designs, patterns and colors, and the styles are looking more and more modern and neutral: wood-look, cement look, slate look, fiber look, marble and granite look, etc. With their remarkably realistic texture and finishes, it becoming increasingly popular.

Porcelain marble tiles

The marble tiles we are discussing here do not refer to tiles made from natural marble stone. Instead, we’re talking about porcelain tiles designed to mimic the look of natural marble, it is a type of glazed tile. Since its variety of patterns & designs, the luxurious looks of marble without the high cost, and easy maintenance, it has been very popular in recent years, we discussed it as an independent type.

Full body porcelain tiles:

Full-body tiles, also known as homogeneous tiles, are made of the same color and material composition throughout their entire surface and body. As a result, they are extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear. They are typically seen in high-traffic places such as shopping malls, airports, parking garages, and commercial flooring.

Additional, one of the paramount features of full body tiles is their non-slip character, making them an ideal choice for areas that are prone to moisture or where safety is a priority. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in commercial settings such as restaurants, hospitals, and schools where the risk of slips and falls needs to be minimized.

The non-slip nature is attributed to the tile’s texture and finish, which provides adequate grip even when the tiles are wet. Tile Manufacturers often enhance this property by applying various techniques during the production process, such as adding a slightly raised pattern on the tile surface or a matte finish to increase traction. Consequently, homogeneous tiles not only offer durability and aesthetic appeal but also ensure a safer environment by reducing the likelihood of accidents in high-traffic and wet areas.

For more information about Homogeneous tiles, please read our post: Homogeneous Tiles: A Versatile Solution for Your Flooring Needs

Ceramic wall tiles

In general, ceramic wall tiles are lighter and thinner than floor tiles. They are available in many designs, colors, and sizes, and they are simple to install.
Wall tiles usually have a higher water absorption rate, which means the tile may better stick to the glue used to connect it to the wall, greatly preventing peeling off after installation.
The high water absorption rate of wall tiles has significant consequences. For example, it often means these tiles are less dense and more easily broken when a strong external force hits them.

Decorative and patterned tiles

Patterned tiles draw inspiration from global design traditions, from Mediterranean and Moroccan to contemporary geometric styles. These are particularly popular for feature walls, backsplashes, and accent areas.

Porcelain mosaic tiles

Porcelain mosaic tile stands out for its durability, low water absorption rate, and aesthetic versatility. These small, often colorful tiles are used to create intricate patterns and designs, making them a favorite for decorative accents in bathroom walls and flooring, kitchens, and even swimming pools.

The compact size of mosaic tiles allows for a level of detail and creativity in design that larger tiles can’t achieve. The versatility of porcelain mosaic tiles extends to their finishes, which can range from glossy to matte, allowing designers and homeowners to achieve just the right look and feel for their space.

Each type of tile has its own advantages and is best suited for specific applications. It’s always important to choose the right type of tile based on the requirements of your commercial projects.

What surface finishes, tile size and thickness options in China

Finishes, size and thickness are one of the factors you need to pay attention.

Surface finishes: beyond basic matte and polished

Modern manufacturing techniques have expanded surface options far beyond traditional glazed, matte, and polished finishes:

Polished finishes achieve a high-gloss, mirror-like surface through mechanical polishing after firing. These create dramatic, reflective surfaces that maximize light and create a sense of spaciousness—ideal for luxury residential and upscale commercial spaces.

Matte finishes provide a natural, non-reflective appearance that hides stain and footprints more effectively than polished surfaces. These have gained popularity in contemporary design for their subtle sophistication and practical maintenance benefits.

Textured/Anti-slip finishes offer enhanced safety for wet areas and outdoor applications while adding tactile interest. Recent technological advances have created textures that provide excellent slip resistance without the rough, difficult-to-clean surfaces of earlier generations.

Lappato (semi-polished) finishes strike a balance between polished and matte, with a subtle sheen that provides visual sophistication while being more forgiving than fully polished surfaces in terms of maintenance and slip resistance.

Structured surfaces include three-dimensional textures that mimic natural materials with remarkable realism—wood grain, split stone, brushed concrete, and other tactile effects that add depth and character to installations.

Size options: from traditional to dramatic large format

In China, as the evolution of manufacturing capabilities has dramatically expanded size options:

Traditional formats (300×300mm, 300*600mm, 600×600mm) remain popular for their versatility and economical installation.

Large format tiles (800×800mm, 900*900, 600×1200mm, 750*1500mm, 900×1800mm) create dramatic, nearly seamless installations with minimal grout lines. These have gained tremendous popularity for their ability to make spaces feel larger and more continuous. New manufacturing advances have made these increasingly affordable and available from more factories.

Porcelain slabs (1200×2400mm and larger) represent the cutting edge of tile technology, providing seamless surfaces for countertops, wall cladding, and floor applications. These compete directly with natural stone slabs while offering superior technical performance.

Plank formats designed specifically for wood-look tiles ( 150*600mm, 150*800mm, 150×900mm, 200*1000mm, 200×1200mm, 250*1500mm, etc.) mimic the proportions of hardwood flooring for authentic installations.

Special shapes including hexagons, penny rounds, arabesque, and other decorative formats provide distinctive design options for creating unique installations.

Thickness options for specialized applications

Standard thicknesses (8-12mm) remain the most common for wall and floor applications.

Thin tiles (4-6mm) offer advantages for renovation projects, where minimizing floor height changes is important, and for wall applications where weight is a concern.

Thick porcelain pavers (20mm) designed specifically for outdoor installation have revolutionized exterior design, providing frost-resistant, non-slip surfaces for patios, walkways, and pool surrounds that can be installed over various substrates.

In recent years, China manufacturing capabilities now account for more than 50% of worldwide ceramic tile production, creating unmatched advantages for importers seeking quality products at competitive prices. This is closely related to the fact that China has many ceramic production areas. Now let’s explore China’s ceramics production areas in-depth.

The major Chinese tile manufacturing regions and their specialties.

There are several regions in China that produce ceramic and porcelain tiles. We’ll go over four major manufacturing regions and their specializations in this section. Guangdong, Fujian, Shandong, and Sichuan are the four production regions that account for over 60% of total domestic ceramic tile production in China.

Guangdong province:

In Guangdong region, which includes cities such as Foshan, Qingyuan, Zhaoqing, Dongguan, Enping, and Heyuan, is recognized for producing high-quality tiles in a broad range of types, including porcelain polished tiles, glazed tiles, marble porcelain tiles, full-body tiles, wall tiles, mosaic tiles, border tiles, and stair tiles.

The Guangdong region not only excels in producing a broad spectrum of ceramic tiles but is also renowned for its quality products that cater to the international quality standards. Many tile brand from overseas like OEM or ODM in the Guangdong tile manufacturer.
Foshan, in particular, is a standard in China’s ceramic tile industry, since it is home to the headquarters or marketing centers of the majority of leading ceramic tile enterprises, significantly influencing the trend of Chinese tiles.
In general, Guangdong continuously ranks top among all major areas in terms of production scale, manufacturing technology advancement, product development, quality control, product diversification, enterprise management, industrial support, and logistics. The region’s diverse and high-quality tile demonstrates its importance in the Chinese tile production field.

Fujian province:

The main producing cities in the Fujian region are Jinjiang and Minqing. Fujian factories are frequently on a smaller scale, with flexible manufacturing processes. It is recognized for its glazed tiles and exterior tiles, but Minqing is noted for its cheap but low-quality ceramic interior wall tiles.
A Filipino customer once told me he bought a batch of tiles in Fujian. They were inexpensive but of low quality. When water was poured on the tile’s surface, it would run out from the back of the tile, it’s totally not resistant to water.

Shandong province:

The Shandong Region, with its principal production cities of Zibo and Linyi, is recognized for its specialty in producing glazed tiles, including glazed polished tiles, rustic tiles, and ceramic wall tiles. Most of these tiles are with high water absorption, not porcelain. Its primary advantage lies in its more affordable pricing and lower minimum order quantities, making it an appealing choice for many buyers.
However, the average production technological level in Shandong is slightly lower than that in Guangdong or Fujian province, resulting in products that are mainly targeted towards the middle-to-low-end market.
I recall an experience from about seven years ago when I was working for a trading company, they had a partnership with some tile factories in Shandong. What impressed me was I got a ceramic tile order for a project at the Canton Fair. After receiving the deposit, I immediately arranged for our team to prompt the factory to start production.
Originally, the contract stipulated a delivery period of 20 days. However, even after a month, production had not commenced. The final delivery period was extended to nearly 60 days.
That’s a really terrible experience.

Sichuan province:

Centered around Jiajiang, this region mainly produces ceramic wall tile. It is characterized by small-scale production and cheaper prices. Despite this, its location in the inland region of China does not provide any logistical advantage.
In addition to these four major tile manufacturing regions, some emerging tile production centers have appeared in recent years. For example, the Guangxi region, centered around Beiliu and Guigang, and the Jiangxi region, centered around Gao’an, Pingxiang, Jiujiang, and Jingdezhen, mainly produce glazed tiles. These regions are gaining more and more influence in the field of tile manufacturing.
Each region produces a variety of ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles in its unique way, with different prices and quality positioning to meet the diverse needs of consumers both domestically and internationally.

After clearing the tiles production areas in China, you may have a question:

How to choose good-quality tiles?

Undoubtedly, quality is a key consideration for all buyers, regardless of price. Even if you are looking for the cheapest tiles, you will expect an acceptable level of quality. Right?

In earlier articles on how to choose good-quality tiles, we discussed several critical quality factors, including water absorption rate, wear resistance, stain resistance, flatness, and size difference. These qualities can significantly impact the performance and lifetime of the tile.

Water absorption rate:

The water absorption rate of a tile is a measure of how much water it can absorb compared to its weight. It reflects the porosity of the tiles. The lower the water absorption, the lower the tile density, and the less likely the tile is to absorb dirt.

Abrasion resistance:

Abrasion resistance refers to the tile’s ability to withstand abrasion and wear over time. Higher wear resistance indicates that the tile will keep its beauty and usefulness even when subjected to heavy use or harsh conditions. It is an essential metric that shows a porcelain tile’s durability.

Flatness：

A tile’s flatness can impact both its visual appeal and the installation process. This not only improves the appearance of the finish, but also improves safety by reducing the chance of trips and falls caused by uneven surfaces.

In addition to these considerations, we offered some advice on how to choose high-quality tiles. If you’re interested, we recommend reading our previous articles for a more comprehensive overview of this subject.

Quality Standards and Testing

Quality assurance represents perhaps the most critical aspect of successful tile importing. Understanding international standards and implementing effective quality control procedures will help you avoid costly problems and ensure customer satisfaction.

Key International Standards for Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

The tile industry operates under several recognized international standards that provide a common language for specifying technical performance:

ISO 13006/EN 14411 represents the global benchmark for ceramic tile classification. This standard categorizes tiles based on forming method and water absorption rates, with the following key designations:

• Class BIa: Porcelain tiles (water absorption ≤0.5%)
• Class BIb: Stoneware tiles (water absorption 0.5-3%)
• Class BIII: Wall tiles (water absorption >10%)

ANSI A137.1 provides the American standard specifically for ceramic tile, with similar classification principles but some differences in testing methodologies and requirements.

Reputable Chinese manufacturers test their products against these standards and can provide certification upon request. However, it’s important to verify that test reports come from accredited laboratories and reflect current production.

Critical technical parameters beyond water absorption and abrasion resistance

While water absorption and abrasion resistance defines the basic classification of ceramic versus porcelain, several other technical parameters are crucial for ensuring suitability for specific applications:

Breaking strength and modulus of rupture indicate a tile’s ability to withstand loads without breaking. These become particularly important for floor applications, especially in commercial environments. The minimum requirements vary by thickness, but generally, porcelain tiles should exceed 1300N breaking strength and 35 N/mm² modulus of rupture.

Mohs hardness (typically 4-8 for tiles) indicates scratch resistance and helps determine suitability for different environments.

Slip resistance is critical for floor tiles, especially in commercial or wet environments. Different markets use different testing standards:

• In the United States, the DCOF AcuTest (≥0.42 for level interior spaces likely to be walked upon when wet).
• In Europe, the R-rating system (R9-R13, with higher numbers indicating greater slip resistance).
• In Australia, the P-rating system (P1-P5), it’s also means higher numbers indicate better slip resistance.

Frost resistance is essential for outdoor applications in regions experiencing freezing temperatures. Properly frost-resistant tiles show no damage after freeze-thaw cycling tests.

How can we find China tile suppliers?

The foundation of successful importing begins with selecting the right products and suppliers. Finding reliable suppliers we can be approached through multiple channels: visiting the tile production areas, attenting the trade show, or via the online platform, such as alibaba, made in china, google search engine or social media, etc.

Visiting production areas and attending the trade shows

First, visit the tile manufacturing regions or attend the ceramic industry exhibitions, which are the most reliable ways to find ceramic tile suppliers in China. If your budget and time are available, a firsthand examination of China is very efficient and necessary. You can see the quality of the products, the production management, and the most important thing is that you can communicate with a person face to face, rather than the usual computer.
Below are some of the key exhibitions in the tile industry:

Canton Fair (Guangzhou, China), China International Ceramic & Bathroom Fair (Foshan, China), Cersaie Exhibition (Italy), Cevisama Expo ( Spain), Big 5 Global (Dubai), Covering Show (USA) and Feicon Batimat (Brazil).

If you’re looking for porcelain tile suppliers online, there are many platforms and strategies you can use. Here are a few popular options:

Google search

The world’s largest search engine can be a great starting point. You can use specific keywords related to your product and add terms like “supplier,” “manufacturer,” or “wholesaler” to find potential leads.

B2B platform: Alibaba, Made in China, Global Sources

All these 3 are the largest and most popular B2B e-commerce marketplaces based in China. You can connect businesses with different kinds of product suppliers on the platform.

When using these platforms:

• Check business licenses and certificates and review customer feedback and ratings. However, this is not the only basis for evaluating whether a supplier is reliable and capable, because whether it is a “gold member” or a “star supplier”, is just a classification made by the platform according to the level of service purchased by the supplier.
• Always request samples before you placing large orders.
• More communicate with your suppliers and get mor information, do not only focus on the price but also the risk.

For more information about the menthods to find and evaluate suppliers, please read our previous post how to find reliable tile suppliers in china for additional resources and expert advice.

Choose a tile manufacturer or trading company. How to distinguish?

Once you’ve identified potential suppliers, the next step is to assess whether they’re worth pursuing a business relationship with. Generally, suppliers can fall into two main categories: manufacturers and trading companies (including sourcing agents).

Tile manufacturers

They are the actual producers of the goods. Working directly with manufacturers can often result in lower prices since there’s no middleman involved. Manufacturers also typically have more control over product quality, production schedule, and customization options. However, they may require a larger minimum order quantity (MOQ) and may not provide as wide a range of products as trading companies.

Trading companies

They act as intermediaries between manufacturers and buyers. And source products from various manufacturers so they can offer a wider variety of products, often with lower MOQ. Trading companies can also handle logistics, customs clearance, and other aspects of international trade, which can be more convenient for businessmen who are new to importing. However, their prices may be a little higher due to their added services.
No matter which type of company to work with, it’s essential to thoroughly evaluate their reliability. Look at their reputation, communication responsiveness, product quality, pricing, quality control, delivery times, and terms of service they provide.

Difference between real tile manufacturers and trading companies

I think most buyers also want to work with tile manufacturers directly because the price is lower. So, how do you tell the difference between real manufacturers and trading companies? Here are some tips that might help you:

1. Product Range:

Manufacturers usually specialize in specific products. If a supplier offers a broad range of tiles, including glazed floor tile, polished tile, ceramic wall tile, and so on, they might be a trading company.

2. Company and warehouse location:

The location of a company can often provide clues about its nature. Companies located in industrial or manufacturing regions are more likely to be manufacturers, while those in other production cities are often trading companies.
In addition, the warehouse location for loading tiles can also serve as an indicator. If you’re sourcing several tile models and they’re coming from different warehouses, these products are likely manufactured by different factories and consolidated by a trading company.

3. Speak with Factory Workers:

If you can visit the factory, you can try speaking with the factory workers to get more direct information. Management might say they are manufacturers when they might be a trading company. At the same time, observe the communication between the salesperson and the workers, the familiarity with the factory and the products displayed in the showroom, etc., and trust you will know whether this salesperson is from the factory or not.
However, while these indicators can be helpful, they should not be the sole basis for your suppliers’ decisions. No matter you work with a tile manufacturer or trading company, the most important thing is to ensure that you’re working with a reliable supplier that suits your specific needs.

Effective communication tips for building strong supplier relationships

The most successful importers approach sourcing as a partnership rather than a series of transactions. Building strong relationships with Chinese suppliers leads to preferential treatment, better communication, and ultimately a more reliable supply chain.

Despite improvements in English proficiency among Chinese business professionals, communication challenges remain a reality in international trade. Several strategies can help overcome these barriers:

Written confirmation:

Follow up verbal discussions with written summaries to confirm understanding. Use clear, simple language and avoid idioms or complex sentences that may be misinterpreted.

Visual references: Whenever discussing product specifications, color, or design, use photographs, drawings, or physical samples to clarify requirements. Visual communication transcends language barriers and reduces misunderstandings.

Regular video calls: While email remains essential for documentation, scheduled video calls help build personal connections and resolve issues more efficiently than written exchanges alone.

Consistent contacts: Establish primary contacts on both sides to maintain communication continuity. Working with the same individuals builds mutual understanding over time and reduces repetitive explanations.

Technical specificity: When discussing technical requirements, reference specific standards and testing methods rather than general descriptions. For example, instead of requesting “slip-resistant tiles,” specify “tiles with a minimum DCOF value of 0.42 as tested according to ANSI A326.3.”

Pricing Factors in the Chinese Tile Market

Pricing is naturally a key consideration when importing tiles. Pricing structure in the Chinese tile industry incorporates multiple factors that influence the final cost. Understanding these elements helps you negotiate effectively and develop realistic budgets.

Raw Materials and Production Technology

The quality of raw materials significantly impacts tile pricing. Premium grade clays, feldspars, and high-quality pigments increase manufacturing costs but result in superior products.

Production complexity also affects pricing. Rectified tiles (precision-cut after firing for exact dimensions) command higher prices due to the additional processing steps involved.

Energy represents a major cost component in ceramic manufacturing, as kilns operate at extremely high temperatures. Fluctuations in energy prices directly impact production costs and, consequently, tile pricing.

Size, Thickness, and Surface Treatments

Large-format tiles require specialized equipment and more precise manufacturing controls, resulting in higher costs per square meter. Additionally, larger tiles typically have higher rejection rates during production, further increasing per-unit costs.

Thickness directly correlates with material usage—a 20mm outdoor paver contains twice the raw material of a 10mm tile of the same design. Similarly, surface treatments add cost:

• Polishing requires additional machinery and processing time,
• Anti-slip treatments add manufacturing steps,
• Special effects like metallic finishes involve more expensive materials,
• Full-body coloration uses more pigments throughout the tile body.

Quality Grades and Sorting

Most factories produce several grades of the same design. Understanding these distinctions helps importers source appropriately for their market segment:

First choice/Grade A tiles meet all specifications for dimensions, flatness, and visual appearance. They represent the highest quality and command premium prices.

Commercial grade/Grade B tiles may have minor variations in tone, texture, or dimension that don’t affect functionality but might not meet the strictest aesthetic standards. These typically sell at a 15-30% discount from first choice.

Second choice/Grade C tiles have noticeable imperfections but remain usable. These are often sold at 40-60% below first choice prices and may be suitable for budget projects or areas where appearance is less critical.

The price difference between grades becomes particularly significant when dealing with high-end products, where first-choice goods may command substantial premiums.

Other Factors

• Order volume dramatically impacts pricing, with significant discounts typically available for larger quantities. The optimal volume for pricing efficiency often starts around 1,000-2,500 square meters per design, with further discounts at higher volumes.
• Long-term relationships also influence pricing. Consistent buyers typically receive preferential rates compared to one-time purchasers, as factories value stable business relationships that allow for more efficient production planning.
• Seasonal factors affect pricing as well. Energy costs typically rise during winter months, and production often slows around Chinese holidays, particularly Chinese New Year (January/February). Planning orders to avoid these peak periods can result in more favorable pricing.

Current Market Price Ranges (2025 Update)

Note: These are approximate FOB China ranges and vary based on specifications, quantity, and market conditions. Strictly speaking, there is no clear dividing line between Economic Grade, MDI-range and Premium. All the above data just only be used as a reference.

Calculating Total Landed Cost

FOB (Free On Board) pricing represents only part of your total cost. For accurate budgeting, consider these additional expenses:

Shipping costs: Except the Asian country, currently averaging $1,000-$3,500 per 20-foot container, depending on destination port (containing approximately 900-1300m² of tiles, depending on type and size).

Import duties, Customs clearance and port fees: Vary significantly by country.

Inland transportation: From port to warehouse (varies by distance).

When negotiating with suppliers, focus on the total landed cost rather than just the FOB price. Sometimes a slightly higher FOB price from a supplier with better packaging and more consistent quality results in a lower overall cost when all factors are considered.

Order contract essentials and logistics management

Once you’ve identified potential suppliers, the negotiation process begins. Beyond price, several contract elements require careful attention:

• Packaging requirements: Specify packaging materials, carton layers, pallet and labeling requirements. Proper packaging prevents damage during transit and simplifies warehouse handling.
• Payment terms: Standard terms in the Chinese tile industry typically involve a 30% deposit when placing the order and 70% payment before loading. For established relationships, more favorable terms may be negotiable, such as a lower deposit percentage or payment by L/C.
• Lead times and penalties: Clearly define production scheduling, expected completion dates, and any late delivery penalties. Include provisions for sample approval timelines within the overall production schedule.
• Detailed product specifications: Include comprehensive technical requirements, referencing specific standards (ISO, ANSI, etc.) and testing methods. Attach approved samples as reference standards and specify acceptable tolerance ranges for dimensions, shade variation, and other critical parameters.

After your orders are finished, the next step is loading and shipping. Then efficient logistics management ensures your tiles arrive safely and cost-effectively.

Shipping method selection: Sea freight is standard for tiles due to their weight, with typical transit times of 30-60 days depending on destination. Full container loads (FCL) offer better protection and often more favorable rates compared to shared containers (LCL). Air freight is rarely economical except for small sample shipments or urgent situations. Rail transport is less popular than sea and air transport, but in some landlocked nations, such as Central Asia, it is the main method of goods transit.

Incoterms clarification: Most Chinese suppliers quote prices on FOB (Free On Board) terms, meaning they handle export clearance and delivery to the port, while you assume responsibility from that point forward. Other common terms include:

• EXW (Ex Works): You arrange collection from the factory,
• CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Supplier arranges shipping to your destination port,
• DAP (Delivered at Place): Supplier handles delivery to your specified location.

Insurance coverage: Marine cargo insurance typically costs 0.3-0.5% of shipment value but provides essential protection. Especially in some maritime incidents, if you do not get insurance, you may have to pay a high cost for it.

Shipping documentation: Essential documents include:

• Packing List,
• Commercial Invoice,
• Bill of Lading
• Certificate of Origin
• Any market-specific compliance documentation.

Barriers you might encounter when importing tiles from China

When importing tiles from China, you may encounter several challenges. Understanding these can help you prepare the import process more efficiently.

Tariffs and duties

One of the primary concerns when importing Chinese tiles is the potential tariffs and duties imposed on these goods. The amount can obviously increase the overall cost of your import, affecting your bottom line.

Anti-dumping duty:

In recent years, several countries have imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese tiles, including Europe, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, India, Pakistan, Mexico, United States, Argentina, Brazil, and so on.
The heavy anti-dumping duty on imports of porcelain tiles is a barrier to international trade since it can significantly increase the cost of importing tiles into your country, so as an importer, you must clear such tariffs and anti-dumping duty before you make the buying decision.
And you can learn more helpful tips in our previous articles: These 6 Expert tips will help you import tiles from China for more information.

Quality control:

Quality control is another significant concern when importing Chinese tiles. Some importers have reported issues with Chinese tiles, such as brittleness, uneven sizes and colors, and difficulty cutting the tiles cleanly.
In order to avoid these quality problems, you can ask for a third-party inspection for inspection, such as SGS or Intertek. Or you can cooperate with a professional trading company. They usually have their own quality control of the tile products, which can greatly reduce the poor quality products to some extent.
More importantly, it’s critical not to focus solely on finding the lowest prices. Products with low prices may end up costing more in the long run.
Before placing a formal order, try to understand your supplier by requesting a sample. This way, you can check the product’s quality and know better your supplier’s production capacity, delivery times, and level of service.

Sourcing options:

Finding the right supplier can be a daunting task. While there are many Chinese tile suppliers, not all of them may meet your specific needs regarding quality, price, and reliability.
At the same time, when purchasing products, Westerners may be accustomed to choosing and buying from the catalog. But in China, because of the hyper-competition, many suppliers will tend to recommend and produce products based on your requirements, style, or quantity. If you don’t specify quality standards and they don’t understand your quality requirements, they’re likely to choose what they think is the cheapest price product for you. Especially for products with high homogeneity, such as ceramic tiles, they look similar, but the quality can be different. This is mainly because they think that your decision to buy his product depends a lot on the price.

Conclusion

After reading this thorough guide, you should have a full idea of the factors to consider, potential problems to avoid, and solutions you can try when importing tiles from China.
Before you start importing, you should examine your country’s trade regulations, tariffs, and anti-dumping measures extensively. When selecting a supplier, whether a manufacturer or a trade organization, be sure they are dependable. If feasible, visiting them will offer you with further information.
Before making an order, check samples or trial orders to ensure they satisfy your quality requirements. Avoid focusing primarily on low-cost items.
Finally, make an effort to comprehend the cultural distinctions between the Eastern and Western worlds. You’ll easily manage the process of finding the proper tile suppliers if you have the right knowledge and approach.
Here’s to a prosperous journey importing Chinese tiles! Please contact us if you have any questions!

FAQ

Is porcelain tile the same as ceramic?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are not the same, although they both belong to the category of ceramic tiles. The main difference lies in the composition and manufacturing process: porcelain tiles are denser and more durable than traditional ceramic tiles, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and outdoor use.

Which ceramic tiles are better, Indian or Chinese?

The choice between Indian and Chinese ceramic tiles ultimately depends on individual preferences and specific project requirements. There is no general answer that Chinese ceramic tiles are better or Indian ceramic tiles are better.

China makes more than half of the world’s ceramic tiles, which just goes to show they’ve got a really strong production and supply setup, not to mention stable output. When it comes to quality and price, it’s up to each buyer to figure out what works best for you based on your own requirements.

Why are Chinese tiles so cheap?

I think the main reason can be in these three reasons:

1. labor costs in China are typically lower compared to other developed country regions, contributing to overall cost savings.

2. China’s efficient supply chain and infrastructure also play a role in reducing expenses associated with transportation and logistics.

3. Because of the scale of the Chinese market, a vast number of tile manufacturers driving competition and lowering production costs.

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