More than 60% of furniture produced by global brands comes from Guangdong Province. Chinese factories manufacture high-quality sofas at relatively low purchasing prices. If you want to scale your business, order furniture directly from manufacturers or large wholesalers. Below we explain what you need to know before launching imports from the Middle Kingdom.
Factories in the Middle Kingdom offer a huge selection of furniture for any interior in various price categories. In catalogs, you will find:
In addition to “ready-made” solutions, factories manufacture products based on your drawings or provide customization options: different materials, upholstery, and fittings. Manufacturers’ assortments include both inexpensive sofas from China and premium models.
Furniture must combine comfort, quality, and ergonomics, which is why it is extremely important to find a reliable manufacturer or intermediary. Supplier searches in China can be carried out:
We offer negotiation support and purchasing services in China on marketplaces. Delegate business communication with Chinese partners to professionals to secure the most favorable offers.
The general logistics scheme remains the same as for other goods. However, this niche is specific because the cargo is bulky and heavy. In addition, textiles are very sensitive to moisture and damage. When purchasing a sofa from China, consider the following:
Since furniture is a bulky product with high freight costs, returning defective goods from Ukraine is impractical. We recommend conducting inspections upon receipt at a warehouse in the Middle Kingdom. DiFFreight provides warehouse services in China, including additional packaging, labeling, and quality control.
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Although furniture procurement is a high-margin business, there are many risks associated with delivery and inspection.
| Problem | Consequences | DiFFreight Solution |
| Mismatch in quality and materials | Instead of luxurious furniture shown in photos, you receive a product with poor upholstery, an unreliable frame, and cheap filling | Do not rely on photos alone: request a full product specification before placing an order |
| During production: replacement of materials with cheaper ones or deviations from the approved design | Loss of investment, as you paid for one product but received a different one | Control at all stages. Approve fabric and hardware samples, arrange a factory audit, or delegate this to us |
| Wrong color | Instead of pleasant shades — outdated or unattractive colors | We recommend sending color references using the Pantone system and requesting fabric and leather samples |
| Customs difficulties | Shipment delays or fines | Only children’s furniture is subject to mandatory certification. However, we recommend using a customs broker to ensure smooth customs clearance |
When importing, many factors must be considered — we take over all foreign economic activity (FEA) on an outsourcing basis and establish a reliable supply chain from trusted manufacturers.
Several restrictions and prohibitions apply in this segment:
Violation of customs regulations may result in fines and confiscation. Always consult with a customs broker.
We compared the cost of furniture (the same or similar models) to clearly demonstrate why wholesale purchasing in China is advantageous.
| Type | Price in Ukraine*, $ | Price in China, $ |
| Two-seat non-folding sofa with legs | 322 | 80.29 |
| Modular frameless model with high-elastic foam filling | 670 | 270 |
| Straight sofa with shell-shaped backrest, with legs, two-seat | 358 | 250 |
*Prices depend on the model, configuration, exchange rates, and manufacturer. Conversion is based on the exchange rate as of December 2025.
Shipping bulky goods such as sofas and armchairs from China to Ukraine is more expensive than shipping small-sized items. Therefore, the percentage margin on furniture is lower, but the absolute profit in currency terms is higher.
Do you want to manufacture custom sofas in China based on your own design? Or purchase ready-made models at competitive prices for resale? Contact us! We are not only international logistics experts but also a full-cycle procurement company for entrepreneurs:
We guarantee cargo safety, arrange insurance, and provide 24/7 tracking. Contact us for a consultation and launch a high-margin furniture business with DiFFreight
To import furniture, you typically need: a commercial invoice, packing list, transport documents, export declaration, and customs declaration. Some models (e.g., electrically powered furniture) may require additional certification.
Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for large and heavy sofas. Air freight is faster but significantly more expensive, suitable for urgent or high-value shipments. The choice depends on your budget and delivery timelines.
Yes — furniture, especially sofas with fabric or leather upholstery, is sensitive to moisture and damage. Vacuum packing, corner protection, and wooden crating for sea freight are recommended.
Confirm the correct product classification in advance, prepare a complete set of documents, and consider working with an experienced customs broker — this can help avoid delays, fines, and incorrect duty calculations.