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Before our eyes, new residential complexes, office skyscrapers, and urban infrastructure are growing — and this requires enormous volumes of building materials. A wide range of products can be found in China, offering the market not only high quality but also competitive prices. In this article, we will look at what and how to order from China for developers or businesses that want to enter the construction niche.
The country is one of the leaders in the extraction and processing of natural stone — granite and marble. Thanks to its strong production capacity, China manufactures almost all types of building materials for export:
The best way to buy building materials in China is through wholesale marketplaces such as Alibaba, 1688, Made-in-China, or directly from a supplier/factory. For example, Shuitou has about 3,000 enterprises related to stone processing! And the city of Foshan is one of the world’s largest centers for the production of ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, and other finishing materials.
Cooperation with a factory or plant is not easy: from the language barrier and contract signing to quality inspection and logistics. Entrust purchasing to professionals — we organize product sourcing in China on marketplaces or find reliable suppliers according to your requirements.
The complexity of logistics lies in dimensions, consolidation specifics, and customs clearance.
Some building materials, such as beams and pipes, are classified as oversized cargo. Others, like stone and granite, are very heavy, which increases freight costs. To import Chinese building materials, you need an experienced logistics company:
Clients often buy from different factories. For example, tiles — in Foshan, lighting equipment — in Guzhen. All cargo should be consolidated in a warehouse. Grouped shipments reduce delivery costs but require a partner who will receive, check, and pack all goods. DiFFreight has its own warehouse in China, where we consolidate cargo.
Customs clearance is one of the most difficult stages. When importing bulk cargo (sand, gravel, crushed stone, cement), environmental certificates may be required. Materials must also pass radiation and sanitary-epidemiological control.
Tiles and similar products are under the close attention of customs officers. They check:
For these products, additional construction certification may be required.
Building materials from China wholesale are much cheaper than ordering from Ukrainian intermediaries. Let’s compare the cost of some positions:
| Product | Price in China, $ | Price in Ukraine, $ |
|---|---|---|
| Facing tiles made of natural stone | 15–50/m² | 36–132/m² |
| Cement | 40–80/ton | 24–60/ton |
| Double-glazed window | 15–30/m² | 29–72/m² |
| Drywall | 2.5–5/m² | 6–12/m² |
| Basin faucet | 10–50 per unit | 14–96 per unit |
The price is approximate and differs depending on the brand, characteristics, quality, and order volume. For example, on Alibaba, bulk purchases are more profitable. Marble tiles measuring 60x120 cm will cost $4.5 per unit for an order up to 99 units, and $3.83 per unit for an order of 1000+ units.
At the factory, it’s even cheaper! Moreover, at the production site, it is possible to order individual sizes, colors, and manufacture the required volume. Entrust supplier sourcing in China to us — we will find the best factories for wood processing, metal rolling, ceramic tiles, and other construction materials.
Our company has been providing international logistics services for more than 5 years. Turnkey delivery from China to Ukraine includes supplier/factory search, purchase, packaging and consolidation, transportation, customs clearance, and delivery to the client’s address.
By entrusting the procurement and transportation process to DiFFreight, you optimize costs, save time, and receive high-quality service. We don’t just deliver cargo — we help businesses grow!
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