Expert guides, freight tips, and China import insights for global importers.
Sea FreightWhy Import from China? China remains the world s largest exporter, manufacturing everything from consumer electronics to industrial machinery. For US businesses, importing from China offers significant cost advantages, unparalleled product variety, and a mature supply chain ecosystem. However, the process involves customs regulations, shipping logistics, and quality control steps that can be overwhelming for first-time [ ]
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Sea FreightNew Customs Enforcement Executive Order: Key Changes for Importers Back to Blog June 3, 2026 New Customs Enforcement Executive Order: Key Changes for Importers Tariffs and Trade On June 3, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order, Strengthening Customs Enforcement, which directs U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to overhaul how importers of record (IORs) [ ]
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Sea FreightFlexport Named to the 2026 TIME100 List of Most Influential Companies Back to Blog April 30, 2026 Flexport Named to the 2026 TIME100 List of Most Influential Companies Flexport recognized as a ‘Leader’ for AI technology, helping 13,000+ companies navigate the most complex trade environment in decades SAN FRANCISCO — April 30, 2026 — Flexport, [ ]
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Sea FreightCBP Launches CAPE for IEEPA Tariff Refunds Back to Blog April 22, 2026 CBP Launches CAPE for IEEPA Tariff Refunds Tariffs and Trade Update: April 22 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided the following guidance regarding CAPE submissions and Post Summary Corrections (PSCs): An entry that is successfully accepted and attached to a [ ]
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Sea FreightSource: <https://blog.qima.com/supply-chain-insights/supplier-diversification-hormuz-supply-chain> Published: Apr 9, 2026 Categories: Product Compliance, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Supplier Audits, Supply Chain Insights, Sustainability The Cost Shock Is Here — and It Goes Far Beyond Fuel The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves through global supply chains. Since late February 2026, the waterway that normally carries [ ]
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Sourcing & SuppliersSource: <https://blog.qima.com/product-compliance/selling-consumer-goods-china-gb-compliance> Published: Apr 3, 2026 Categories: Consumer Products, Lab Testing, Product Compliance China is no longer just the world’s factory. It’s one of the world’s most important consumer markets — and for international brands, the opportunity is enormous. But selling into China comes with its own compliance rulebook, and it’s not the same one [ ]
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Air FreightWhat does DAP Mean in shipping terms? DAP is a Shipping Incoterm that means “Delivered at Place,” where the seller is responsible for all costs and risks associated with the delivery of the goods to the final agreed-upon place, usually the buyer’s premises. DAP works for sea freight, air freight, road freight, and rail freight, [ ]
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Air FreightWhat does DDP mean in shipping terms? DDP is an incoterm that stands for “delivered duty paid.” Used in sea freight and air freight importing, when shipping under this Incoterm, the maximum responsibility is placed on the seller. DDP can be risky since sellers are responsible for the delivery, and may lack local destination knowledge [ ]
Read MoreSourcing & SuppliersIn order to truly allow for the safest possible solution when importing from China, having a solid sourcing strategy is indispensable. A unique, tailored sourcing checklist is a quick way of turning an amateur importer into an experienced one. Every importer has their own unique approach as to how they navigate the chaos of international [ ]
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Sea FreightHow to Ship from China to Amazon FBA: A Step-by-Step Guide Avoid Catastrophic Loss with this Straightforward Step-by-Step Guide Quick Answer: How Do I ship directly to Amazon FBA from China? The easiest, safest, and most cost-effective way to ship your goods from China to Amazon FBA is to work with a reputable freight forwarder [ ]
Read MoreSourcing & SuppliersBrowsing Alibaba and Global Sources is one way of finding China Wholesale Suppliers. But buyers who put in the legwork of actually going to China, attending trade shows and personally interviewing suppliers usually have an advantage. However, before you go jetting off to China, it’s a good idea to have a general lay of the [ ]
Read More![China Suppliers: 13 Pro Sourcing Tips [PLUS a HUGE Mistake]](https://cms.googoltraders.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/shipping-from-china-faq-hero-2.jpg)
Sourcing & SuppliersAre you worried about sourcing products from China? There are some inherent risks to importing, especially when it comes to picking your supplier. Don’t let this risk stop you from importing your first product. In this article, we’re going to tell you how to source like a pro. Guiding Principle: Never Let Price Drive Your [ ]
Read MoreProduct InspectionIf you’re a small brand, or don’t manufacture your own products, the authorities expect you to be liable for all aspects of your products safety. It can be estimated that around 30% of all product safety certificates coming out of China are fake. Sure, a fake certificate could get your goods through customs, but they [ ]
Read MoreSourcing & SuppliersWhat is a China AIC and How Can it Help you Verify Suppliers when Importing from China? When verifying Chinese suppliers, we will explain what a China AIC is and why they’re important for anyone who does business in China. Especially when you’re sourcing from China and looking for Chinese suppliers and factories to produce [ ]
Read MoreSourcing & SuppliersThe fact that we still receive a substantial number of questions regarding order quantities from our customers tells me that some people will find this post helpful. For those e-commerce sellers that have been sourcing and importing private label products for years, negotiating with Chinese suppliers is likely “old-hat” for them. However, no matter what [ ]
Read MoreSourcing & SuppliersThis infographic will get you on track when importing from China. Ecommerce sellers from the USA who sell on Amazon, Shopify, Ebay, Jet, WalMart or any other channel tend to make the same basic mistakes when they buy direct from China. Note: This post is primarily an infographic with limited text content. The main mistakes [ ]
Read MoreSourcing & Suppliers7 Reasons Trading Companies Can Be Better Than Factories A large number of our shipping customers speak negatively about trading companies. I wanted to create this article to introduce people to the hidden aspects of a trading company that most guides won’t tell you. A lot of the guides I read focus entirely on getting [ ]
Read MoreSourcing & SuppliersShould You Use an Independent Sourcing Agent in China? Using an Agent Buyers looking for someone to assist them with China sourcing and dealing with factories will often resort to using independent sourcing agents. These sourcing agents can be found through sites like Upwork and Fiverr, referrals, or by being approached via cold contact through [ ]
Read More![Container Shipping Cost & Rates Calculator [2026]](https://cms.googoltraders.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/shipping-cost-calculator-hero-1.jpg)
Sea FreightContainer Rates Today: Shipping Rates Chart and Prices Ocean Rates – Freightos Baltic Index (Week of December 21st, 2025): Asia-US West Coast prices (FBX01 Weekly) rose 8% to $2,127/FEU. Asia-US East Coast prices (FBX03 Weekly) fell 3% to $3,069/FEU. Asia-N. Europe prices (FBX11 Weekly) rose 11% to $2,707/FEU. Asia-Mediterranean prices (FBX13 Weekly) rose 15% to [ ]
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Sea FreightU.S. importers subject to Section 301 tariffs on China-origin goods may now have a chance to reclaim some of the duties they’ve already paid. When tariff exclusions or retroactive adjustments apply, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) allows eligible businesses to file for refunds, putting potential cash back into company budgets. Understanding how these refunds [ ]
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