China is well-known as a sourcing hub where you can source various goods at fair prices. The problem, however, is that this is a blanket statement. Very few people specifically know what products they can source in China or where to find them.
So, in today’s blog, we set aside general references and highlight specific products available in China. By the end, you will likely have a detailed shopping list and a better idea of how to start your sourcing journey.
Shall we begin?
Why Are So Many Products Made in China?
China is home to what is arguably the world’s largest manufacturing industry. This facilitates the production of millions of products for local consumption and exportation.
This level of success has been promoted by:
- Government goodwill to support the manufacturing industry.
- Tax incentives to encourage businesses to set up and run factories.
- A robust transport network that eases the transportation of raw materials and finished products locally and overseas.
- Availability of raw materials within China and from neighboring Asian countries.
- China’s massive yet skilled and affordable workforce.
- Innovation and technology; businesses in China develop outstanding tech solutions which are incorporated into and ease production processes.
Now that we have a perspective on China’s production capabilities, let’s dive right into the products.
Knives
Knives have a special place in Chinese history and culture dating back centuries. The art of making them has been passed down from ancient swordsmiths to modern-day manufacturers.
The only difference is that knife manufacturers in China today, improve their designs to fit current needs.
Some of the options offered by China knife manufacturers include:
Hand-forged Knives
Hand-forged knives are usually unique because their design details are achieved by hand. This also makes them great gifts for anyone that appreciates Chinese culture and a good quality knife that can last for decades.
Kitchen Knives
Kitchen knives can be a hot-selling commodity because they are essential in homes, hotels, and restaurants. It is, however, important to aim for kitchen knife manufacturers that use quality knife-making supplies like quality blades and handles.
Knife Sets
Knife sets are right up there with kitchen knives regarding high sales. They are trendy because they allow buyers to get a variety of knives for different applications all in one. It is convenient and cost-effective.
Pocket Knives
Does your target market enjoy adventure? Or perhaps, you have customers that enjoy handy tools that prepare them for different circumstances?
Then pocket knives are an ideal product for your customer base.
Manufacturers in China offer a variety of them which are foldable and come with various tools like blades, bottle openers, mini pliers, screwdrivers, and more. You can also customize such tools to suit your potential customers’ preferences.
Hunting Knives
Hunting knives made in China are optimized to be resilient for the demanding needs of hunting expeditions. This includes features like easy-to-grip handles, rust-resistant blades, and camouflage colors.
Credit Card Knives
Credit card knives are a lot like pocket knives because they come with different accessories like a key holder, a can opener, a ruler, a saw blade, and other tools.
The only difference is that they are shaped like credit cards and are thus highly portable without drawing attention.
Knife Sheaths
Knife sheaths make it easy to store knives safely to avoid cuts or exposure to elements that could damage the knife.
You can source sheaths wholesale from China, but ensure that the sheaths match the knife designs. Other factors like the material of the sheath, ease of use, and how it can be carried are equally worth considering.
Knife-making Accessories
Knife-making accessories include items such as:
- Knife handle pins
- Knife blades blanks
- Knife handle fasteners
- Knife handles
These would be ideal if you have a knife-manufacturing business or if you would like to supply them to knife makers.
Cutlery Sets
Cutlery sets are a must-have for most homes, hospitality businesses, and other institutions with dining needs like schools.
Cutlery, in general, comprises forks, knives, and spoons. You can source sets that either have an assorted mix of these items or only one type of utensil.
Swords
Swords, like knives, are intricately tied to Chinese culture. They may seem like an odd item to source for your business but they sell quite well among people who participate in fencing, anime enthusiasts, and sword collectors.
Aim for quality swords made by manufacturers that pay attention to detail, as these are the qualities that most customers in this niche look out for.
Kitchen Gadgets
Culinary tasks can be tedious and time-consuming. Your customers may thus be keen to invest in kitchen gadgets that can simplify these tasks.
Such gadgets include:
Meat Thermometers
These devices are used to check the internal temperature of food to gauge whether it is properly cooked. They should be easy to clean and made of food-safe material.
Colanders
Colanders sieve off water from fruit, vegetables, rice, and other food items that need to be washed before eating. Modern designs come in multiple sizes and are optimized for easy storage.
Cheese Graters
Cheese graters are uniquely designed to slice off small bits of cheese when cooking or garnishing food. They stand out from typical graters because they are automated and require minimal effort.
Vegetable Choppers
Vegetable choppers are fitted with different types of blades and chopping equipment that slice various ingredients in different styles. They tend to sell well in most markets and across demographics because they offer great convenience.
Pastry Cutters
Pastry cutters are special knives for slicing pastries. They help users achieve more symmetrical slices faster and effortlessly.
Salad Spinners
Salad spinners come with multiple functions. For example, you can roughly or finely chop up vegetables like lettuce and cabbage and mix them up with a salad dressing. In essence, they take the hard work out of what would otherwise be a long process.
Pilates Equipment
Pilates is a series of exercises that help people achieve better muscle strength and flexibility mostly in the limbs. It has become quite popular due to its benefits and the fact that it can be done at home.
You can thus cash in on this by supplying individuals or fitness studios with pilates equipment such as:
Portable Pilates Bars
Pilates bars are used to create structure or stability during stretches. Portable ones are highly convenient because anyone that buys a set can take it along when they travel or even to and from the gym.
Resistance Bands Sets
Resistance bands are equally used for stretching exercises but offer tough elasticity to support muscle toning. They come in different lengths and you should also consider whether your customers prefer designs with or without webbing.
Figure 8 Resistance Loop Bands
These are an alternative to resistance bands that are easy to use for both lower and upper body exercises. They can also be used for single or double-arm exercises.
Resistance Power Bands
This particular type of band is fully made of latex or TPE. It has no handles or rings. Subsequently, it is suitable for a broader range of stretches.
Remember that, unlike other bands, which you may select based on length, power bands are differentiated by the weight they can support.
Pilates Rings
Fitness enthusiasts use pilates rings to tone muscles by pushing against or stretching them. It is best to source designs with a non-slip design and reliable resistance.
Detachable Weighted Hula Hoop
Hula hoops are worth considering because they are effective fitness tools and are fairly affordable for most people. Plus, they are suitable for a wider range of ages, unlike most fitness accessories that are mostly for adults.
Pilates Balls
Pilates balls facilitate stretches that mostly involve the back. They should maintain the inflated structure well and be strong enough to support the user’s weight.
Pilates Socks
Pilates stretching exercises require stability. Any slip-ups can cause risky muscle strains, among other accidents.
As such, offering your customers pilates socks for safety would be a good touch. They are designed with comfortable padding and have anti-slip soles.
In addition to their overall necessity, you could use them as a product to boost your sales by bundling them with other items at an appealing price.
Yoga Supplies
Yoga also comprises a series of stretching exercises that help promote fitness as well as mental and emotional wellness. Yoga studios and people that practice yoga need supplies such as:
Yoga Mats
Yoga mats keep people comfortable as they take on different poses during a yoga session. They should be made of anti-slip exterior material and thick enough to buffer the body and the floor.
Consider other essential factors like color preferences, eco-friendliness, and lengths your target market may need as you source your yoga mats.
Yoga Clothing
Yoga poses can be quite challenging to achieve. Yogis thus require yoga attire that fits right and stretches well enough to keep them comfortable as they exercise.
Look out for trendy designs because most people also enjoy looking good as they exercise. Durable fabric sweat-wicking fabric can also be a strong selling point that could appeal to customers.
Yoga Blocks
Yoga blocks help yogis achieve certain poses more comfortably. They often have a rectangular shape, should ideally be fairly sturdy, and have an anti-slip exterior.
Yoga Wheels
Yoga wheels also provide support during different yoga poses that mostly involve the back or limbs. They are usually made of plastic, cork, or wood, and covered with a fairly soft material for user comfort.
Yoga Blankets
Yoga blankets are an alternative to support props like yoga blocks, wheels, or bolsters. They are cheaper and provide adjustable levels of support depending on how you fold them.
Yoga Towels
Sweating is a natural consequence of yoga. Most people, therefore, need soft but absorbent towels as part of their yoga accessories. Some yoga studios also buy towels in bulk for their members to use during or after sessions.
Yoga Mat Bags
These are the equivalent of gym bags. However, they are unique because they come with storage for personal effects and have a flap between the bag straps to hold a yoga mat in place.
Yoga Ball Chairs
Yoga ball chairs offer many benefits like:
- Promoting better posture.
- Prompting movement for people that sit to work for long hours.
- Providing more comfort given their soft bouncy design.
Aim for designs with value-adding features like height adjustability or lower back support.
Yoga Knee Pads
Yoga knee pads provide cushion knees to prevent muscle or tendon damage during yoga poses that exert weight on the knee.
Activewear
Activewear is a broad category comprising clothing items worn during different types of workouts. They include:
- Leggings
- Shorts
- Sweatshirts
- Sweatpants
- Vests
Activewear manufacturers in China offer extensive options to choose from for different budgets and customer needs.
Nonetheless, comfortable moisture-wicking fabric is essential. Choosing fabulous designs could also make it much easier to market your activewear store.
Womenswear
The womenswear industry is worth approximately $888 billion. This is largely attributed to the fact that women tend to spend more on clothing than men.
So, if you would like a slice of the success pie, here are some womenswear products you could source from China and resell.
Dresses
Chinese apparel manufacturers are renowned for their extensive collections and trendy designs. It is therefore quite easy to find casual, formal, cocktail, or summer dresses that your customers will love.
However, strive to find wholesale dress manufacturers that produce quality pieces. Some of the cheap dresses in the market can disappoint customers and ruin the reputation of your business.
Jeans
The jeans selection is quite vast and includes designs such as:
- High-waisted jeans
- Ripped jeans
- Maternity jeans
- Mom jeans
- Boot cut jeans
- Plus size jeans
- Boyfriend jeans
- Skinny jeans
Pay attention to the fabric specifications when sourcing your jeans as that significantly impacts the quality.
T-shirts
T-shirts are highly versatile and you can even make them more interesting by customizing their colors or adding graphics or custom text. Some of the designs available in the market include:
- Crew neck t-shirts
- Oversized t-shirts
- Polo neck t-shirts
- Camo t-shirts
- Themed t-shirts (Halloween, Christmas, graphics, etc.)
- Long and short-sleeved t-shirts
Hats
Hats are dynamic accessories that pair well with a wide selection of outfits. You only need to research and select the designs that suit your target customers.
You can also customize design details like colors and sizes to make your order of hats even more appealing to your customers.
Home Essentials
Home essentials are innovative products designed to decorate residential spaces or make housework easier.
Manufacturers in China keep developing new products in this category, and so you will surely be spoiled for choice. Nonetheless, consider:
Space Heaters
Space heaters can warm up a home without a central heating system. Most designs are also portable and can be handy for outdoor areas like balconies or camping sites.
The models are differentiated based on how they work. You can find options such as:
- Infrared heaters
- Bladeless heaters
- Programmable space heaters
- Ceramic space heater
- Fan space heater
- Cordless heaters
- Oil-filled space heaters
- Convection heaters
- Quartz heaters
- Battery-operated heaters
Electric Blankets
Electric blankets keep you warm at home, at the office, on road trips, or anywhere else where you need to ward off the cold.
They come in different fabrics like cotton and sherpa. Heating options also vary because some electric blankets need to be plugged into a socket while others use USB chargers or even batteries.
Lastly, consider other details such as:
- Size (king and queen options)
- Safety features like electric auto shut-off.
- The level of heating that the blanket offers.
- Whether the electric blanket is recommended for indoor or outdoor use.
Insulated Water Bottles
Insulated water bottles can be used to transport and keep beverages warm or cool. They vary based on:
- Size
- Method of insulation i.e. vacuum, double-wall vacuum insulation, thermal insulation, etc.
- How long they can maintain the temperature of their contents.
- The materials they are made of.
- Design e.g. leak proof lids, straight cup shape, etc.
Hot Water Bottles
Hot water bottles help keep you warm when filled with hot water. They should be well-insulated and preferably have an exterior cloth cover to make it safer to hold them against your skin.
They can equally be used to relieve muscle aches.
Heating Pads
Heating pads for alleviating pain such as cramps and muscle tension because they can easily lay on the part that needs relief. Popular designs include:
- Heating pads for cramps
- Moist heating pads
- Massage heating pads
- Knee heating pads
- Infrared heating pads
They generate heat through an electric or battery power source. Most quality models also allow users to set a temperature that they are comfortable with.
Toys
Children worldwide rely on toys for play and learning. Toy manufacturers in China have risen to this challenge, leading to a robust toy industry in the country. You can easily find:
- Automated toys i.e. toy cars, helicopters, fire trucks, trains, etc.
- Building block sets
- Dollhouses
- Themed toy sets, e.g., kitchen sets, tea party sets, etc.
- Superhero figurines
- Educational toys, e.g., numbers games, word games, memory cards, alphabet sets, etc.
Jewelry
The beauty of sourcing jewelry in China is finding designs that appeal to different tastes and budgets. Plus, the jewelry manufacturers cover all the bases, from earrings, necklaces, anklets, bracelets, bangles, pendants, and much more.
It is, nevertheless, advisable to research and identify quality jewelry materials and production standards to avoid buying substandard goods.
Backpacks
Pupils, students, professionals, and travelers, all need backpacks to get around with their day-to-day essentials. So, sourcing the right backpack for your market niche could have you reaping great returns.
Trending backpack styles in the Chinese backpack industry include:
- Anti-theft backpacks
- USB backpacks
- Waterproof backpacks
- Themed backpacks with superhero or movie franchise graphics
- Mommy bags with specialized compartments for storing baby essentials.
- Mobile backpacks
Handbags
Handbag designs keep evolving every other year. Therefore, if you are in this niche, working with reliable China handbag manufacturers may be a win-win scenario. They keep up with handbag trends and offer a broad variety of bag fabrics and designs such as:
- Crossbody bags
- Tote bags
- Clutch purses
- Phone bags
- Saddle bags
- Frame bags
- Satchels
- Wristlets
Watches
The Swiss are arguably the world’s go-to watchmakers. However, numerous China watch manufacturers offer a great alternative. Most of them have taken time to learn from the Swiss and even source some parts from Switzerland to ensure they make stellar timepieces.
On the flip side, many watch manufacturers offer simple, affordable watches for men, women, and kids. Some even have special features like water resistance.
You can also find replica watches that resemble famous brands like Rolex, Apple, Audemars Piguet, Longines, Omega, and others. Source carefully to avoid being overcharged for knock-offs.
Clothing
Clothing manufacturers in China produce all apparel essentials. You can source the following and much more:
- Shirts
- Trousers
- Dresses
- Kidswear
- Intimate apparel
- Wedding gowns
- Bridesmaid dresses
- Pajamas
The key here is to know that manufacturers of all these clothing items may be spread across different cities in China. So make plans to source accordingly.
Hosiery
The hosiery niche of products includes:
- Socks
- Stockings
- Compression socks
- Leggings
- Sports socks
You can find both ready-to-ship and custom hosiery products among hosiery manufacturers in China. Others also focus on niche areas like plus-size hosiery.
Shoes
The shoe industry in China is quite vibrant. It offers a dynamic selection of designs based on modern trends while Chinese trends inspire others.
Women’s Shoes
The designs in this category include:
- Running shoes
- Pumps
- Hiking shoes
- Tennis shoes
- Water shoes
- Flat shoes
- Slippers
- Flat and heeled sandals
- Boots
Men’s Shoes
In the men’s category your shoe options may include:
- Dress shoes
- Casual Chinese-style breathable shoes
- Boots
- Water shoes
- Hiking/rough-terrain footwear
- Sneakers
Kids’ Shoes
Kids’ shoe designs are mostly miniature versions of the options we have listed above. The only difference is that some may be more embellished to appeal to children and have extra sole treads to prevent slips and falls.
Consumer Electronics
Consumer electronics make up a highly profitable and extremely wide niche. Fortunately, most of these products are fairly affordable in China and you can resell them at a lucrative markup. You could consider sourcing:
Portable Audio Solutions
Most people can hardly get by without audio solutions that allow them to play music on the go, take calls, or listen to their favorite podcasts. You can make this easy for them by offering quality:
- Earbuds
- Earphones
- Headphones
- Bluetooth speakers
Tablets and Laptops
Tablets and laptops make it easy to work, study, or stay entertained on the go. Aim for quality brands with the latest features, high performance, and authentic software compatibility.
Sound Systems
Sound systems include home theatre units and speaker systems. You can source them wholesale from manufacturers in China and resell them to individual buyers and businesses like party planners, bars, and restaurants.
Electric Housekeeping Tools
Chinese manufacturers offer unique electric housekeeping tools like:
- Garment steamers
- Floor vacuum cleaners
- Multi-purpose electric scrubbers
- Vacuum machines with steamers
- Bag sealing machines
These products are generally popular because they simplify everyday chores.
Beauty Accessories
Beauty is an evergreen industry as we all want to perpetually look our best. Here are some products you can source in China to make your beauty store stand out.
Make-up Brushes
These come in sets and manufacturers may recommend some for personal or professional use. Aim for quality brushes made using durable and easy-to-clean bristles.
Beauty Product Storage Solutions
Beauty products need to be safely and hygienically stored both at home and on the go. Explore storage solutions like:
- Beauty pouches (waterproof)
- Beauty boxes with compartments
- Mini or large racks for home and commercial spaces respectively
- Drawer dividers for orderly product storage
Make-up Mirrors
Make-up mirrors are built with special features like:
- Magnifying glass
- Lighting around the mirror to illuminate the face
- An adjustable frame for flexible positioning
The features make it easy for users to flawlessly wear their make-up. You can also choose between portable and stationary make-up mirrors.
Face Massagers/Rollers
Face massagers and rollers help smooth out facial wrinkles over time and stimulate better blood flow for a more youthful look.
Some are electric-powered while others have built-in rechargeable batteries. Features may also vary from one massager to the next, as others come with extra tools like a scrubber.
Lighting Solutions
If you are in the lighting business, you will certainly not lack fresh solutions to impress your customers. You could stock up on:
Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are strings of mini-lights that create a dreamy yet charming light effect. They are available in outdoor and indoor models.
LED Neon Flex Lights
These lights offer dynamic lighting that is:
- Energy-saving
- Cost-effective
- Entertaining; you can set the lights to change color.
- Durable; the LEDs are well-insulated.
- Easy to install
- Versatile and flexible; you can install them indoors, outdoors, and even in hard-to-reach areas.
Decorative Night Lamps
These lamp designs are inspired by the moon, plants, animals, star galaxies, and other life occurrences. This makes them a breath of fresh air from the traditional lamp structures. Most of them are also energy-efficient, portable, and rechargeable.
Motion Sensor Lamps
Motion sensor lamps were previously designed for security applications. However, some manufacturers in China now offer small portable motion sensor lights that can help households save power.
The lights automatically come on when they sense motion and turn off when you complete your task and move away from the lamp.
They can be installed in bathrooms, bedsides, under kitchen cabinets, and anywhere else. They are rechargeable and can be used during blackouts or outdoors.
Textiles and Linens
Various regions in China, like Chaozhou, Xingtai, and Nantong, are production hubs for:
- Thread
- Yarn
- Silk
- Wool
- Fleece
- Organza
- Leather
- Sheeting fabric
- Polyester
You can choose to source these textiles wholesale and resell to clothing and linen manufacturers.
Alternatively, you could also source ready-made linens like:
- Towels
- Bedding
- Napkins
- Curtains
- Robes
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are both functional and stylish accessories. You can market them to people looking to protect their eyes from harsh sunlight and those looking to achieve a cool trendy look.
Try to vary the designs based on color, frame shapes, or the materials of the frames.
Hoodies
While we have already discussed apparel, hoodies deserve a distinct honorable mention. They are popular across multiple age groups, genders, and almost all other demographics. Moreover, they are highly customizable with regard to:
- Climates i.e. by using light or heavy fabrics.
- Application; fitness hoodies can be made with custom breathable fabric.
- Size
- Color
- Style preferences i.e. adding graphics or other decorative touches.
Baby Clothing
Like hoodies, baby clothes are also a distinct niche from general clothing. They include items such as:
- Rompers
- Onesies
- Pajamas sets
- T-shirts
- Vests
- Baby blankets
- Fleeces
- Flannel sheets
These items are manufactured in bulk in China, and thus it is easy to have a consistent supply if you choose the right supplier. Given the sensitivity of babies’ health, it is prudent to work with suppliers that adhere to very high production standards.
Plastics
Plastic items are a necessity in the day-to-day living of most households. You only need to identify which matters most to your target market and source them from the vast China plastics industry.
Here are some top-selling products to look out for in this category.
Storage Solutions
Stackable plastic storage boxes and collapsible plastic storage racks are affordable and come in handy when properly putting away toys, food items, clothing, decorations, and other things.
Disposal Bins
Disposal bins are essential in homes, offices, and other spaces. Try to study your market to understand what sizes and bin designs would suit the different spaces that your customers need bins for. Helpful features like pedals to open the bins or bin automation are equally a plus.
Basins, Buckets, or Laundry Baskets
Laundry baskets are necessities for all households and even hospitality businesses. They facilitate the storage and movement of laundry.
Packaging Solutions
Every business, regardless of whether it operates online or offline and no matter its niche, requires one or more types of packaging.
The trick, however, lies in finding the right packaging solution for the needs of your business. Consider prime solutions such as:
Biodegradable Packaging
This type of packaging includes a vast array of options ranging from cartons and bags to:
- Corrugated cardboard
- Bioplastics
- Packing peanuts
- Mushroom packaging
- Bamboo lids, casings, or bottles
- Kraft paper pouches
Still, the highlight of biodegradable packaging is that it safely decomposes when disposed of. It thus does not harm the environment.
Compostable Packaging
Compostable packaging also comprises the packaging options we have listed above. However, they are made of materials such as:
- Bamboo
- Glassine
- Cellulose
- Cornstarch
- Seaweed
These are all eco-friendly materials that fully and naturally break down into organic matter after disposal.
FAQs about Products Made in China
Are Made-in-China Products Legit?
Yes, most of them are.
Nevertheless, the quality and authenticity of the products you get greatly depend on the manufacturer you source them from. This is why it is so essential to find a reputable supplier that prioritizes product quality.
How Do I Find Product Suppliers in China?
You can find product suppliers:
- Online – B2B e-commerce platforms like Global Sources, Alibaba, Made-in-China, and others list thousands of suppliers across different niches. You only need to access the site and run a search using relevant keywords.
- Trade shows – product suppliers across China convene annually for various trade shows where you can explore endless products. You could also attend the trade shows they host in Europe, the USA, and other locations.
- A sourcing company – sourcing companies have professional agents that can find suppliers, vet, and negotiate with them, then present you with different price quotes to consider.
Is Sourcing Goods in China Worth It?
It certainly is. Few, if any, manufacturing hubs offer as many sourcing advantages as China does. Your business could significantly benefit from the:
- Low prices
- Product variety
- Well-established logistical network
- Fairly regulated terms of trade
- Innovative solutions
To Sum It Up
Now that you have had a glimpse of what you can source for your business, why wait? Send us your sourcing requirements and request a free quote.
We commit to finding the right suppliers, overseeing product customizations, performing quality inspections on your orders, and offering all the shipping support you need.
