Although tiles are quite delicate products, it is not that difficult  to ship tiles out of China.  The logistics and shipping are really not that complicated.  What importers really need to focus on is the shipping cost.

Importers first need to deal with port of loading or local transportation.  This is the transporting of the product from the manufacturer’s warehouse to the closest port of loading.  Most ports of loading are three to four hours away from the nearest port.  Thus most often this transportation cost is part of the FOB (Freight on Board) cost quoted by the manufacturer.

All cargo shipped out of China needs to be cleared for export.  These documents need to be passed by the Chinese Customs Authorities.  The cost of these documentations is often included in the FOB price, and it will be more cost-effective if the manufacturer handles this part.

The Freight Cost is the cost from the Port of Loading to the Port of Destination (country of the buyer).  Costs are computed depending on the cargo: Full Container Loads (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL).

Most forwarders do not explain the local charges involved, which can, in extreme cases, increase the  freight cost by up to five times.  This is a dilemma of most importers from China: low freight cost but very high local charges. Therefore, before you commission the shipping agent, make sure all charges are listed clearly and that there are no invisible costs.

It is always important to buy insurance for your shipment.  Some suppliers may provide low quality packaging in order to reduce cost.  Therefore,insurance is very important as tiles are delicate and breakable products. Besides, without insurance, the forwarder will not give compensation should the cargo suffer damage in transit.

The cost of delivering the Bill of Lading, Packing List, Commercial List, and other documents are often paid by the importer.  However, some suppliers are willing to cover this charge for long-term customers or large orders.

Many first time importers from China are surprised by the local charges in the Port of Destination, so importers need to make sure that know all the charges before shipping.

Importing tiles from China can prove to ber a profitable business strategy.  However, importers need to know the right and proper process to achieve the potential maximum profits.

Importing from China can be a tedious process, starting off with sourcing the right tile supplier all the way to having the orders delivered to your warehouse.

Luckily, there are B2B market places that can guide you every step of the way.  You need not physically go to China, although many importer opt to do so.  And there are experienced, reputable sourcing agents you can work with in China that can help to make the whole tile import process successful.

Back in 2009, the EU gave notice of initiation of anti-dumping proceedings concerning imports of ceramic  tiles originating from the People’s Republic of China.  

This followed the Commission receiving a complaint  pursuant to Article 5 of Council Regulation 1225/2009    on protection against dumped imports from countries   not members of the EU, alleging that imports of  ceramic tiles, originating in the People’s Republic of China,  were being dumped, causing material injury to the EU industry.

The complaint was lodged in May 2010 by the  European Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Federation (CET)  on behalf of producers, in this case representing more  than 30% of the total EU production of ceramic tiles.

In September 2011, the EU Council imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of ceramic tiles  originating in the People’s Republic of China

Anti-Dumping Duty is an Import Duty charged in addition to normal Customs Duty and is applied across the whole EU.  It is designed to allow the EU to take action against goods that are sold at less than their normal value: that being defined as the price for ‘like goods’ sold in the exporter’s home market.

More recently, following an expiry review, the Commission advised implementing Regulation No 2017/2179, OJ L307, continuing the Anti-Dumping Duty for a further five years, with effect from 24th November 2017.

The European Union claims it has taken this action to defend jobs and investment in the tile industry, including in the UK.  The EU believes anti-dumping duties ensure a more level playing field.

Dr Laura Cohen, Chief Executive of the British Ceramic Confederation, stated: “We are really pleased that the EU has decided to continue with the anti-dumping duties after a lengthy investigation.  The measures have provided stability for the UK sector enabling companies to invest and develop a stronger future.”

Tom Reynolds, Policy Manager at the British Ceramic Confederation, added: “It’s really important that the UK Government makes the preparations to keep these measures once we leave the EU.  Many jobs, both direct and within the local supply chain, are at stake.”

During the ‘Expiry Review’ the European Commission found enormous overcapacities in the Chinese tiles industry, which is heavily subsidised and state-directed. The spare capacity in China is equivalent to several times the total EU consumption of tiles, leading officials to conclude there was a high likelihood that dumping would reoccur if the extra duties were lifted.

Source： TILE&STONE JOURNAL