China remains the world’s manufacturing powerhouse in 2025, with exports maintaining robust growth despite global headwinds. In August 2025, China’s exports grew 4.4% year-over-year, reaching approximately $335 billion, with the country on track for a record trade surplus exceeding $1.2 trillion this year.
This guide breaks down the top export products from China and provides essential shipping best practices to help businesses move goods safely and cost-effectively across borders.
Top 10 Export Products from China (Ranked by Value)
| Rank | Product Category | 2024 Export Value | Key Products | YoY Growth |
| 1 | Electronics & Electrical Equipment | ~$1.69 trillion | Smartphones, integrated circuits, computers, broadcasting equipment | 8-10% |
| 2 | Machinery & Mechanical Equipment | ~$850 billion | Industrial machinery, pumps, motors, turbines, nuclear reactors | 11% |
| 3 | Vehicles & Auto Parts | ~$340 billion | Electric vehicles, auto components, batteries | 12.1% |
| 4 | Plastics & Products | ~$125 billion | Plastic materials, molded products, packaging | 5-7% |
| 5 | Furniture & Lighting | ~$110 billion | Home furniture, prefab structures, lamps | 4-6% |
| 6 | Textiles & Apparel | ~$295 billion | Clothing, fabrics, knitted goods | 3-5% |
| 7 | Renewable Energy Equipment | ~$85 billion | Solar panels, lithium batteries, wind turbines | 15-18% |
| 8 | Optical & Medical Instruments | ~$95 billion | Medical devices, diagnostic equipment, optical tools | 8-10% |
| 9 | Iron & Steel Products | ~$90 billion | Steel structures, iron products, construction materials | 2-4% |
| 10 | Toys & Games | ~$68 billion | Smart toys, traditional toys, and gaming equipment | 6-8% |
Key Insight: Vehicles showed the fastest growth at 12.1%, driven by China’s booming EV exports. The country produced over 940 GWh of lithium-ion batteries in 2024, establishing a dominant position in clean energy products.
How to Ship China’s Top Export Products Safely
1. Electronics & Electrical Equipment
Critical Shipping Requirements:
- Use anti-static, foam-lined packaging with moisture-barrier bags
- Include desiccant packets to prevent humidity damage
- Label clearly: “Fragile,” “This Side Up,” “Keep Dry”
- Ensure compliance with destination certifications (CE, FCC, RoHS)
- Use shock indicators for high-value shipments
Customs Tip: Verify HS codes carefully, integrated circuits (HS 8542) have different duty rates than complete computers (HS 8471).
2. Machinery & Heavy Equipment
Best Practices:
- Break down into modules for easier handling
- Use robust wooden crates with interior bracing
- Apply VCI (vapor corrosion inhibitor) wrapping for metal parts
- Secure all moving components; remove fluids if required
- Consider RO/RO (roll-on/roll-off) shipping for oversized equipment
Documentation: Provide detailed machinery specifications, CE marking certificates, and ISO compliance documents.
3. Vehicles & EV Components
Shipping Methods:
- Finished vehicles: RO/RO shipping or enclosed containers
- Battery packs: Must comply with IATA/IMDG dangerous goods regulations (UN 3480/3481)
- Use protective covers and anti-corrosion treatments
- High-value parts require insurance and tamper-evident seals
Regulatory Alert: Lithium batteries require special handling documentation and certified carriers. Never mislabel battery shipments.
4. Renewable Energy Equipment
Solar Panels:
- Ship flat-packed with separators between panels
- Use edge protectors and cushioning materials
- Protect from temperature extremes during transit
Battery Systems:
- Label as hazardous materials (Class 9)
- Maintain temperature control (15-25°C ideal)
- Use certified carriers experienced in battery logistics
- Follow the destination country’s environmental import rules
5. Textiles & Furniture
Textiles:
- Use moisture-proof polybags or vacuum packaging
- Fold with interleaving paper to prevent creases
- Declare fiber content and country of origin accurately
Furniture:
- Prefer flat-pack designs to reduce volume
- Use reinforced corners and edge protection
- Protect glass/fragile parts with bubble wrap and corner guards
- Consider FCL (full container load) for cost efficiency
Complete Shipping Safety Checklist
- Packaging: Use product-appropriate materials (anti-static, moisture-proof, cushioned)
- Classification: Verify correct HS codes and dangerous goods classifications (batteries, chemicals)
- Carrier Selection: Choose carriers specialized in your product category
- Insurance & Tracking: Secure cargo insurance and implement real-time tracking
- Compliance: Obtain required certifications (CE, FCC, FDA) for destination markets
- Documentation: Prepare commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, test reports
Regional Shipping Considerations
Shipping to the United States
- Tariffs: Section 301 tariffs on many Chinese goods (check current rates)
- Compliance: UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act) documentation required
- Entry: ISF (Importer Security Filing) mandatory 24 hours before loading
Shipping to the European Union
- Standards: CE marking required for electronics, machinery, toys
- CBAM: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism applies to steel, aluminum (2026+)
- Batteries: The EU Battery Regulation requires sustainability declarations
Shipping to ASEAN Countries
- Growth market: China’s exports to ASEAN up 12% in 2025
- Simplified trade: RCEP agreement reduces tariffs for member countries
- Local regulations: Check country-specific electrical standards and labeling requirements
Shipping to Africa & Latin America
- Opportunity zones: Africa imports from China reached $103B (up 21.4% YoY)
- Challenges: Limited port infrastructure; factor in longer lead times
- Documentation: Certificate of Conformity (COC) required for many African countries
2025 Export Trends to Watch
Market Diversification: With U.S. exports down 33% in August 2025, Chinese exporters are pivoting to ASEAN, Africa, and Europe. This shift is accelerating as tariff pressures intensify.
Clean Tech Boom: China’s clean technology exports hit a record $20 billion in August 2025, with EVs and batteries driving growth. Renewable energy equipment is now among the fastest-growing export categories.
Supply Chain Transparency: Buyers increasingly demand traceability, sustainability certifications, and carbon footprint documentation. Green packaging and circular logistics are becoming competitive advantages.
Smart Logistics: IoT sensors for real-time monitoring (temperature, shock, humidity) are standard for high-value shipments, especially batteries and medical devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are China’s biggest export markets in 2025?
A: ASEAN countries, the European Union, the United States (declining), Africa, and Latin America. Market diversification is accelerating due to trade tensions.
Q: How much do China’s exports cost to ship?
A: Shipping costs vary by product weight, volume, destination, and method. Electronics typically cost $3-8 per kilogram by air and $200-400 per cubic meter by sea. Request quotes from multiple carriers.
Q: Do I need special permits for Chinese goods?
A: Depends on the product and destination. Electronics need safety certifications (CE, FCC), batteries require dangerous goods handling, medical devices need FDA/CE approval, and some items face import licensing requirements.
Q: How long does shipping from China take?
A: Air freight: 5-10 days. Sea freight: 15-45 days depending on destination. Express courier: 3-5 days. Factor in customs clearance time (2-7 days).
Partner with Experts for Hassle-Free Shipping
Navigating China’s complex export landscape requires expertise in packaging, documentation, compliance, and selecting the appropriate carrier. The top export products from China, from sophisticated electronics to heavy machinery to regulated batteries, each demand specialized handling.
Whether you’re shipping your first container or managing regular exports, working with an experienced logistics partner ensures your goods arrive intact, on time, and compliant with all regulations.
Ready to ship from China? Get a customized quote and shipping plan tailored to your product category and destination market.