15 Most Profitable Items to Import From China in 2025

Key takeaways:

Lock in items that are profitability drivers: High search volume indicates strong product demand.
Go for cost and operational efficiency: Lightweight items lower shipping and import costs. Compact goods reduce warehouse and fulfillment expenses.
Go for those that are low-risk: Items with low regulatory oversight speed up customs clearance.

As of this writing, importing products from China continues to offer significant profit potential, even with the ongoing US tariffs imposed by President Trump on most Chinese imports. These tariffs undoubtedly impact margins, so importers must consider them when evaluating product profitability. Below, I’ve listed the 15 most profitable items to import from China and included potential profit margins, popularity, and the current tariff implications to help you make informed sourcing decisions.

As you read through the list, keep in mind the potential profits and margins listed don’t account for your store’s overhead costs or the expenses involved in importing products (such as shipping costs, customs fees, insurance, and duties, which are often called landed costs). These expenses typically take a sizable bite out of your bottom line, so be sure to consider them when estimating the profitability of a product or venture.

1. Pimple patches

Search volume: 110,000
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $0.03
Retail price per unit: $6.00
Potential profit margin: 19,900%

Pimple patches lead the top imports from China in my list. They offer unbeatable profit potential, low consumer risk, and growing demand from the impact of user-generated content (UGC) for beauty products on social platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Monthly US search volume exceeds 110,000, and related keywords (pimple patches and star pimple patches) total 30,000, indicating steady buyer interest across beauty marketplaces like Amazon and TikTok Shop.

They’re small, lightweight, and require no special storage, making them exceptionally easy to import and ship. Plus, because they’re classified as over-the-counter skin care, they’re legal and straightforward to resell in the US.

2. Bucket hat

Search volume: 90,500
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $1.25
Retail price per unit: $15.00
Potential profit margin: 1,100%

Bucket hats combine trend-driven demand with strong margins and manageable logistics. They see more than 90,000 monthly searches, driven by streetwear and festival fashion trends. Bucket hats are simple to ship, durable, and pose minimal risk of returns or defects. Since they’re apparel and not classified as protective gear, they’re generally free of complex import restrictions. Textile tariffs averaging around 7.5% to 15% apply, depending on fabric composition.

3. Stickers

Search volume: 90,500
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $0.20
Retail price per unit: $8.99
Potential profit margin: 4,395%

Stickers are inexpensive to manufacture and are consistently in high demand due to their versatility, appeal to younger demographics, and popularity as promotional items. Searches exceed 90,000 monthly, and they’re top sellers on platforms like Etsy and Amazon Handmade.

Stickers are lightweight, non-breakable, and unlikely to cause consumer issues, making them ideal for first-time importers. They also avoid most labeling or regulatory concerns under US customs rules. Stickers usually incur lower tariffs, typically under 5%.

4. Silk pillowcase

Search volume: 49,500
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $1.50
Retail price per unit: $9.99
Potential profit margin: 566%

Silk pillowcases offer excellent profitability due to their premium positioning, popularity in beauty routines, and inexpensive sourcing costs in China. They’re popular on Amazon, Sephora, and niche beauty marketplaces. Pillowcases are light, foldable, and don’t require temperature control — so they’re easy and affordable to ship. As long as they’re labeled with their fiber content and country of origin, they’re generally unrestricted for US import. Import tariffs for silk textiles are typically around 7.5% to 10%.

5. Belt bag

Search volume: 33,100
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $1.50
Retail price per unit: $15.99
Potential profit margin: 966%

Belt bags (also known as waist packs or fanny packs) have returned as a trendy accessory thanks to their practical design and popularity in festival fashion and activewear. Monthly search volume tops 33,000, driven by shoppers on Amazon, Target, and direct-to-consumer brands. They’re small, lightweight, and generally fabric-based, which helps reduce shipping costs and import complexity. Tariffs average around 10% to 17%, depending the on material.

6. Bumper stickers

Search volume: 33,100
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $0.25
Retail price per unit: $6.99
Potential profit margin: 2,696%

Like regular stickers, bumper stickers are simple, affordable, and easy to customize. At $0.25 per unit wholesale and a retail price of $6.99, these offer a 2,696% profit margin. With 33,000+ searches per month, they’re popular for everything from political statements to personal branding. They’re durable, easy to ship, and face no major import restrictions. Returns are rare, and their compact format makes them a top pick for online-only sellers. They typically face tariffs under 5%.

7. Microfiber cloth

Search volume: 27,100
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $0.54
Retail price per unit: $9.99
Potential profit margin: 1,750%

Microfiber cloths are everyday essentials in households, car kits, and screen cleaning. Sourced for $0.54 and sold at $9.99, they yield a 1,750% margin. Monthly search volume exceeds 27,000, reflecting steady demand across home and automotive categories. These products are durable, lightweight, and usually sold in sets, making them ideal for bundling and boosting average order value. They’re safe to import and don’t require specialized certifications.

8. Makeup brushes

Search volume: 14,800
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $6.35
Retail price per unit: $37.95
Potential profit margin: 497.64%

Makeup brush sets are a high-ticket beauty accessory with strong ecommerce demand and influencer appeal. Priced at $6.35 wholesale and sold for around $37.95, they return a 497.64% profit margin. Monthly search traffic is about 14,800, with peak sales driven by holidays and back-to-school seasons.

They’re compact, relatively low-risk, and usually exempt from FDA scrutiny as long as labeling requirements are met. Their higher unit cost makes them a great upsell product for beauty shops. Makeup brushes typically incur tariffs of approximately 5% to 7%.

9. Selfie stick

Search volume: 18,100
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $2.50
Retail price per unit: $19.99
Potential profit margin: 699.60%

Selfie sticks continue to be popular with travelers, influencers, and event-goers. With 18,100 monthly searches, they remain a staple among mobile accessory categories. Most are compact and collapsible, so they ship easily, and US import restrictions are minimal for non-Bluetooth models. Their low defect rate and universal appeal make them a safe bet for SMBs. However, selfie sticks typically fall under electronics and accessories tariffs at around 7.5% to 15%.

10. Nano tape

Search volume: 18,000
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $0.51
Retail price per unit: $9.99
Potential profit margin: 1,858.82%

Nano tape’s profitability is driven by its practical uses, popularity on social media for DIY home hacks, and low production costs. Nano tape is safe, compact, and legal to import, with virtually no risk of misuse. It’s also easy to private label for branding. Adhesive tape products usually have tariffs of around 5% to 10%.

11. Blue light blocking glasses

Search volume: 14,800
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $5.60
Retail price per unit: $15.00
Potential profit margin: 167.86%

With screen time at an all-time high, blue light glasses remain a go-to wellness item. They sell well on Amazon and direct-to-consumer eyewear websites. Glasses are lightweight and safe to ship, though packaging well is key to avoid breakage. Basic labeling and lens testing can help ensure compliance with consumer product standards. Glasses typically incur tariffs ranging from 2.5% to 5%.

Learn more about selling on Amazon and the top-selling items to sell on Amazon.

12. Reusable water balloons

Search volume: 14,800
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $0.20
Retail price per unit: $14.99
Potential profit margin: 7,395%

Reusable water balloons are a trending, eco-friendly toy, profitable due to their novelty, low sourcing costs, and strong demand during summer. They’re lightweight, soft, and carry minimal liability risk — unlike traditional water balloons. Their novelty makes them ideal for social media marketing and fast-turn inventory.

13. Nail stickers

Search volume: 14,800
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $0.35
Retail price per unit: $6.99
Potential profit margin: 1,897.14%

Nail stickers are inexpensive to source, lightweight for shipping, and popular due to easy application and customization trends. They’re extremely small and lightweight, with very low return rates. Most can be imported without needing beauty product certifications.

14. Portable power bank

Search volume: 12,100
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $4.00
Retail price per unit: $34.99
Potential profit margin: 774.75%

Portable power banks continue to have high profitability due to persistent demand from mobile users, travelers, and remote workers. They are considered essential tech accessories (tech and electronics are one of the biggest imports from China) and sell well year-round. Since they’re battery-operated, importers should ensure compliance with lithium battery regulations and use trusted suppliers. Despite added shipping precautions, they remain a strong, high-margin electronics product.

15. Makeup brush cleaner

Search volume: 12,100
Wholesale price per unit (minimum 100 units/order): $1.90
Retail price per unit: $14.99
Potential profit margin: 688.95%

Makeup brush cleaners are profitable, appealing due to their convenience and popularity among beauty enthusiasts. Monthly search demand is about 12,100, and sales often pair with brush sets. They’re small, safe to use, and ship well, making them easy add-ons or bundle items. Legal to import and free from FDA oversight, they’re a great low-barrier entry product for beauty sellers. Cosmetic accessories typically incur tariffs around 4% to 6.5%.

How I chose the best items to import from China

Before finalizing this list, I applied a strict set of criteria to ensure each product was not only profitable but also practical for small business importers. I prioritized items with high margins, strong consumer demand, and minimal barriers to entry. By analyzing keyword volume, import complexity, legal restrictions, and potential shipping costs, I narrowed it down to products that are low-risk and highly scalable — ideal for reselling online.

Whether you’re looking for the best products to buy from China and sell on Amazon or seeking reliable trends for private label sourcing, these picks reflect real market data and practical considerations.

High profit margins: My list focuses on the most profitable goods, so I compared the wholesale cost of each item (as purchased in a 100-unit order from a reputable supplier on Alibaba) with the average retail price of the exact same product. I then prioritized merchandise with the highest margins.
Sufficient demand: I searched for a product’s keyword search volume along with related keywords to identify those that have historically consistent demand and high search volume in recent months, indicating that they are likely to perform well.
Low risk for consumer issues: I then evaluated the possibility of consumer problems that could result in returns, warranty cases, or liability issues, such as risk of misuse, injury, or malfunction. The items featured on this list carry a low risk for these complications.
Easy to ship: My list focuses on items that are simple and cost-effective to transport and fulfill. This considers size, weight, construction, and maintenance requirements (like the need for climate control).
Legal to import and sell: While I recommend checking your local government regulations, the items on our list aren’t prohibited for import or sale in the United States.

To calculate for the potential profit margin, I used the following formula:

Potential Profit Margin (%) = [(Retail Price − Wholesale Price) / Wholesale Price] × 100

See our retail markup calculator for more guidance on pricing products.

Tips for finding the most profitable items to import from China

There’s no denying the lucrative potential of finding the best items to import from China. However, this trade is not an easy task — especially for beginners. There are a number of rules and procedures to follow that can create costly delays if overlooked, so reduce the learning curve and avoid common mistakes by following this helpful guide.

1. Do your research

Research is perhaps the most important part of starting an import business. If this is your first time as an importer, it’s crucial to learn about your target customer, the customs processes in your country, and Chinese business culture.

Consider these details when researching:

Geography: Knowing the layout of China’s manufacturing and exporting infrastructure will help you identify the best places to source your products based on manufacturer locations and shipping options. Use our map below for reference.
Product restrictions: Some products require permits or licenses to import, whereas others have restrictions that importers must adhere to. Check your local government agencies’ websites to see the requirements for each item before placing a wholesale order.
Chinese business culture: Conducting business in China is likely very different from what you’re used to. Learn how to communicate effectively and build business relationships with Chinese suppliers for a strong and profitable supply chain.
Customs clearance: It’s important to know what is required for your shipment to pass through customs—including duty/taxes, inspections, and documentation.

Showing information of importing items from china.

2. Find a product in high demand

The key to a successful import business is finding the right product to sell. You can start with low-risk goods, such as toys or clothing; these types of products will be successful in almost any market, so you can’t fail easily. But keep in mind, they often require additional certifications and/or screening at customs.

These products and their parts are often mass-produced, which helps to bring the cost down when sold wholesale.

3. Select a supplier

Finding a reliable wholesale supplier becomes harder when you are importing goods from halfway around the world. It’s crucial that you understand their supply chain process to identify the type of supplier that will work best for you. Once you do, look for options and take time to learn about how they operate their business.

There are three different kinds of suppliers you can find in China:

Factory supplier: One who owns their facility and produces specific products that are of export quality. These trade partners usually offer the lowest price but the highest minimum order quantity (MOQ).
Trading company: One that sources multiple products from factory suppliers through established relationships, which typically earns them low prices. These trade partners usually have a wide variety of products and lower MOQs, but higher prices.
Intermediary: One that is a local representative in China hired for the task of dealing and shopping on your behalf.

Here are some useful guidelines for choosing a supplier:

Source suppliers from online portals like Alibaba and vendor directories such as GlobalSources.
Look for suppliers with established trade history and positive reviews, if possible.
Find a supplier that can offer to start with a low MOQ.
Request samples or place a small trial order.
Work with suppliers who agree to a secure payment arrangement, such as Alibaba Trade Assurance, PayPal, and LC.
Call the supplier over the phone or a video call, if possible, to ensure you have the right contact details

Learn more in our guides:

4. Test for quality

Quality issues are among the most common hurdles retail importers face. It’s crucial to set up a process to test your goods to avoid returns and lost investments on unsellable merchandise, especially if you’re starting a new business.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

Specify that samples should be made from the exact batch of materials in your product run. This is to ensure that you know what to expect and identify measurable features to compare against the actual products to be sold.
Hire a local third-party inspection company that you can trust. They will serve as your consultant and advise you of your rights and options as an importer. This is a good investment, especially for beginners who have not yet established close, professional ties in China.
Be very detailed in the description of your product and make sure to agree upon a Product Specification Checklist with your supplier.
Don’t drive a hard bargain. Remember that every time suppliers agree to lower their prices, there’s a good chance that this will affect product quality.

You can also refer to feedback from the supplier’s other clients. Maintaining a standard of quality in your products will benefit your brand, so don’t let the distance make you compromise, as there are steps available for you.

5. Decide on a shipment method

When importing from China, your main shipping options are:

Express couriers like UPS and DHL, which can deliver your shipment anywhere from two to five business days via air. These companies often include customs clearance services, but the total cost is high.
Air freight, which usually takes two to 11 days and costs roughly $5 to $7 per kg.
Sea freight, which can take 12 to 50 days but is the best way to import large shipments. This option is the least expensive (typically costing $1 or less per kg).

While waiting, make sure to check your commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and other related freight documents. Couriers will usually have a website where you can track your shipment or a customer service number to call. You can also ask your supplier for the best option, as they have most likely developed an efficient process for shipping their products.

6. Follow regulations

In the US, it’s your responsibility as a business owner to ensure that your merchandise complies with regulations and restrictions imposed by the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and partner government agencies (PGAs), such as the FDA and the USDA.

Importers based in the US must keep track of federal regulations ― applicable in all US states ― and state regulations, which are requirements specific to each state. The guidelines they provide include everything from shipping to labeling of products, depending on the type.

For example, children’s products, apparel, and packaging will need to have warning labels, and every single product will have to indicate the country of origin. See the CBP’s Guide for Commercial Importers for full information. Remember that all import-export processes require certain documents to be provided by the importer and the exporter. Certificates regarding the origin of the goods will also be part of the paperwork in many cases.

Find more guidance in our guide to importing from China.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Importing from China offers significant benefits, including low manufacturing costs, access to a wide variety of products, and high profit margins. Many items are mass-produced, which helps reduce wholesale prices and increase scalability. China also has a well-established export infrastructure, making it easier to find suppliers. These advantages make it a popular sourcing option for small businesses looking to increase profitability.

Yes, importing from China comes with risks such as quality control issues, delays due to customs or logistics, and the impact of tariffs or trade regulations. There may also be communication challenges due to language and cultural differences. Additionally, some products require certifications or could face import restrictions. It’s essential to research suppliers and regulations thoroughly to minimize these risks.

To ensure quality, request samples from your supplier before placing large orders and use a detailed product specification checklist. Hiring a third-party inspection company in China is also recommended, especially for new importers. Choose suppliers with a proven trade history and positive reviews. Avoid negotiating prices too low, as this can lead to compromised product quality.

Most products don’t require special licenses to import into the US, but some items — such as food, medical devices, and children’s products — may be regulated by agencies like the FDA or USDA. It’s important to check both federal and state requirements for your specific product category. Importers must also comply with labeling laws and provide accurate documentation for customs clearance. Always verify the rules for each product before ordering.

Shipping times vary depending on the method: express couriers like DHL or UPS take two to five business days, air freight takes two to 11 days, and sea freight can take 12 to 50 days. Sea freight is the most cost-effective for large orders, but also the slowest. Air shipping is faster but more expensive. Suppliers often have established shipping processes and can help recommend the best option for your needs.

Bottom line

Identifying profitable products to import from China is an excellent way to boost your retail business’s profitability. However, to succeed in today’s market, it’s crucial to carefully consider landed costs, which are shipping fees, customs duties, insurance, and especially current tariffs imposed by the U.S. government. Regularly checking updates from official resources, such as the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), will help you keep your pricing strategies accurate and competitive.

By thoughtfully selecting low-risk, high-demand items, calculating precise margins, and staying updated on tariff impacts, you’ll set your import business up for sustainable growth and ongoing profitability.