20 Most Profitable Items to Import From China

China is a major producer of unique and inexpensive goods. By sourcing the right items to import and sell, Chinese merchandise can be used to drive profitability and growth by yielding high margins.

We identified the 20 most profitable items to import from China (based on profit margin, demand, and other factors) and put together a guide to help you get your import business started.

Expand for more detail on how we chose the best items to import from China.

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1. Hydrocolloid Patches

Hydrocolloid wound dressing has been around for a while, but these small patches recently gained overwhelming popularity for their acne-soothing properties. The product is typically made of benign, gel-forming agents such as pectin or gelatin that absorb excess fluids, so the risk of consumer misuse or allergic reactions are low.

This product ranks No. 2 in the Beauty & Personal Care category on Amazon’s Best Sellers list and garners thousands of searches under the keywords “pimple patch” and “acne patch.” Thanks to their simple and lightweight composition, hydrocolloid patches can be bought and imported from Chinese sellers for pennies per pack.

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. See our guide to budgeting a retail store to learn more.

2. Tempered Glass Phone Screen Protectors

Screen protectors are a great product to import from China and turn a healthy profit—but search volume data shows that certain models are smarter investments than others. Currently, iPhone XR and iPhone 11 protectors are the most in demand, but be wary of a changing market as new models are released.

3. Disposable Face Masks

It should come as no surprise that PPE face masks are in high demand given the COVID-19 pandemic. These products are lightweight, easy to ship, and simple to manufacture—ultimately resulting in high margins. Plus, disposable masks currently rank highly in multiple categories on Amazon’s Best Sellers list.

If you choose to import and sell face masks, be sure to list them properly and receive any certifications or lab-tested ratings from the supplier. Masks with certain designations (like N95) are regulated by the FDA and may require additional customs clearance.

4. Garlic Presses

Garlic presses are small, manageable goods that are in high demand due to their effectiveness in the kitchen. These tools are available in numerous variations and can be sold with complementary accessories (as shown in the photo above). This provides ways to stay competitive in the wide pool of garlic presses currently on the market.

5. Jade Facial Roller Tools

Facial rollers currently rank as one of the top items in the Beauty & Personal Care category on Amazon’s Best Sellers list; they’re used to soothe the skin and prevent aging.

“Semi-precious” gemstones (such as jade and, to a lesser extent, rose quartz) are the material of choice for these rollers. They retain temperature better than other substances and provide an attractive aesthetic.

The jade used for these rollers is typically much lower in quality than jewelry-grade material, which allows it to be manufactured and imported at a highly affordable price. At the same time, natural gemstone materials fetch sizable retail markups despite color imperfections—making facial rollers a profitable product to stock.

6. Cellphone Car Mounts

Similar to garlic presses, phone mounts for cars come in a wide variety of styles—giving you a better chance of attracting buyers despite the thick competition.

The retail price can vary depending on features like magnetic hold and charging capabilities, but nearly all products in this arena are small, easy-to-ship, and evergreen.

7. Ring Lights

Ring lights are popular with social media users and both casual and professional photographers. Many of these products come with a stand that elevates the user’s phone, but some only provide a ring-shaped light. Other features are optional as well such as dimmability and light temperature adjustment.

These products are somewhat larger and less sturdy than other recommendations on our list—which can complicate shipping. But their demand and high margins make ring lights a worthy consideration.

8. Backpacks

Backpacks are versatile, profitable, and can be easy to fit into any niche. While the simple keyword “backpack” yields hundreds of thousands of searches every month, more refined keywords such as “school backpacks,” “backpacks for girls,” “backpacks for boys,” and “laptop backpacks” are highly popular as well.

When choosing backpacks to import, consider which features your target consumer would want—such as USB charging ports, anti-theft compartments, or school supplies organization.

9. Water Shoes

Water shoes are designed to be sleek, lightweight, and durable—which lends to their fit as a great product to import from China. They have a variety of outdoor and fitness applications such as swimming, surfing, wakeboarding, fishing, and even car washing.

10. Wireless Phone Chargers

Wireless charging is now a commonplace feature in modern smartphones, so the market for wireless chargers is thriving. These devices come in varying levels of wattage (typically 7.5W, 10W, or 15W) that correlate to the speed at which they can charge a device—but most phones can only handle 7.5 to 9 watts.

When sourcing wireless chargers to import, your best bet is to go with a product listed as having “Qi” functionality. This refers to a standard construction of wireless technology; Qi chargers are compatible with Qi phones, and the vast majority of modern smartphone batteries charge through Qi.

11. Wi-Fi Extenders

These devices connect to the consumer’s Wi-Fi network, then duplicate and rebroadcast it in order to extend its range. In the age of streaming and remote work, Wi-Fi extenders are more popular now than ever.

They garner hundreds of thousands of search queries every month under the terms “Wi-Fi extender,” “Wi-Fi repeater,” and “Wi-Fi booster.” Effectiveness and selling price depend on Mbps transmission rate and antennae type/range.

12. Lighted (LED) Mirrors

Stylish, lighted mirrors are very popular holiday gifts but also sell consistently throughout the rest of the year. They appeal to female audiences and fit nicely into many beauty and personal care niches.

These mirrors are available in a variety of forms—including large, wall-mounted options and those with protruding LED bulbs. For shipping and import purposes, it’s best to start with small, tabletop models that have recessed LED lights.

13. Gua Sha Facial Tools

Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that has recently gained immense popularity in the West, largely thanks to social media. It involves using a specially shaped stone tool (sometimes referred to as a Gua Sha) to scrape the skin on the face with the goal of improving circulation.

Like facial rollers, these tools are almost always made of a “semi-precious” gemstone—usually jade or rose quartz. This adds additional value to the consumer while still being cost-effective to produce through the use of sub-jewelry-quality material.

14. Memory Foam Pillows

Both “orthopedic pillow” and “memory foam pillow” return tens of thousands of search queries each month. These products appear bulky but can usually be compressed greatly—allowing for much easier shipping.

Certain materials (such as bamboo or ventilated gel) can drive up the selling price of a pillow, as well as specialized shapes (like anti-apnea or cervical support). Consider your target market when sourcing memory foam pillows.

15. Mini Tire Inflators

These tools currently rank highly in the Automotive section on Amazon’s Best Sellers list. They typically come equipped with a flashlight and accessories like tube extensions, nozzle adapters, cables, clamps, and a carrying bag.

Mini tire inflators are portable enough for the consumer, but typically weigh 6–10 lbs. each—which drives up the cost of import freight and fulfillment. That being said, they have their place in plenty of automotive, mechanical, wilderness, and recreational niches.

16. Cosmetic Brush Sets

Makeup brush sets usually include 10–20 different types of brushes, with each one designed for a specific application. It’s standard for the bristles to be made of synthetic material, but the softness depends on the manufacturer—so be sure to order samples.

When selling cosmetic brushes, you can differentiate your offerings by sourcing brushes with unique handles (such as the ones pictured above) or an attractive carrying case.

17. Nail Polish

Nail polish can be sold individually or in sets of multiple colors. It should also be noted that there are a few different types of nail polish that you can sell—including regular polish, gel polish (which is cured under a UV or LED lamp), and “dip” polish (which is used as a powder that reacts to a liquid activator).

The details of your nail polish offerings will depend on your target consumer, but you can also choose to sell kits that include manicure implements like a UV lamp and a set of files.

18. Air Fryers

Air fryers aren’t the easiest products to import, store, and fulfill, but you can’t ignore their immense popularity. While recognized name brands like Instant Pot and Phillips attract high-end buyers, many shoppers still seek affordable options—which is where your import business comes in.

Certain features and attributes (like voltage, cooking function range, and display screen) contribute to the selling price and margin of various available air fryer models. No matter which model you choose, remember to calculate the landed costs of importing these 5–10 lb. devices before investing.

19. Meat Thermometers

These practical tools are highly compact and generally lightweight. Plus, they currently rank highly in the Home and Kitchen category on Amazon’s Best Sellers list.

Meat thermometers make fantastic gifts during the holiday season but also see increased interest during the summer grilling months. Aside from that, they’re a generally evergreen product.

20. Security Cameras

Security cameras are high-priced items that fetch a decent margin for importers. Furthermore, they’re often sold as a set to equip multiple sides of a building, which increases the profitability even more.

There are plenty of variations when it comes to security camera models—including image quality, lens attributes, Wi-Fi/IP connectivity, and night vision. Be sure to do your research and check out the competition before investing in a wholesale order.

For info on other sourcing options such as supplier directories and trade shows, see our ultimate guide to importing from China.

Tips for Finding the Most Profitable Items to Import From China

There’s no denying the profit potential from importing products 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.

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 children’s 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.

Once you get comfortable doing this type of business, you can always expand to electronics or other types of goods. Here are the most popular and the best products to import from China:

• Apparel
• Electronics
• Plastics and articles made of plastics
• Accessories
• Small kitchen appliances

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 its 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 who 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 who is a local representative in China hired for the task of dealing and shopping on your behalf.

Selecting a supplier is one of the most important decisions you will make as an importer. Who you choose to work with is dependent on the type of product you’re sourcing and the logistical factors and basic details of the transaction (like price).

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.

Expect that as your business grows, so will your relationships with manufacturers and suppliers in China. Make sure to develop a system in place on how to determine the best suppliers to match your requirements.

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 the best option, as they have most likely developed an efficient process for shipping their products.

6. Follow Regulations

In the United States, 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.

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.

Bottom Line

Importing goods from China is a powerful way to increase the profitability of your retail business. The success of your trade comes down to selecting the right products to sell, and these 20 items are low-risk, high-margin offerings.

Remember to account for overhead expenses and the landed costs of each product. Maintaining profitability requires close attention to the import process, quality control, and your fulfillment strategy.