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Articles and tips on importing from China and international trade
The Role of a Commercial Representative in China Trade
The term "commercial representative" is sometimes used loosely, but the actual function is quite specific: acting as a …
How AI and Automation Are Changing China Sourcing
Sourcing from China has traditionally relied on manual research and personal relationships. Automation isn't replacing …
Common Mistakes First-Time Importers Make with China
Most costly import mistakes are avoidable, and they repeat almost identically across different buyers and product categ…
Rules of Origin and Certificates of Origin Explained
The certificate of origin is one of the most routine documents in international trade, and also one of the most misunde…
Building Long-Term Supplier Relationships in China
Purely transactional sourcing can work for one-off purchases, but it leaves real value on the table for any company pla…
Import Duty and VAT: China to UAE Explained (2026)
The UAE remains one of the most active gateways for Chinese goods entering the wider Middle East, with a cost structure…
Import Duty and Customs: China to Qatar Explained (2026)
Qatar's import framework follows the same GCC-wide customs structure as its neighbors, with a few Qatar-specific detail…
How Letters of Credit Work in China Trade
Payment terms are where trust between a Gulf buyer and a Chinese factory is really tested. A letter of credit is one of…
Sourcing Agent vs. Direct Factory Contact: Which Fits You?
There is no universally right answer here — the best choice depends on your order size, prior experience, and how much …