Importing from China and exporting to China: an executive guide

China is Australia's largest trading partner in both directions. This guide is for Australian and New Zealand executives who want to grow that trade: selling into China, sourcing from China, or both. It covers:

• The economic snapshot
• Free trade agreements and how they help
• Part 1: Exporting to China
• Part 2: Importing from China to Australia
• Strategy, finance and risk
• Support available

The economic snapshot

Sources: DFAT, Australia's trade in goods and services by top 15 partners 2023–24; DFAT, China country brief.

The two economies complement each other. Australia sends resources, energy, premium food and services to China, and China supplies much of the manufactured goods Australian businesses buy: machinery, electronics, building products, furniture, textiles and consumer goods.

Free trade agreements

China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). In force since 20 December 2015. It removes or reduces tariffs both ways. DFAT expects 99% of Australia's goods exports to China to enter duty-free by 1 January 2029. China also made commitments in services, such as financial, legal, education, health and aged care, and tourism. To claim the lower tariffs, goods need a valid certificate of origin. DFAT – ChAFTA

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Australia and China are both members. RCEP sets one set of rules of origin across 15 markets, which helps when your supply chain runs through several Asian countries. DFAT – RCEP

Part 1: Exporting to China

Rising incomes and changing consumption in China are widening demand beyond resources. DFAT points to a growing focus on:

• Premium food and agriculture — beef, dairy, seafood, wine, fruit and other products where Australia's reputation for clean, safe produce counts.
• Health and aged care — products, services and expertise for an ageing population.
• Education — China remains a major source of students and education partnerships.
• Financial and professional services — banking and wealth management lead Australian direct investment in China.

Getting export-ready

1. Pick one region and one channel first. China is many markets. Choose a city cluster and route to market (distributor, cross-border e-commerce, or direct to business) before you spread out.
2. Check market access. Many food and agricultural products need registration and Chinese labelling. Confirm requirements for your product with Austrade and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
3. Protect your intellectual property. China uses a "first to file" system, so register trademarks there, including a Chinese-language brand name, before you launch.
4. Choose partners carefully. Do due diligence on distributors, and agree exclusivity, targets and exit terms in writing.
5. Show up. Trade fairs and in-person visits are often where Chinese buyers decide whom to trust.

Part 2: Importing from China to Australia

Most import guides cover freight forwarders and customs forms. Those matter, but problems usually start earlier: the wrong supplier, an unchecked factory, or a relationship that ends at the first difficulty.

1. Start with the decision, not the product search. Know your target landed cost, quality standard, two-year volumes and what you can accept going wrong. The supplier with the lowest price is often not the right one.
2. Find suppliers where they show their work. Online marketplaces make it hard to tell a manufacturer from a trading company. Trade fairs such as the Canton Fair in Guangzhou let you compare dozens of manufacturers in person over a few days.
3. Verify before you commit. Confirm the business licence and that the company makes the product itself. Visit the factory or commission an audit, approve a pre-production sample against written specifications, and arrange pre-shipment inspection for early orders.
4. Meet Australian standards. Check product safety, electrical and labelling requirements for your category before ordering.
5. Understand the border. Goods are cleared by the Australian Border Force, and biosecurity is managed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Depending on value and type you may need a customs broker, an import declaration, and to pay duty and GST. ChAFTA can reduce duty on eligible goods with a certificate of origin.
6. Price the whole journey. Compare suppliers on landed cost: unit price, tooling, inspection, freight, insurance, duty, GST, brokerage and local delivery. Agree Incoterms (such as FOB or EXW) in writing.

The common thread: relationships

Whether you are buying or selling, trust in Chinese business builds through repeated contact, meeting in person and keeping your word on small things. Partners who visit, meet the decision-makers and come back tend to get better attention when capacity is tight or something goes wrong. Plan for several years, not one deal.

Strategy, finance and risk

• Write a China plan into your business plan: target customers or suppliers, channel, budget, and how you will measure progress.
• Plan cash flow. Exporters often wait to be paid, and importers often pay deposits up front. Make sure you can fund the gap.
• Manage currency and payment risk with your bank, and use payment terms that match how well you know the other side.
• Exporters can look at government finance: Export Finance Australia offers loans and guarantees to export businesses and their suppliers.

Support available

• Export Finance Australia — the Australian Government's export credit agency, offering finance to exporters and businesses in export supply chains.
• Austrade — market insights and advice for China, plus Export Market Development Grants (EMDG).
• DFAT – ChAFTA and the FTA Portal — tariff rates and rules of origin.
• Australian Border Force – Importing — customs, duty and GST on imports.
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — biosecurity for imports and export requirements for food and agriculture.
• Export Council of Australia — education and help for businesses growing internationally.

This guide is general information only, not legal, customs, tax or financial advice. Figures come from the Australian Government sources linked above and may change. China Access is not affiliated with Export Finance Australia or any government agency. Get independent professional advice before importing or exporting.