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There seem to be quite a few search queries on whether it is possible to import from China, to say the least.

Even though most countries are busy fighting one of the deadliest monsters of the 21st century, COVID-19, businesses have enrolled to play a new kind of “hunger games” – who will be able to survive COVID-19?

And then, there comes another question whether China will be able to recover and maintain its position as largest trading partner for the USA, Canada, Australia and the European Union.

China is already back to normal life

The Financial Times China Economic Activity index is tracking the country’s economic recovery. Right now, it shows recovery in most areas. 

The purchasing managers’ index issued by the Chinese Statistics Bureau and the Official China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing rose to 52 from February’s record low of 35.7 on a 100-point scale on which numbers above 50 show increasing activity.

Factories that had to suspend their operations now are preparing for a rebound in production. Industrial cities, including Guangzhou and Shenzhen, already called back their employees and are pushing ahead with their previously suspended businesses. 

Massive industrial production facilities, such as Apple and Sony, are also touting progress. Foxconn, the manufacturing powerhouse that makes Apple’s iPhones, recently announced that it had resumed operations at a present 50% capacity.

However, these statistics do not indicate that China has fully recovered. Factories are still facing financial and low demand issues. Yet, while other economic giants are in full-blown lockdown, China’s baby steps to a roughly 50% production capacity should be considered a tremendous win.

Can you still import from China?

Yes. 

As Chinese factories are back to work and production processes are recovering, China is again ready to be a trusted wholesale supplier. 

One of the important things that importers should note is that there is still in-country travel restriction which limits prototyping and quality control processes. However, businesses outside of China can work with sourcing companies that will entirely arrange for this process. 

These companies help to find and choose suppliers, they oversee the production process and provide the quality inspection services once the order is complete. They also arrange for the payment services and shipping so businesses have little to worry about as COVID comes to an end in China.

Our sourcing company has helped and still is helping businesses around the world during this time. We’ve assisted small and medium businesses to import products currently in the greatest demand: face masks, hand sanitizer, medical gloves, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, and coveralls. 

We wouldn’t be able to do this without our previously established partnerships and support of the Chinese government. We don’t see it as a new business opportunity, but we want to help all countries fight against this pandemic with everything at their disposal

says Hovo Margarian, CEO of the Altro Source, product sourcing company.

Last but not least, business owners are encouraged to first confirm with their customs department whether they can import Chinese products as some items might require special certification during this time.