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China Sourcing Blog

Insights from the China sourcing trenches

Union Delta is a China-sourcing partner for US importers, Amazon FBA sellers, and hardware brands. We buy from 1688, Alibaba, and the Canton Fair — which we’ve walked twice a year since 2008 — and share the numbers-first guides we wish we’d had. No fluff, no SEO filler.

New · Featured Sourcing

How China Became the World's Factory — and What It Means for Importers in 2026

China makes ~29% of everything manufactured on Earth — 80% of solar panels, 70% of EVs, 90% of lithium batteries. How it happened, from Deng's 1978 reforms to Made in China 2025 — and what it means for your landed cost.

15 min read · July 2026
From the channel

The factory floor, in 60 seconds

Short videos from the real work — factory visits, sourcing traps, and the freight reality behind a China-to-USA supply chain. No fluff.

Watch all on YouTube

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 1688 and Alibaba?
Alibaba is the English, global B2B marketplace with USD payment and Trade Assurance escrow, but many sellers are trading companies, so prices often run 10-30% higher. 1688 is Alibaba's Chinese-language domestic platform where factory-direct prices are typically 20-40% lower, but it has no English, no export support, and accepts RMB only. Read the full guide →
Canton Fair, 1688, or Alibaba: where should I find a China supplier?
Use Alibaba for a first order or samples (English plus escrow), 1688 to cut cost on reorders and scale via a China-side partner who can export, and the Canton Fair to meet factories face-to-face, verify them, and discover new products. Read the full guide →
When is the Canton Fair 2026, and which phase is for electronics and hardware?
The autumn 2026 Canton Fair runs October 15 to November 4 in three phases. Phase 1 (Oct 15-19) covers Electronics, Household Appliances, Hardware and Tools, Machinery and Lighting. Note that Golden Week (Oct 1-7) closes Chinese factories just before it. Read the full guide →
How much does it cost to ship from China to the USA?
It depends on mode and volume: sea freight on a DDP basis is the cheapest per kg but slowest, air freight is faster at a premium, and rates spike in peak season. We publish real, current numbers by ZIP zone. Read the full guide →
Is the $800 de minimis exemption still available in 2026?
No. The $800 de minimis exemption for low-value imports has been eliminated, so shipments now face duties and formal customs entry regardless of value. Read the full guide →
How do I communicate with and pay Chinese suppliers?
Most China business runs on WeChat, and WeChat Pay now lets foreign buyers link an international card to pay suppliers directly. Our setup guide walks through it step by step. Read the full guide →
How much does it cost to open a mold (tooling) in China?
It depends on the mold type, number of cavities, and part complexity. A simple single-cavity injection mold is far cheaper than a multi-cavity hardened-steel tool. Our guide breaks down the types and realistic costs so you do not overpay. Read the full guide →
Union Delta

US-based China sourcing and supply chain management. We help Amazon sellers, brands, and product startups source directly from vetted factories with quality control at every step.

Union Delta LLC 1445 Woodmont Ln NW #1878
Atlanta, GA 30318
© 2011–2026 Union Delta LLC. All rights reserved.

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