Working with China in Los Angeles

Working with China from Los Angeles: where to start

Los Angeles and Long Beach form the largest port complex in the United States and the main gateway for goods from China. This makes LA the optimal entry point for imports — though the US-specific Section 301 tariffs apply. You will need a supplier, quality control, and customs clearance.

What matters specifically for Russian speakers from the CIS

• Paying the supplier. Paying China from a US LLC account is straightforward, but opening that account is difficult for a Russian national; common solutions include USDT, a payment agent in China or Hong Kong, and international wire transfers;
• US banking compliance is strict regarding funds from Russia;
• LA — the fastest maritime entry point from Asia;
• factor commission and exchange rate costs (1–3%) into your cost price.

Section 301 tariffs

Many Chinese goods exported to the US face additional Section 301 tariffs (often +25% or more). Calculate using the HTS code BEFORE ordering.

Supplier search and vetting

• platforms: Alibaba, 1688 (cheaper), Global Sources, Canton Fair;
• verify the business licence, request samples, and arrange a video audit;
• payment 30/70; Trade Assurance and pre-shipment inspection.

Logistics and customs clearance

• sea via the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach — the largest entry point from Asia into the US, ~14–20 days (faster than the East Coast);
• onward domestic transport — by truck or rail (intermodal);
• customs broker, customs bond, duty + Section 301;
• air freight via LAX — for urgent shipments.

Common mistakes and how to choose the right partner

• overlooked Section 301 — margin gone;
• ordering without a sample and QC leads to defects;
• calculate the full landed cost;
• it is safer to work through a turnkey partner in China.

Need suppliers and logistics from China to Los Angeles? Describe your task — we’ll help you find and verify.