Working with China in Valencia

Working with China from Valencia: where to start

Valencia’s main trump card is the Port of Valencia, the largest container port in the Mediterranean. This makes the city an ideal entry point for sea freight from China — for e-commerce, home goods, furniture, and electronics. You need a supplier, quality control, and customs clearance.

What matters specifically for Russian speakers from the CIS

The main pain point for importers from the CIS is how to pay a Chinese supplier when Russian cards and SWIFT no longer work:

• practical options — USDT, payment via a payment agent in China or Hong Kong, or a transfer from a third-country account (UAE, Kazakhstan);
• many factories on 1688 only accept domestic RMB payments — you need an agent to pay and oversee the shipment;
• for regular orders, it is more practical to route payments through an international transfer service or a trusted contact in China;
• factor commission and exchange rate costs (1–3%) into your cost price — these are the items most often overlooked.

Supplier search and vetting

• platforms: Alibaba, 1688 (China’s domestic, cheaper), Global Sources, Canton Fair;
• verify the business licence, request samples, and arrange a video audit of the factory;
• payment 30% / 70%, never 100% upfront;
• Trade Assurance and independent pre-shipment inspection.

Logistics via the Port of Valencia

• sea (FCL/LCL) — the main route, ~35–45 days, FOB/CIF terms;
• the Port of Valencia — direct lines from China’s largest ports, minimal transshipment;
• LCL (less-than-container load) — for small shipments; FCL (full container load) — for larger volumes;
• nearby logistics warehouses are available for e-commerce and fulfilment.

Customs clearance and taxes in Spain

• EORI number and customs clearance (despacho de aduanas) through a broker at the port;
• on import: customs duty (arancel) by commodity code + import VAT 21%;
• VAT is recoverable if you are registered for IVA.

Common mistakes and how to choose the right partner

• ordering without a sample and inspection is the main risk of defects;
• a price that is too low often means a middleman, not a factory;
• calculate the landed cost including delivery, duty, and VAT;
• the safer route is a partner in China who will find the factory, verify it, and deliver on a turnkey basis.

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