An Ultimate Guide to Source Chemicals from China

Table of Contents

Andy Yu
Author

China supplies various chemicals to countries worldwide. Its industrial infrastructure and advanced manufacturing make it a top chemical supplier.

So, I thought of creating a guide around this less-discussed but important topic. China suppliers offer a wide range of chemicals for different global markets. These include industrial, pharmaceutical, rare, and advanced chemicals.

However, businesses buying chemicals from China must consider quality and supplier reliability. Successfully handling the chemical procurement process requires a lot of work. Thus, I will share some helpful insights on China’s chemical manufacturing market.

Top Chinese Regions to Source Chemicals

These are some of China’s top factory cities for chemical manufacturing.

Region Province Key Chemicals Benefits
East China Jiangsu

Zhejiang

Shandong

Fine chemicals

Pharmaceuticals

Petrochemicals

Developed infrastructure

Skilled workforce

Strong presence of leading chemical companies

North China Hebei

Shandong

Shanxi

Coal chemicals

Inorganic chemicals

Bulk chemicals

Abundant raw materials

Established chemical industry base

Cost-competitive production

Northeast China Liaoning

Jilin

Heilongjiang

Petrochemicals

Fine chemicals

Specialty chemicals

Access to oil resources

Government support for chemical industry development, 

Central China Henan

Hubei

Hunan

Fertilizers

Pharmaceuticals

Agrochemicals

Large agricultural base

Government incentives for chemical industry development

South China Guangdong

Sichuan

Jiangsu

Petrochemicals

Plastics

Consumer chemicals

Major export hub

Strong focus on innovation and R&D

Access to international markets

Types of Chemicals Available for Sourcing in China

There are many chemicals made in China that are used in industries. See the kinds of chemicals that can be sourced in China below:

1) Industrial Chemicals

The industrial chemicals that China makes are very well known. Some examples are solvents, acids, alkalis, and chlorine.

These chemicals make rubber, plastics, and textiles. Industries like electronics use industrial chemicals. China is one of the best places to get industrial chemicals because of its capacity.

2) Pharmaceutical Chemicals

China also makes a lot of chemicals used in pharmaceuticals. This industry supplies essential components for drug production, research, and development.

There are strict quality control steps for these chemicals. They meet international drug standards this way, which also helps healthcare innovation.

3) Agricultural Chemicals

China exports agricultural chemicals like fertilizers and chemicals that protect crops. Farming and food security are better with these chemicals.

They also solve issues that crop farmers face today. Chinese companies focus on developing efficient and environmentally conscious agricultural chemical solutions.

4) Specialty Chemicals

Specialty chemicals are another well-known chemical in China’s chemical industry. These complicated chemicals are made to work in specific ways for different purposes. They are helpful in precision engineering and new technologies.

Companies spend money on research and development to produce new specialty chemicals. They have to meet many complicated technical standards to make these chemicals.

5) Bulk Chemicals

These are so common in the chemical industry. They are usually produced in bulk to meet the market demands. 

Bulk chemicals include;

  • Petrochemicals
  • Sulfuric acid
  • Nitrogen
  • Chlorine

These chemicals are needed as raw materials. They are required in many industrial processes and downstream manufacturing sectors.

6) Rare and Advanced Chemicals

China has made a lot of progress in creating advanced and rare chemicals. Nanotechnology-based chemicals and high-performance materials are two examples.

Comparison of Chemical Prices from China vs. Other Countries

I will compare the prices of commonly sourced chemicals. You can see the price difference between China and other countries. The costs mentioned below are in US dollars. They represent the cost per metric ton.

Product Use China India US Europe
Benzene
  • Plastics production
  • Paints
  • Detergents
1000 1100 1200 1300
Ethylene
  • Plastics
  • Fibers
  • Antifreeze
800 900 1000 1100
Methanol
  • Fuel
  • Solvent
400 450 500 600

3 Ways to Find Genuine Chemical Suppliers in China

Finding reliable Chinese chemical suppliers requires a strategic and all-around approach. These tips will help you find trustworthy suppliers and manufacturers:

1) Hiring a Sourcing Agent

New importers can get help from China sourcing agents. They can help you find your way around China’s huge market for chemical supplies. These professionals know the market well and have connections.

They speak more than one language. Thus, they can negotiate and talk to each other better. Sourcing agents help businesses find genuine suppliers. They also talk about prices and take care of any problems with logistics or quality control.

2) Online Research Platforms

It’s easier to get chemicals from China when you use online platforms. Alibaba, Made-in-China, and Global Sources have many chemical suppliers.

Most Chinese wholesale websites have detailed profiles of businesses and lists of products. They have tools for communicating and information about certification.

You can use these sites to find chemical manufacturers and suppliers in China. Read reviews, compare suppliers, and do some preliminary screenings before negotiating.

3) Trade Show and Exhibition

China’s chemical trade shows and exhibitions are the best places to meet suppliers. You can meet manufacturers, see samples of goods, and connect better at exhibitions.

One of these is the China International Chemical Industry Fair. Remember, trade fairs in China offer a chance to learn the newest technology. They uncover industry trends and deliver business partnerships.

Online marketplaces and trade shows can give you a general idea. However, you might need some ground work to find reliable chemical suppliers in China. Instead of browsing online, I suggest getting a local sourcing agent.

– Zack, OwlSourcing

Top 5 Chemical Suppliers in China

Below are the top chemical suppliers from China. Buy from a Chinese factory directly to get the best prices and quality.

1) Sinochem Group

It is a state-owned company working in different industries. They produce various products, from basic to specialty chemicals. Sinochem is known for its strong presence in the global market.

Product Range:

  • Petrochemicals
  • Fertilizers
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Fine chemicals

2) China National Chemical Corporation (ChemChina)

It is another state-owned company in the Chinese chemical sector. They specialize in tires, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals.

Product Range:

  • Petrochemicals
  • Rubber, tires
  • Agrochemicals
  • Specialty chemicals

3) Shanghai Chemex Group Ltd.

This company is a leading chemical supplier in China. They specialize in providing high-quality chemical raw materials at competitive prices. The company offers a wide range of chemical compounds essential for various industries.

Product Range:

  • Phosphoric acid
  • Potassium carbonate
  • Isothiazolinone

4) WOTAIchem

This company specializes in manufacturing construction chemicals. They may not be the biggest supplier in the industry. However, they provide high-quality products and decent customer service. The company has implemented advanced DCS and SIS systems to monitor production processes.

Product Range:

  • Dry-mix mortar additives
  • Redispersible polymer powder
  • HEC powder
  • Superplasticizers

5) Nanjing Union Rubber Chemicals Co. Ltd.

This company is a notable supplier of rubber chemicals and plastic additives. NURCHEM has built relationships with top manufacturers of rubber chemicals. Their additives are used in various applications, including tires, rubber parts, etc.

Product Range:

  • Polyisobutylene
  • Titanium Dioxide
  • Resins

Essential Quality Control Measures for Chemical Sourcing from China

Chemical sourcing from China demands a careful and thorough approach to quality control. It can be hard to import chemicals from China. So, you need a step-by-step plan that lowers the risks. Plans that ensure product safety and integrity are crucial.

 1) Certificate of Analysis

COA is the best way to ensure that chemicals are safe. This document covers the properties and performance of a chemical batch. Detailed batch COAs make sure that goods are safe and usable.

People who want to buy chemicals must read the COA and pay close attention to the details. Such details include purity levels and trace elements. Also, check the batch number and the date it was made. It helps buyers track shipments and ensure they have the correct information.

2) Third-Party Independent Inspection

Performing a third-party quality inspection in China is an effective quality control method. This plan goes beyond the usual paperwork that the supplier provides.

You can implement strict verification to ensure product quality. Hire external inspection services to check goods for better results. It’s vital to use strategic random sampling to do tests and full lab analyses. 

These agencies do a comparison analysis against the requirements set by the supplier. These kinds of evaluations by external parties give a fair and expert view.

3) Factory Audit 

It is a proactive way to handle the risk of sourcing chemicals. This screening process uses different criteria to access possible suppliers. It is essential to look over all paperwork, including business licenses.

It also includes checking manufacturing certifications like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

You must also look at export compliance records and visit the production facility. There’s more to these evaluations than just paperwork. They show how reliable a supplier is when buying chemicals from other countries.

4) Compliance with International Regulatory Standards 

When getting chemicals, it’s necessary to follow international rules and laws. You must make sure that the product you buy meets global rules. These rules keep people’s health, the environment, and the quality of goods safe. 

Chemicals brought in from other countries must follow regulations. Just think of REACH and RoHS. Compliance certifications that are specific to an industry make things safer.

How We Simplify Your Chemical Procurement from China

Chemical procurement is complicated, especially when sourcing materials abroad. Our friendly approach makes this complex process easy, fast, and reliable. The methods we adopt cover all the critical parts of chemical acquisition.

1) End-to-End Sourcing Solutions 

Sourcing support and giving clients a full solution is at the heart of our service. This method gets rid of all the usual issues and doubts that come up when buying chemicals. Our team carefully checks out suppliers in ways that aren’t typical.

We look into chemical suppliers and screen them to make sure they can meet your needs. The suppliers we picked had to be dependable, give us good products, and follow the rules.

2) Quality Control and Inspection Services

Quality control is a big part of what makes our way of sourcing things unique. Our careful review begins before the chemical shipment leaves the factory. Our team carefully checks all the paperwork, looks at the products in person, and does lab tests.

Each batch of chemicals is carefully inspected to ensure they are of good quality. Everything is checked, from the manufacturing specs to the trace elements present. We also check the purity levels and the chemicals in it.

3) Shipping Coordination

It’s not enough to pick a supplier and ensure the chemicals are of good quality. We offer great value when it comes to logistics and shipping. Our team handles all international shipping and customs regulations. 

Our streamlined processes ensure fast, safe delivery of your packages. We handle everything, so the shipment follows international trade rules.

4) Extra Services

We differ from other procurement agencies through our value-added services. We do more than help with transactions when we give technical advice.

We also provide strategic guidance and deep insights into the industry. We make sourcing plans that fit your business, its technical needs, and its industry.

As part of our value-added service, we also reduce risk. We know it’s hard to get chemicals from other countries. Our team makes detailed risk assessment plans to find and fix problems.

This proactive approach helps clients minimize the risks to their money. It ensures that the rules are followed and the supply chain is reliable.

We stand out when buying chemicals because we regularly manage supplier relationships. We don’t just close a deal and move on. Our team always talks to the suppliers we’ve checked out. It helps us build lasting relationships, which is good for our clients.

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Final Thoughts!

China is a great place to get chemicals because its suppliers offer them at low prices. It is easy to get a lot of different substances. It can help you meet the varying needs of markets around the world.

In 2016, Andy spearheaded OwlSourcing's mission to simplify global imports. Our goal was to establish an information-sharing platform for global imports and product sourcing. We handle all the logistics, enabling you to concentrate on marketing and sales. Consider us your external procurement department in Asia, with fees billed upon order confirmation. For a comprehensive service breakdown, please visit our service page

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