China is the world's largest exporter and one of its biggest importers, which makes China trade data some of the most sought-after intelligence in global commerce. This guide explains what China import-export data contains, the difference between bill of lading and customs data, and how sourcing, sales and market-research teams use it to find real buyers and suppliers.
What is China trade data?
China trade data is a record of the goods moving in and out of the country, shipment by shipment. Each record ties a product (by HS code) to the companies behind the trade, the countries and ports involved, the volume and value, and the date. Aggregated, it reveals who is buying and selling what, from whom, and how those flows are shifting over time.
China Bill of Lading data
China Bill of Lading data is built from ocean shipment manifests. Every record carries the shipper (exporter) and consignee (importer) — with company name, address, phone, email and website — plus the HS code, product description, vessel, container, ports of loading and discharge, weight and TEU. It is the fastest way to build a verified list of active Chinese suppliers or the overseas buyers importing from China.
China Customs data
China Customs data comes from customs declarations. Alongside the exporter and importer, it adds tax IDs, customs value, duty and tax, CIF/FOB terms and Incoterms — the detail procurement and finance teams use to benchmark landed cost and validate pricing.
What China trade data reveals
- Find suppliers — identify manufacturers already exporting your product from China, and verify they actually ship it.
- Find buyers — see the overseas companies importing from China in your category, and reach the decision-makers.
- Track competitors — follow a rival's suppliers, volumes and shipping lanes over time.
- Benchmark price — use recorded values to check whether you are paying a fair rate.
China's biggest trade flows
China's largest export categories by shipment volume include electronics, machinery, garments and steel, while it imports heavily across industrial and consumer sectors from partners such as the United States, South Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Explore the live breakdown — top commodities, trading partners and the year-by-year trend — on the China trade data hub.
How to get China trade data
Trade Database provides China Bill of Lading and Customs data for 2015 to 2026, exports and imports, with 67 data fields per shipment. It is a one-time purchase — no subscription — delivered as Excel or CSV. You can request a free sample to inspect the exact fields before you buy, or browse everything on the China datasets page.
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