Unglazed ceramics are in high demand across construction, home décor, hospitality and manufacturing. Whether it’s tiles, bricks, vases, planters or technical ceramic components, importers are increasingly turning to China for competitive pricing and consistent supply.

However, to export unglazed ceramics from China successfully, buyers must manage quality, packaging, compliance and logistics carefully. That’s where a specialist trading partner like Wigmore Trading can help simplify the process end to end.

Why source unglazed ceramics from China?

China is one of the world’s largest producers of ceramic products, including:

• Unglazed floor and wall tiles

• Clay bricks and pavers

• Unglazed tableware and decorative ceramics

• Industrial and technical ceramic components

Key advantages for importers and distributors include:

• Competitive pricing: Large-scale production and strong supply chains keep unit costs low.

• Product variety: From basic building materials to decorative items, there is a huge range of sizes, shapes and finishes.

• Scalability: Factories can handle both trial orders and large recurring shipments once demand grows.

For importers in Africa, the UK, Europe and beyond, China is often the most cost-effective sourcing hub for unglazed ceramics, provided you work with the right partners and controls.

Challenges when exporting unglazed ceramics from China

Despite the advantages, unglazed ceramics come with specific risks when sourcing and exporting internationally.

1. Quality consistency

Unglazed products can vary in:

• Density and strength

• Colour shade and texture

• Dimensional accuracy and flatness (especially tiles and bricks)

Without proper quality checks, you risk receiving goods that do not meet your local market requirements or your clients’ expectations.

How Wigmore Trading can help:
Wigmore Trading works with vetted Chinese manufacturers and coordinates pre-shipment inspections based on your specifications. We help ensure the ceramics you receive match the agreed samples and quality standards before they leave the factory.

2. Breakage and packaging

Unglazed ceramics are heavy and fragile. Poor packaging can result in:

• Cracked or chipped tiles

• Damaged decorative items

• Significant loss of saleable stock on arrival

How Wigmore Trading can help:
We advise on and arrange robust export-ready packaging, including pallets, cartons, protective wrapping and container loading plans designed to reduce damage in transit.

3. HS codes, documentation and compliance

To export unglazed ceramics from China, you must use the correct HS codes and comply with:

• Import duties and taxes in your destination country

• Any required product certifications or standards (for building materials, food-contact items, etc.)

• Accurate commercial invoices, packing lists and certificates of origin

Mistakes here can cause customs delays, fines or unexpected costs.

How Wigmore Trading can help:
Our team understands the documentation and customs procedures for shipping to key African markets and beyond. We help ensure paperwork is correct, reducing clearance issues at destination ports.

4. Supplier communication and MOQs

Language barriers, time zones and minimum order quantities (MOQs) can make it hard to manage:

• Negotiations on price and terms

• Custom sizes or designs

• Order lead times and production schedules

How Wigmore Trading can help:
We act as your local interface with Chinese factories, handling communication, negotiating realistic MOQs, and aligning production schedules with your demand.

The process: how to export unglazed ceramics from China with Wigmore

Working with Wigmore Trading streamlines the sourcing and export process into clear stages:

1. Requirements discussion
   Share your product specifications, target prices, volumes and destination markets with our team.

2. Supplier sourcing and quotation
   We identify suitable Chinese manufacturers, request samples where needed, and provide clear quotations including estimated freight costs.

3. Sample approval and quality standards
   You approve samples or set agreed tolerances on colour, size and finish. Wigmore Trading then uses these standards during production and pre-shipment checks.

4. Production and inspection
   Once orders are confirmed, we monitor production and arrange inspections to reduce the risk of defects and non-conformity.

5. Consolidation, packing and shipping
   We can consolidate multiple ceramic product lines in one shipment, organise export-standard packing, and book sea freight to your chosen port.

6. Customs and delivery support
   Wigmore Trading provides the documentation required for customs clearance and can coordinate with your preferred clearing agents or logistics partners.

Who benefits from importing unglazed ceramics from China?

Our services are particularly suited to:

• Construction material importers and wholesalers

• Retail chains and DIY stores looking for own-brand tiles or ceramics

• Distributors serving African markets, where demand for cost-effective building materials is strong

• Hospitality and interiors suppliers sourcing decorative unglazed ceramics at scale

If you are looking to expand your product range or reduce sourcing costs, unglazed ceramics from China can be a strategic addition – and Wigmore Trading can help you manage the risk.

Partner with Wigmore Trading for your next ceramics shipment

Exporting unglazed ceramics from China doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right partner, you gain:

• Reliable, vetted suppliers

• Better control over quality and packaging

• Smooth logistics and documentation handling

• A clear path to growing your margins and product range

Wigmore Trading can help you source, consolidate and ship unglazed ceramics from China to your market with confidence.

Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing and discuss your next shipment.