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华China Car Price IndexModels · Prices · Export Trade

Sourcing & payment

Where to buy Chinese cars for export, what minimum orders to expect, and how to structure payment so your capital is protected.

Sourcing channels

Each channel trades off price, warranty and risk differently.

OEM export division / authorized distributor

Buy directly from the automaker's official export arm or its appointed regional distributor.

Best for:
Warranty-backed volume, genuine GCC/destination-spec units.
Watch out:
Higher MOQs and territory restrictions; price floors enforced.

Licensed export trading company

Established China-based exporters who consolidate from dealers and OEMs and handle documentation.

Best for:
Mixed orders, smaller volumes, end-to-end paperwork support.
Watch out:
Margins added; verify export licence, VAT refund and references.

Domestic dealer arbitrage (parallel export)

Cars bought through Chinese domestic dealers and exported — often the cheapest, but in a grey area.

Best for:
Lowest unit cost on in-demand models.
Watch out:
OEM warranty may be void abroad; some brands penalise/ban parallel export.

Used / nearly-new export

Low-mileage used or ex-demo Chinese cars for markets that allow used imports.

Best for:
Price-sensitive markets without a strict new-only rule.
Watch out:
Check destination max-age limits and odometer/title integrity.

Payment terms

Balance supplier requirements against your exposure. For first orders with a new partner, favour L/C or escrow.

T/T deposit + balance

Typical 30% telegraphic-transfer deposit to start production/allocation, 70% balance against the bill of lading copy before release.

Buyer risk: Medium — deposit is exposed until shipment; vet the supplier.

Letter of Credit (L/C at sight)

Bank-guaranteed payment released only when compliant shipping documents are presented. Standard for larger orders.

Buyer risk: Low — bank controls release against documents.

100% T/T in advance

Full prepayment, sometimes requested for hot models in short supply. Only with trusted, verified suppliers.

Buyer risk: High — full exposure; use only with a proven track record.

Escrow / trade assurance

Funds held by a platform/third party and released on delivery confirmation. Common for first orders with new partners.

Buyer risk: Low — neutral party holds funds, but fees and limits apply.

Supplier due-diligence checklist

  • Verify the export licence. Confirm the company holds a valid Chinese export licence and can issue VAT-export documentation.
  • Confirm destination spec. Get written confirmation the units are built/prepared to your market's standard (GCC, SABER, NOM, SONCAP, ADR, etc.).
  • Clarify warranty. Ask whether the OEM warranty is valid in your market or whether you must provide local warranty support — critical for parallel exports.
  • Lock the spec sheet & VIN list. Agree exact trim, colour, options and model year in writing, with a VIN list before final payment.
  • Use a contract with inspection rights. Include pre-shipment inspection (PSI) and clear remedies for non-conformity.

Guidance only · reviewed June 2026 · not legal or financial advice