When you import bagasse tableware, paper cups, or compostable packaging from China, the shipping term on your quote affects your price, your lead time, and who carries the risk. The two terms you will see most often are FOB and EXW. Here is a plain-English breakdown.
What EXW means
EXW, or Ex Works, means the factory makes the goods available at its own premises. You arrange and pay for all transport, customs, and insurance from the factory door to your warehouse. EXW appears cheaper on the quote, but the total landed cost depends on freight rates you will arrange yourself.
What FOB means
FOB, or Free On Board, means the factory delivers the goods onto the vessel at the named port, such as Qingdao or Shanghai. The seller handles inland transport and loading at the port. Most first-time importers prefer FOB because it removes the hardest part of the logistics from your plate and gives you a single, predictable port-to-port quote.
Which is better for you
For most tableware buyers, FOB is the safer, more common choice. It bundles the tricky inland leg into the supplier’s responsibility and produces cleaner shipping quotes. EXW only makes sense if you already have a freight forwarder who specializes in door-to-door collection in China.
What else to confirm
Whichever term you choose, confirm the port, the incoterm year, who pays for export customs, and whether the quote includes packaging suitable for ocean freight. Clarify whether samples and full production share the same price list, and ask for the ocean freight estimate to your nearest port so you can compare landed costs.
Shipping from a Qingdao factory
If you source from a factory in Qingdao, you are close to one of China’s busiest container ports, which keeps freight competitive for North America, Europe, and Australia. Clearly stating your destination port when you request a quote lets the factory give you accurate FOB pricing and freight guidance for your market.
To get FOB or EXW pricing for bagasse tableware and packaging to your port, request a quote with your destination and container size, and the factory will respond with shipping terms that fit your import plan.
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