Platforms

Sourcing Platforms & Channels for China

Where to find suppliers online and in person — and how to use each channel well.

The short answer

The main ways to find China suppliers are the big B2B marketplaces — Alibaba, Made-in-China and Global Sources — and the Canton Fair. Each is a place to find and contact suppliers, not a guarantee of quality: you still verify and inspect whoever you find. These guides cover how to use each channel well.

Guides in this section

Guide

How to Source on Alibaba Safely

Filtering, RFQs, samples and paying safely on the largest platform.

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Compare

Alibaba vs Made-in-China vs Global Sources

What each marketplace is best for, and how they differ.

Read the guide →
Explainer

Alibaba Trade Assurance

What it covers — and the important things it does not.

Read the guide →
Guide

Canton Fair: Buyer's Guide

The largest trade fair in China, and how to source there.

Read the guide →

FAQ

Which China sourcing platform is best?
It depends on your product: Alibaba is the largest and broadest, Made-in-China leans industrial, and Global Sources is strong in electronics. Use more than one to cross-check, and verify suppliers on any of them.

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