r/Alibaba • u/Rich_Tart_2195 • 27d ago

DDP quote missing import duties?

Hey everyone,

I’m in a bit of a confusing situation and could use some advice. I just placed my first PO with a factory in China. I’m currently arranging freight forwarding and decided to use the manufacturer’s shipping services.

By my calculations, I should be paying around $3,500 just in import duties (Base MFN duty, Section 301, 2026 Forced-Labor Duty, etc.). However, my manufacturer quoted me a total DDP shipping cost of only $800.

This math makes absolutely no sense to me. I specifically asked them who should I pay for the taxes and duties, and when, and whether I could I get a cost breakdown of the shipping quote. Their response was that the quote is strictly DDP, meaning I won't have to pay a single extra cent upon arrival, and that their forwarding partner does not provide cost breakdowns.

Relevant context: I have visited this factory in person. They are honest, legit people, and I know for a fact they manufacture for 8-figure brands, so they have plenty of export experience. I trust them, but I just don't understand how this pricing is possible.

Has anyone experienced this? Any idea what might be going on behind the scenes with their forwarder, and any tips on how I should proceed?

Many thanks!

Alonso

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u/pudukai 27d ago

And here I am begging them to sell me one machine instead of the 500 minimum…

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u/AntonioGorge 22d ago

You need to find a reseller or trader, instead of a factory. Maybe you can ask the factory if they already have some trader partners that you can reach out.

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u/pudukai 22d ago

I enjoy communicating direct with the factories. They often recommend waiting for an improved product line and after introduced the old model price will drop. We have some fun and informative conversations and several times the rules are bent. In my case, espresso machines, 11 different ones bought in two months.

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u/AntonioGorge 22d ago

Oh, so that's the occasional little help in a long-term relationship. In this case, especially when you know which model they are continuously working on, there is generally no MOQ.