Every year brings new opportunities in China sourcing. Based on our client order data and factory visits, here are the categories we're most excited about for 2023.

Top 5 Categories by Margin Potential

  1. Energy Storage Systems β€” Home battery systems (5-15kWh) for solar storage. European demand is exploding. FOB $800-2,500, retail $2,000-7,000. Strong technical requirements β€” need an experienced agent.
  2. Smart Fitness Equipment β€” Connected exercise bikes, smart jump ropes, AI-powered fitness mirrors. Post-pandemic home fitness is permanent.
  3. Pet Tech β€” GPS trackers, automatic feeders, smart litter boxes. Pet owners spend freely on their animals.
  4. Portable Power β€” Solar generators, camping power stations, emergency backup. Multiple markets: camping, emergency prep, off-grid living.
  5. Custom Packaging & Unboxing β€” Every DTC brand needs it. Low MOQ (500-1,000 units), high repeat orders, strong margins.

Key 2023 Sourcing Trends

  • Factories more willing to accept smaller orders (100-500 units) β€” e-commerce sellers are now a primary customer segment
  • Sustainability certifications increasingly requested β€” FSC, GRS, BSCI becoming standard asks
  • Video factory tours replacing some in-person visits β€” but in-person inspection still gold standard