Getting accurate pricing for work uniforms from China for the Philippine market requires understanding the different cost components. The price you see on a B2B site is just the starting point.
Here is a detailed breakdown of wholesale prices and the additional costs you must consider for importing into the Philippines.
Wholesale Price Guide (FOB China)
These are approximate prices in U.S. Dollars (USD) for the goods loaded onto the ship in China. These are for orders of 300-500 pieces per item.
| Product Type | Description | Estimated FOB Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Polo Shirt | 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton, Embroidered Logo | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| Button-Down Shirt | Poly-Cotton Twill, Long Sleeve | $5.00 – $9.00 |
| Security Uniform Set | Shirt and Trousers, specific colors | $10.00 – $18.00 (for the set) |
| Coveralls (Durable) | Poly-Cotton, One-Piece | $8.00 – $14.00 |
| Work Trousers | Poly-Cotton Twill, Reinforced Knees | $6.00 – $10.00 |
| Apron | Polyester or Cotton, for Food Service | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Barong Tagalog (Basic) | Poly-Jusi or Semi-Jusi Material | $12.00 – $25.00 |
Factors that affect the FOB price:
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Fabric Quality: Higher GSM (grams per square meter) weight costs more.
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Customization: Embroidery is more expensive than printing. Complex, multi-color logos add cost.
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Order Quantity: Higher quantities (1,000+ pcs) get a lower per-unit price.
The “Real” Cost: Calculating Your Landed Cost in the Philippines
The FOB price is not your final cost. To know your true cost per uniform, you must add the following to get the “Landed Cost”:
1. International Shipping & Insurance:
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Sea freight from China to the Philippines (e.g., to Manila port) is the most common and cheapest method.
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Cost is calculated per cubic meter (CBM). For a mixed order of uniforms, this can add $0.50 – $2.00+ per item, depending on volume and current freight rates.
2. Philippine Import Duties & Taxes:
This is a crucial and often overlooked cost. You will need a customs broker to handle this. Key charges include:
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Import Duty: The rate varies by product. For many garments, it is 10% to 15% of the FOB value.
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Value Added Tax (VAT): 12% on the (CIF Value + Import Duty). CIF Value is the Cost of Goods + Insurance + Freight.
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Other Fees: Documentary Stamp Tax, etc.
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Customs Broker Fees: For their services.
As a rough estimate, total import duties, taxes, and broker fees can add 25% to 40%+ to the CIF value.
3. Domestic Logistics:
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Cost to transport the goods from the Manila port to your warehouse in the Philippines.
Example: Real Cost Calculation for Polo Shirts
Let’s say you buy 500 polo shirts at $5.50/piece (FOB).
| Cost Factor | Calculation | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Cost (FOB) | 500 pcs x $5.50 | $2,750 |
| Sea Freight & Insurance | Estimated for this volume | $300 |
| CIF Value | (Product + Freight) | $3,050 |
| Philippine Import Taxes & Duties | Estimated 30% of CIF Value | $915 |
| Customs Broker Fees | Estimated | $150 |
| Domestic Transport in PH | Estimated | $100 |
| Total Landed Cost | $4,215 | |
| True Cost Per Polo Shirt | $4,215 / 500 pcs | $8.43 |
As you can see, the polo shirt that cost $5.50 FOB now has a true cost of over $8.40 by the time it reaches your warehouse in the Philippines.
How to Get Accurate Prices and Source Successfully
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Contact Suppliers on Alibaba: Send detailed inquiries to 3-5 suppliers. Specify product, fabric, quantity, and customization. Request FOB prices.
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Request Samples: Always pay for a production sample ($20-$40 including shipping) to check quality, fit, and embroidery before you order.
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Consult a Freight Forwarder/Customs Broker: This is the most important step. Once you have the FOB value and product details, a local broker in the Philippines can give you a precise estimate for all taxes and fees.
Summary: While the initial FOB prices from China are attractive, you must budget for shipping, insurance, and a significant amount for Philippine import taxes (often 25-40%+ of the goods+shipping value). Always calculate the “landed cost” to understand your true expense and set your selling price profitably.
For some insightful reads, we’ve curated a list of recommended articles just for you:
- How do I find a product manufacturer in China?
- How to find cheap manufacturers in China? A guide to avoid pitfalls
- How to complete your first purchase of workwear in China safely and efficiently
- Custom uniforms for Small business
- Choosing the Best Industrial Work Suit
- Ultimate Guide: Best Wholesale Work Clothes in China
- Cut & Sew Customization
- Logo Customize Clonthing Manufacturer
- Labour Uniform manufacturer
- Labor clothing uniform for sale
- Working clothes china wholesale
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