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How to Import Silk Fabric from China: Complete Buyer's Guide
By MIAOSHENG Silk · November 7, 2026 · 10 min read
China produces over 80% of the world's raw silk, and Huzhou — the "Silk Capital of China" — is where the best silk fabric is woven. If you're a fashion brand, garment manufacturer, or scarf label looking to source silk directly, this guide walks you through the entire process from sample to shipment.
1. Why Source Silk from China?
- Unbeatable price — factory-direct pricing is 30–50% lower than buying through traders or distributors.
- Full supply chain — from raw silk reeling to dyeing, printing, and finished scarves, all in one region.
- MOQ flexibility — modern digital printing allows runs from 10–50 pieces, not 500+ like traditional methods.
- Quality range — you can buy 12mm habotai for basics or 22mm double satin for luxury, all from the same mill network.
2. Know What You Need Before Contacting Suppliers
Before you reach out to any silk supplier, you need to know:
- Fabric type — habotai, satin, twill, chiffon, crepe de chine, organza? Each has different uses and price points.
- Weight — measured in momme (mm) or momme equivalent (g/m²). For scarves: 12–16mm. For apparel lining: 16–19mm. For dresses: 19–22mm.
- Width — most silk fabric comes in 114cm (45") or 140cm (54") width.
- Quantity — do you need 10 meters for samples or 1,000 meters for production?
- Finish — plain dye, digital print, screen print, or hand-rolled edge?
Pro tip: Request sample swatches before committing. Any reputable supplier will send A4-sized swatches for $5–$10 (often refundable on your first order). This is the only way to judge hand feel, luster, and color accuracy.
3. Typical Pricing (FOB China)
These are approximate reference prices for 100% mulberry silk fabric, FOB Shanghai/Ningbo:
- 12mm habotai (114cm wide): $6–$9 per meter
- 16mm silk satin (114cm wide): $10–$14 per meter
- 19mm silk twill (114cm wide): $13–$18 per meter
- 8mm silk chiffon (140cm wide): $8–$12 per meter
- Finished silk scarf (90×90cm, digital printed, hand-rolled): $5–$12 per piece (MOQ 50pcs)
Prices vary by quantity, dye lot, and season. Always get a firm quote in writing with the exact specs.
4. Shipping Options and Costs
- DHL/FedEx (express) — 3–5 days, best for samples and small orders (under 50kg). Cost: $30–$60/kg.
- Air freight — 5–7 days, for 50–500kg shipments. Cost: $8–$15/kg.
- Sea freight — 25–35 days, for large orders (100kg+). Cost: $200–$500 per CBM. Most economical for bulk.
5. Quality Control Checklist
Before your supplier ships, ask for or inspect:
- Blend content: send a swatch to a testing lab if it's a large order (look for 100% silk vs. silk/polyester blend).
- Color consistency: compare dye lots side by side under natural light.
- Edge quality: machine-rolled edges should be even; hand-rolled should have no visible stitches.
- Defects: check for loose threads, stains, print misalignment, and size tolerance.
6. How MIAOSHENG Can Help
We are a Huzhou-based silk exporter since 2012, specializing in 100% mulberry silk fabric and custom silk scarves. We offer:
- Free sample swatches (pay shipping only)
- MOQ from 10 pieces for digital-printed scarves
- OEM/ODM with your own branding and packaging
- Global shipping to 30+ countries