With global lifestyles shifting toward outdoor living, the demand for stylish and durable outdoor furniture has skyrocketed—not just locally, but across borders. From resorts in California to rooftop lounges in Dubai, project managers, designers, and distributors are increasingly looking to buy outdoor furniture online from international platforms that offer factory-direct pricing, customizable designs, and global shipping.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover the best platforms for cross-border outdoor furniture procurement, especially for those importing from countries like China, Vietnam, and Indonesia into markets such as the USA, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.
1. Alibaba.com
Best for: Bulk outdoor furniture import from Asia
Alibaba remains the leading B2B marketplace for international buyers seeking outdoor furniture suppliers in China. Thousands of factories and trading companies offer furniture suitable for patios, balconies, gardens, and commercial venues.
Cross-Border Features:
Trade assurance and escrow payment options
Export-ready listings with CIF/DDP pricing
Custom design and OEM support
Popular items: rattan sofas, aluminum tables, teak loungers
2. Made-in-China.com
Best for: Professionally certified outdoor furniture factories
Made-in-China connects verified furniture manufacturers with overseas buyers. Many suppliers specialize in high-end outdoor furniture with export documents, custom packaging, and English-speaking sales teams.
Export Benefits:
CE/ISO-certified products
Strong understanding of American & European design trends
HS code documentation, commercial invoice, and CO support
Factory videos and showroom previews
Popular export products include:
Modular outdoor sectionals
Dining sets with weatherproof cushions
Foldable and stackable furniture for hospitality projects
3. HanseOutdoor.com
Best for: Turnkey outdoor furniture export from China
Hanse is a direct manufacturer based in Foshan, China, offering full-service international delivery for outdoor furniture buyers. It specializes in:
Custom-designed sofas, tables, lounge chairs, fire pits
All-weather rattan, aluminum, teak, and rope furniture
OEM/ODM services for resorts, developers, and distributors
Global shipping (FOB, CIF, DDP to USA, Europe, Middle East)
🌍 Hanse provides:
Export documentation (invoice, packing list, CO)
International packaging (corner protection, moisture barrier)
Mixed container loading of tile + furniture
Assistance with product selection and 3D layout
4. GlobalSources.com
Best for: Hospitality furniture buyers attending trade shows or placing sample orders
Global Sources is a reputable sourcing platform for B2B buyers, often used by professionals seeking outdoor furniture for hotels, villas, and restaurants. Many vendors offer:
MOQ-friendly sampling
Exportable SKUs with product testing reports
On-site factory audits and trade show participation
5. ECPlaza.net
Best for: Sourcing from outside China (e.g., Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkey)
These platforms provide access to international manufacturers offering wood, bamboo, and recycled-material outdoor furniture. Useful if you're looking to diversify sourcing beyond China or avoid certain tariff zones.
Key Considerations When Buying Outdoor Furniture Online for Export
✅ 1. Confirm Export Capability
Not every seller on a website like Alibaba or ECPlaza offers real cross-border trade. Always confirm:
Export licenses & international shipping support
Whether they can provide HS code, commercial invoice, packing list, and CO
Packaging standards (stackable, knock-down, protected)
🔍 2. What is the HS Code for Outdoor Furniture?
The HS Code (Harmonized System Code) is a standard code used for classifying products in international trade. For outdoor furniture, the common codes include:
9403.20.00 – Metal furniture
9403.60.00 – Wooden furniture
9401.80.00 – Seats other than office seats (includes sofas, lounges)
These codes are necessary for:
Determining import duty rates
Preparing customs paperwork
Avoiding customs delays
✅ 3. Choose the Right Incoterms
Understanding shipping terms is essential:
| Incoterm | What it Means | Buyer’s Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| FOB | Free on Board | You arrange freight & insurance from port onward |
| CIF | Cost + Insurance + Freight | Seller delivers to port; you handle clearance |
| DDP | Delivered Duty Paid | Seller handles everything, including import duty |
For new buyers or non-logistics experts, CIF or DDP is recommended.
✅ 4. Materials Matter for Cross-Border Buyers
When importing furniture for outdoor spaces, material durability during shipment and long-term use is critical. Consider the following:
Aluminum frames – Lightweight, rust-proof, popular in the US market
Synthetic rattan (PE wicker) – UV-resistant, durable in hot/cold climates
Teak wood – Long-lasting, naturally resistant to insects and water
Quick-dry foam & Olefin fabric – Essential for cushions in humid/rainy regions
✅ 5. Packaging and Logistics
Good export packaging is non-negotiable:
Carton + foam + edge protection
Stackable or KD (knock-down) format to save container space
Ask for loading photos/videos before shipment
For international projects, mixing outdoor furniture with tile or sanitary ware is a cost-saving logistics strategy—especially from suppliers like Hanse that produce both.
How Much Does It Cost to Import Outdoor Furniture from China?
Here's an approximate breakdown for a 20ft container of outdoor furniture (FOB basis):
| Item | Estimated USD |
|---|---|
| Product cost (e.g., $150/set × 50 sets) | $7,500 |
| Ocean freight (CIF US West Coast) | $1,200–$2,000 |
| Customs duty (5–10% depending on HS code) | ~$600 |
| Inland transport (port to destination) | $500–$1,000 |
| Total Landed Cost | ~$10,000–$11,000 |
Depending on your market, these goods can retail for 2–3x the landed cost, yielding solid profit margins.
For serious international buyers and project managers, sourcing outdoor furniture online from global platforms can reduce costs, increase design flexibility, and streamline large-scale deployment.
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| Alibaba | Bulk importers of patio furniture from China |
| Made-in-China | Buyers needing certified, export-ready factories |
| HanseLuk | End-to-end delivery, factory-direct pricing |
| Global Sources | Small MOQ and project-based sampling |
| ECPlaza / Tradewheel | Non-China sourcing, tariff diversification |