China is the world’s largest exporter of used clothing bales. Large-scale processing factories collect, sort, and pack second-hand clothes efficiently — giving B2B buyers in Africa and South America a reliable, cost-effective supply source.
- Lower cost — Factory-direct pricing with no middlemen. Competitive per-kg rates vs. other sourcing regions.
- Stable supply — Large factories maintain 1,000+ tons of monthly stock. No seasonal shortages.
- Large warehouse stock — Ready inventory means containers can be loaded and shipped within 5–10 days.
- Grade options — Choose Grade A (premium) or Grade B (value) to match your target market.
- Flexible packing — 45kg or 90kg bales in PP bags, customizable to your container plan.
Suppliers offer a full range of used clothing and accessory bales. Each type is sorted, quality-checked, and compressed for export.
Used Clothes Bale
Mixed styles, Grade A/B. Most popular bale type for all markets.
Used Shoes Bale
Pairs sorted by size. High demand in Africa and South America.
Used Bags Bale
Handbags, backpacks, mixed styles. Good margin for resellers.
Sport Jersey Bale
Sportswear & jerseys. Popular in Nigeria, Kenya, Chile.
Kids Clothes Bale
All ages, boys & girls. Consistent demand year-round.
All bales are hydraulic-compressed and packed in durable PP bags. Choose the bale size that maximizes your container space and budget.
| Bale Type | Weight | Packing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Bale | 45 kg | PP Bag — Hydraulic Compressed | Easy handling, local resellers |
| Big Bale | 90 kg | PP Bag — Hydraulic Compressed | Bulk buyers, warehouse storage |
| Custom | On request | Custom packing available | Special market requirements |
Container Loading Capacity
| Container | 45kg Bales | 90kg Bales | Total Weight (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20FT | 260 bales | 130 bales | ~11,700 kg |
| 40HQ | 630 bales | 315 bales | ~28,350 kg |
Not all used clothing suppliers are equal. Use this checklist before placing your first order.
- Check the warehouse — A real supplier has a large, organized warehouse. Ask for photos or a video tour.
- Check the sorting process — Quality depends on how clothes are sorted. Ask about their quality control steps.
- Ask for a bale opening video — Before ordering, request a real bale opening video to verify actual quality.
- Verify export experience — Choose suppliers with proven export records to your target country.
- Check payment terms — Reliable suppliers accept T/T bank transfer. Avoid cash-only sellers.
- Compare price per kg — Get quotes from at least 3 suppliers. Lowest price is not always best quality.
Follow these 6 steps to complete your first used clothing import from China.
Contact Supplier
Reach out via WhatsApp or email. Introduce your target market, required quantity, and preferred bale type.
Confirm Bale Type & Grade
Specify: used clothes / shoes / bags / sport jerseys / kids clothes. Choose Grade A or Grade B based on your market.
Get Price & Quotation
Request a formal price list with per-kg rate, bale weight, container capacity, and FOB/CIF shipping terms.
Make Payment
Pay deposit (usually 30%) via T/T bank transfer. Balance paid before loading or against Bill of Lading.
Container Loading
Supplier loads bales into 20FT or 40HQ container. Request loading video and packing list for customs.
Shipment & Customs Clearance
Supplier provides Bill of Lading, packing list, and commercial invoice. Use a local customs agent to clear goods on arrival.
Understanding shipping terms and customs requirements will help you avoid delays and unexpected costs.
Shipping Terms
| Term | Meaning | Who Pays Freight |
|---|---|---|
| FOB | Free On Board — goods loaded at China port | Buyer pays ocean freight |
| CIF | Cost, Insurance & Freight — delivered to destination port | Supplier pays freight + insurance |
| EXW | Ex Works — buyer arranges all transport from factory | Buyer pays all logistics |
Required Documents for Customs
- Bill of Lading (B/L) — Issued by shipping line. Required to collect goods at destination port.
- Commercial Invoice — Shows product description, quantity, unit price, and total value.
- Packing List — Details bale count, weight per bale, and total container weight.
- Certificate of Origin — Confirms goods are made/processed in China. Required for tariff purposes.
- Phytosanitary Certificate — May be required in some African countries for used textile imports.
Used clothing bales are exported to importers and wholesalers across three continents. Products are tailored to each regional market.
Afrique
Grade A & B · High demand for mixed clothes and sport jerseys.
Amérique du Sud
Grade A & B · Strong market for premium used clothing bales.
Asie
Grade B · Price-sensitive markets, high volume buyers.
| Region | Countries | Preferred Grade | Popular Bale Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌍 Africa | Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria | A & B | Mixed Clothes, Sport Jersey |
| 🌎 South America | Chile, Peru, Bolivia | A & B | Mixed Clothes, Kids Clothes |
| 🌏 Asia | Philippines, Cambodia | B | Mixed Clothes, Shoes |
This video shows the real quality, sorting process, and packing condition of used clothing bales for export buyers.
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