FOB and EXW are the two most common pricing terms you will meet when buying wholesale products from China. This guide explains both, shows you how they change your total cost, and walks you through the import process from China to Indonesia — including T/T payment and how to get a reliable factory quote.
If you are a reseller, shop owner, or distributor in Indonesia, importing from China is one of the most cost-effective ways to build your product range. But the first wall most buyers hit is the pricing terms: FOB, EXW, CIF, T/T… What do they actually mean, and which one should you ask for?
This article breaks everything down in plain language, using the exact terms KitaToko uses on every product page, so you can compare quotes with confidence.
What Does FOB Mean?
FOB (Free On Board) is a shipping term that means the seller is responsible for the goods until they are loaded onto the ship at the port of origin. After that, the risk and the shipping cost belong to you.
In practical terms, when a supplier gives you an FOB price, it usually already includes:
- The product itself
- Export packaging and cartons
- Loading at the origin port (for example, Guangzhou or Shenzhen)
- Export customs clearance
What it does not include: the ocean freight from China to Indonesia, insurance, and import duty in Indonesia. Those are added on top of the FOB price.
What Does EXW Mean?
EXW (Ex-Works) means the buyer collects the goods directly at the factory gate. The seller’s responsibility ends at the factory door — you arrange the trucking, export formalities, and everything after that.
Because the seller does less work, EXW is always cheaper than FOB. The difference is the cost of the internal logistics and export handling that you now arrange yourself.
EXW vs FOB: which one should you choose?
Ask yourself one question: do you already have a freight forwarder or a consolidator that can pick up from Chinese factories?
- Choose FOB if you want a single point of responsibility and an easy door-to-port experience. Most first-time importers choose FOB.
- Choose EXW if you have your own forwarder, or you are consolidating goods from several factories in the same area and want to control the inland logistics yourself to save money.
All prices on KitaToko are quoted in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), so there is no currency confusion when you compare against your local market price.
Payment Terms: T/T (Telegraphic Transfer)
KitaToko accepts T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) — a direct bank transfer, and the most common payment method for B2B wholesale between China and Indonesia. The standard process:
- You confirm the products, quantities, and the price term (FOB or EXW).
- We send you a formal quotation with the total amount.
- You pay a deposit by T/T (typically 30%) to start production or reserve stock.
- The balance (typically 70%) is paid before shipment, based on the agreed terms.
For larger, repeat orders, we can discuss flexible payment arrangements. Every quotation is written and confirmed before any payment is made.
Step-by-Step: Importing from China to Indonesia
Step 1 — Choose your products
Browse the KitaToko shop and pick the products you want. We cover eight categories: arcade and entertainment machines, musical instruments, infant products, toys, silicone products, beauty care, and slippers.
Step 2 — Request a quote
Message us on WhatsApp with your product list and quantities. We reply within 24 hours with a written quotation showing both the FOB and EXW prices in IDR, plus the T/T payment schedule. No obligation, no hidden fees.
Step 3 — Arrange shipping
With FOB, we deliver the goods to the port of origin and handle export clearance. You (or your forwarder) arrange the sea freight to Indonesia — the most common routes go through Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), and Belawan (Medan).
Step 4 — Import clearance in Indonesia
Your customs broker clears the shipment in Indonesia. Key documents you will need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and the certificate of origin if you want to claim preferential duty under ACFTA (ASEAN-China Free Trade Area).
Step 5 — Receive and sell
Once the goods arrive at your warehouse, do a quick quality check against the invoice, then list them for sale. That is the whole journey — from a Chinese factory to your shop in Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is importing from China to Indonesia legal and common?
Yes. Indonesia imports a large share of its consumer goods from China. The key is to use a reliable supplier, keep proper documentation, and follow the customs and tax rules through a licensed broker.
How much does import duty cost in Indonesia?
Import duty depends on the HS code of the product. Many consumer goods fall under ACFTA preferential rates, which can significantly reduce the tariff. Always confirm the HS code with your customs broker before ordering.
What is the minimum order quantity at KitaToko?
We are flexible and can discuss MOQ based on the product. Message us on WhatsApp and we will confirm the MOQ for the items you are interested in.
Why are prices quoted in Rupiah?
Because KitaToko is built for Indonesian buyers, all prices are listed in IDR so you know exactly what you will pay — no exchange-rate surprises.
Get Your FOB & EXW Quote Today
Ready to start importing? Send your product list to us on WhatsApp and get a written FOB / EXW quotation in IDR within 24 hours. Our team will help you choose the right products for the Indonesian market.
WhatsApp: +86 189-2511-3615
Prefer to browse first? Explore the full catalog — every product already shows its FOB and EXW price.