If you’ve ever browsed through wholesale products online, chances are you’ve heard of 1688.com, one of China’s biggest B2B e-commerce platforms. But in 2025, with shifting global trade dynamics and rising tariffs from countries like the U.S., the question arises — is 1688.com still a viable source for international sourcing? Is it safe for small businesses and resellers? How has it evolved?
In this blog, we deep-dive into what 1688.com is, how it works, what’s changed in 2025, and how U.S.-China trade tariffs are impacting global sellers. We’ve structured the insights in a non-generic, human-readable way to ensure you walk away with actionable knowledge.
Table of Contents
🧭 What is 1688.com?
1688.com is owned by Alibaba Group, and it’s essentially the Chinese domestic version of Alibaba.com. While Alibaba.com targets global B2B trade, 1688.com is designed primarily for Chinese wholesalers and domestic businesses.
Here’s a comparative breakdown:
| Feature | 1688.com | Alibaba.com |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Chinese Domestic Businesses | Global Importers and Exporters |
| Language | Chinese | English & Multilingual |
| MOQ (Minimum Order) | Lower than Alibaba in most cases | Often higher MOQs |
| Product Pricing | Lower wholesale prices | Slightly more due to export markup |
| Shipping | Local/domestic shipping in China | International shipping available |
🚀 Why is 1688.com Popular in 2025?
Even in 2025, with rising tariffs and geo-political tensions, 1688.com holds strong among small retailers, Amazon FBA sellers, dropshippers, and resellers due to the following reasons:
- Massive Product Range: From gadgets to garments, tools to toys — it’s endless.
- Lowest Wholesale Prices: No middleman, direct factory rates.
- Platform Trust: Owned by Alibaba, giving it credibility.
- Sourcing for Local Sellers: Still the most reliable sourcing site for small Chinese resellers and global intermediaries who use 3rd-party agents.
🌐 How to Use 1688.com as a Foreigner in 2025?
Here’s how non-Chinese users navigate and source from 1688.com in the current year:
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Use browser translation tools (like Chrome Translate) | Entire site is in Mandarin |
| 2 | Set up Alipay or work with an agent | Payments usually require a Chinese ID |
| 3 | Contact suppliers via WeChat or Aliwangwang | Most don’t speak English |
| 4 | Hire a sourcing agent or 3PL in China | Helps with purchase, QC, and shipping |
| 5 | Discuss logistics | Most suppliers only ship locally — agents handle global forwarding |
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🔍 What’s New on 1688.com in 2025?
The platform has made subtle yet important updates in 2025:
1. AI-Driven Search Integration
It now uses image recognition tools allowing users to upload photos and instantly find similar items on the site — helpful for reverse sourcing.
2. Verified Factory Badges
To counter fraud, 1688 has introduced more strict “Verified Supplier” protocols, giving buyers extra peace of mind when dealing with high-volume factories.
3. App Improvements
The 1688 mobile app is smoother, and sourcing agents now integrate better into app features via QR-based supplier mapping.
4. More Dropship-Friendly Policies
Some Chinese suppliers are now offering white-label packaging and direct international shipping, especially for popular categories like electronics and cosmetics.
📉 How U.S. Tariffs in 2025 Are Impacting 1688.com Usage
Since 2024, the U.S. government has rolled out new rounds of tariffs on Chinese imports, ranging from 25% to even 100% in some categories. This directly affects businesses sourcing from platforms like 1688.com.
Let’s understand how:
| Tariff Category | Example Product | Impact on 1688.com Sourcing |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Electronics | Earbuds, Tablets | Prices increase by 40-80% post-import |
| Garments & Textiles | T-Shirts, Hoodies | Still viable, but lower margin |
| Toys & Kids Accessories | Plastic Toys, Plush | Many sellers shift to Southeast Asian sources |
| Home Improvement Tools | Wrenches, Lighting | Prices competitive but slow shipping due to scrutiny |
Many U.S.-based Amazon FBA sellers have started sourcing from Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh instead. However, 1688.com is still used as the starting point for idea validation or sample ordering before making bulk decisions.
⚠️ Challenges with 1688.com in 2025
Before jumping in, know these limitations:
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Language Barrier | 90% of suppliers only speak Chinese |
| Payment Restrictions | International cards not accepted directly |
| No Buyer Protection | Unlike Alibaba.com, there’s little buyer safety on 1688 |
| Shipping Complications | Most products only ship within China |
| Risk of IPR Violations | Fake products and unlicensed items are still an issue |
💡 Pro Tips to Source from 1688.com in 2025
Here are practical, experience-based tips for foreign buyers:
- Use a local sourcing agent — they act as a translator, negotiator, and quality inspector.
- Don’t skip quality checks — especially if you’re ordering fashion, gadgets, or cosmetics.
- Negotiate — prices listed aren’t final. You can often get 10–30% off in bulk.
- Start with samples — always order samples before full-scale sourcing.
📈 Best-Selling Categories on 1688 in 2025
Let’s take a look at which product categories are thriving on 1688 this year:
| Category | Reason for Popularity |
|---|---|
| Fashion Apparel | High quality + low price, especially women’s wear |
| Consumer Electronics | Despite tariffs, great for local Chinese resale |
| DIY & Home Products | Popular with Amazon FBM & Shopify sellers |
| Beauty & Skincare | Many white-label/private label factories available |
| Stationery & Office | Great margins, lightweight, less affected by tariffs |
🧰 Tools to Enhance 1688 Sourcing
You can combine these tools to streamline your sourcing journey in 2025:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Google Chrome + Translate | For site-wide translation |
| PandaBuy, Basetao, Superbuy | Trusted sourcing agents |
| Alibaba Trade Assurance | Use for safer payment (when supplier agrees) |
| Shipbao, YunExpress | Logistics/Shipping partners for bulk freight |
| Pinduoduo/Weidian Comparison | Use to compare prices across Chinese B2C platforms |
🌍 Is 1688.com Still Relevant in the Face of Tariffs?
Absolutely — but how you use it is evolving. With tariffs on the rise and political tensions high, businesses can no longer rely solely on Chinese imports without doing due diligence.
1688 is no longer just a direct buying platform. In 2025, it functions more as:
- A research and price benchmarking tool
- A sampling & prototype source
- A backup supplier hub
- A platform to build long-term sourcing relationships
So instead of abandoning 1688 due to tariffs, smart businesses are adapting — using freight forwarders, negotiating Incoterms, and diversifying suppliers across Asia and Europe.
🧾 Final Verdict
1688.com remains one of the most powerful sourcing platforms globally — not for its ease, but for the depth and authenticity of its suppliers. However, language, logistics, tariffs, and payment systems remain the biggest hurdles for foreign buyers.
In 2025, it’s not about whether 1688.com is “good” or “bad” — it’s about how smartly you use it. Leverage sourcing agents, negotiate well, and always test before scaling.
🤔 FAQs
Q1. Is 1688.com safe to buy from in 2025?
Yes, but only if you use a reliable sourcing agent and verify suppliers.
Q2. Can I pay using international credit cards on 1688?
No, direct payments usually require Alipay or Chinese bank accounts.
Q3. Does 1688 ship internationally?
Most suppliers do not; use a third-party shipping or sourcing agent.
Q4. Are U.S. tariffs making 1688 less useful?
Not less useful, but they do reduce profit margins — strategy matters more now.
