FOB vs EXW for Outdoor Furniture from China

Short answer: EXW gives the buyer responsibility from the supplier's named premises. FOB requires the seller to clear the goods for export and deliver them on board the buyer-nominated vessel at a named port. FOB is often easier for a first-time importer to budget, but FCA may describe container handover more accurately.

Always write the rule, named place or port, and version—for example, “FOB Shenzhen, Incoterms® 2020.” The term allocates tasks, costs and risk; it does not provide the complete delivered cost.

FOB vs EXW responsibilities

This is a purchasing summary, not legal advice. The contract, named location and official Incoterms® rule control.

When does EXW work?

EXW may suit an experienced importer with a China-based forwarder that can collect, load, consolidate and complete export procedures. It can be difficult for a foreign buyer that cannot practically act as exporter. ICC guidance encourages traders to consider FCA instead of EXW when goods cross a border.

When does FOB work?

FOB applies only to sea or inland-waterway transport. It may suit a buyer who wants the supplier to handle export clearance and delivery on board, while the buyer's forwarder controls ocean freight and destination logistics. FOB does not normally include insurance, import duty, tax or final delivery.

Why container buyers should ask about FCA

Outdoor furniture usually moves in containers handed to a carrier or terminal before vessel loading. FCA can match that physical handover more accurately: the seller delivers export-cleared goods to the buyer's carrier at the named place. Ask your freight forwarder whether FCA factory, FCA terminal or FOB fits the actual route.

Build a comparable landed-cost sheet

• product value and export packaging;
• factory loading and origin pickup;
• export documents and customs clearance;
• origin terminal and handling charges;
• main freight and cargo insurance;
• destination terminal, broker, duties and taxes;
• delivery to your warehouse or project site.

Also request carton dimensions, gross weights and estimated loading quantities for every SKU. Browse SOLAIREVA product families before defining the mix.

Quotation checklist

1. State the exact Incoterm, named place or port, and Incoterms® 2020.
2. Confirm who loads the cargo and the exact risk-transfer point.
3. List every included and excluded origin charge.
4. Obtain packing data and loading estimates by SKU.
5. Ask the forwarder for written origin, freight and destination charges.
6. Align cargo-ready date, booking cutoff and delay responsibilities.
7. Confirm invoice, packing list and importer details before shipment.

Review factory capability or use the official contact page for project-specific product and packing information.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between EXW and FOB?

EXW transfers responsibility at the seller's named premises. FOB includes seller-managed export clearance and on-board delivery at the named port.

Can EXW and FOB prices be compared directly?

No. Normalize origin loading, inland transport, export clearance, terminal handling and later logistics costs.

Is FOB always better for containerized furniture?

No. FCA may reflect the pre-vessel container handover more accurately. Confirm with your forwarder.