For Chinese companies
U.S. representative for Chinese companies selling to American buyers
U.S. representative for Chinese companies that are ready to supply U.S. orders: we work in the U.S. time zone, speak to buyers in their terms, and report back to your team in China.
Commercial representation. AFI is not a law firm.
The gap between a Chinese factory and a U.S. buyer
Most of our clients are manufacturers based in China. Many already sell to the U.S. through importers, trading companies or private-label buyers. They come to us when they want their own U.S. accounts and their own brand in front of buyers.
The obstacles are practical. China is 12 to 13 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern time, so a buyer’s question sent at 10 a.m. is answered the next day. U.S. buyers expect a U.S. phone number, a reply in their working hours and payment terms they recognise. Many hesitate to deal directly with an overseas supplier they have not met.
AFI sits in that gap. We answer and follow up in U.S. hours, meet buyers in person, and pass every enquiry to your team with the details already collected.
What we handle for manufacturers based in China
We act as your company’s commercial presence in the United States: sales representation, distributor search, trade show representation and a U.S. contact point.
For the appointments U.S. rules require, we can act as your FDA U.S. Agent and coordinate U.S. trademark registration through a licensed attorney. U.S. trademark rights are separate from a Chinese registration, so register the brand before you sell under it.
U.S. importers increasingly ask Chinese suppliers for supply-chain documents, including under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. We tell you what buyers in your category ask for so your team can prepare it before the first order. Compliance advice itself stays with your advisers.
How it works
How Chinese manufacturers start with AFI
- Step 01
Consultation
A call scheduled in China business hours to understand your product, prices and current U.S. sales.
- Step 02
U.S. readiness check
We check pricing, trademark, FDA or other registrations and the documents U.S. buyers will ask for.
- Step 03
Representation
We contact buyers, answer enquiries and attend meetings in U.S. hours.
- Step 04
Reporting
Your team receives written reports with every contact, question and next step.
Questions about for Chinese companies
Do we need a U.S. company to sell to American buyers?
Often not at the start. Many Chinese manufacturers sell to U.S. importers, distributors and retailers from their Chinese company. Your lawyer and accountant confirm when a U.S. entity makes sense.
Do you work with Chinese brands as well as OEM factories?
Yes. Factories that sell under their own brand need a U.S. trademark and buyers who know the brand. OEM and private-label suppliers need introductions to U.S. brand owners and distributors. We work with both.
How do you report to a team in China?
In writing, on a schedule agreed at the start, so your team can read and reply overnight. Calls are scheduled in China business hours.
Can you help with tariffs and customs?
No. Tariff classification and customs clearance stay with a licensed customs broker. We tell U.S. buyers how your pricing is quoted (for example FOB or delivered) and relay their questions.
Related services
Each service works on its own or as part of AFI's U.S. market representation services.
- U.S. market entry Market assessment, entry route and launch plan, then the work to carry it out.
- U.S. trademark registration Clearance search and USPTO filing through a licensed U.S. trademark attorney, managed by AFI.
- U.S. sales representation A U.S. representative who finds buyers, attends meetings and follows up for you.
- U.S. distributor search We identify, vet and approach U.S. distributors for your category.
- Trade show representation Meetings booked before the show, your booth staffed, and follow-up after.
- U.S. business representative A U.S. phone line, email and named contact for buyers and partners.
- Amazon market entry Brand Registry, U.S. listings and launch planning for brands entering Amazon.com.
- FDA U.S. Agent A U.S. Agent for foreign food, drug, device and cosmetic facilities registering with FDA.
- Texas registered agent Registered agent and registered office in Austin for Texas companies with owners abroad.
Book a consultation
Tell us what you make and what you need from for Chinese companies. We reply by email within 24 hours to arrange a call.
- Phone
- +1-512-877-1986
- Office
- 9308 Swooping Bat Dr, Austin, TX 78744