The holiday season is a make-or-break time for businesses—retailers, distributors, and decorators all racing to stock up on Christmas lights that dazzle customers and drive sales. But here’s the catch: where those lights ship from can make or break your bottom line. With tariffs shaping the global trade landscape, shipping LED string lights from China to the U.S. comes with a hefty price tag—while shipping from Cambodia offers a smarter, cost-saving alternative. Let’s break it down and see why our Cambodia factory could be your secret weapon for long-term success.
The Tariff Tale: China vs. Cambodia
Picture this: you’re sourcing a standard batch of 10,000 LED string lights—a holiday staple. From China, these lights fall under HS code 9405.31.00 (lighting sets for Christmas trees), with a base U.S. import duty of 8%. But here’s where it stings: Section 301 tariffs tack on an additional 25% for goods from China (List 3), pushing the total tariff rate to 33%. For a $10,000 shipment (FOB value), that’s $3,300 in tariffs alone.
Now, switch the origin to Cambodia. The same LED string lights qualify for the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in many cases, meaning a 0% duty rate for eligible products. Even without GSP, Cambodia avoids the Section 301 tariffs applied to China, leaving you with just the base 8% duty—or $800 on that same $10,000 shipment. That’s a savings of $2,500 per order, straight to your pocket. Multiply that across a season’s worth of shipments, and the numbers start to sparkle.
Cost Breakdown: Production + Tariffs
Let’s dig deeper. Producing LED string lights in China versus Cambodia isn’t just about tariffs—it’s about total landed cost. In China, labor and overhead have crept up, with average production costs for a basic 100-bulb LED string hovering around $1.50 per unit. Add shipping ($0.20/unit for a 10,000-unit container) and those 33% tariffs ($0.50/unit), and your landed cost per string hits $2.20.
In Cambodia, lower labor costs bring production down to about $1.30 per unit. Shipping costs are slightly higher due to logistics ($0.25/unit), but with tariffs at 8% ($0.12/unit) or even 0% under GSP, your landed cost drops to $1.67—or as low as $1.55. That’s a 24% cost reduction per unit compared to China. For a 10,000-unit order, you’re saving $6,500 total, blending production efficiencies with tariff relief. Who wouldn’t want that kind of holiday bonus?
The Innovation Edge: Cambodia’s Tariff Advantage
Here’s where it gets exciting. Shipping from Cambodia isn’t just about dodging tariffs—it’s an innovative way to future-proof your supply chain. U.S.-China trade tensions aren’t going away, and tariffs could climb higher (remember talks of 60% rates?). Cambodia, meanwhile, offers stability and savings, thanks to its neutral trade status and growing manufacturing prowess. Our 100,000-square-meter factory in Cambodia isn’t a backup plan—it’s a strategic hub, churning out Christmas lights with the same quality as our China facility (certified with UL, CE, and more), but at a fraction of the tariff burden. It’s a game-changer for B-end clients looking to stay ahead.
Lock in Savings, Lock in Partnership
Why stop at one order? Our Cambodia factory isn’t just a cost-cutter—it’s a commitment to your long-term success. By shifting your Christmas lights supply to Cambodia, you’re not only slashing tariffs and landed costs but also partnering with a supplier who’s invested in your growth. We’ve powered brands like Philips and GE from our facilities, and we’re ready to light up your business too. Lock in your orders now, and let’s build a procurement plan that keeps your costs low and your margins merry—season after season.
Your Move
Ready to rethink your Christmas lights strategy? Shipping from Cambodia isn’t just a cost play—it’s a competitive edge. Contact us today for a detailed quote, a sample of our LED string lights, or a chat about how we can tailor this advantage to your needs. Let’s make this holiday season your most profitable yet—starting with where your lights ship from.