Importing into Asia

Importing into Asia has historically been a particularly challenging task for westerners. One of the key barriers to entry is the limited use of western languages in Asia, which can create communication difficulties especially in technical areas such as compliance. Furthermore, cultural gaps surrounding privacy and ownership of information have caused significant tension in previously popular destinations.

As home to some of the biggest economies in the world, Asia is a superhighway for import and export. Despite playing host to many of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, strict compliance requirements and highly regulated import processes, have kept the East and West separate.

Asia also boasts many of the most densely populated cities in the world making up almost 60% of the world’s population. However, the majority of this population is non-urban, residing in remote rural areas. Therefore, despite large Tech hotspots dotted across major cities, broadband penetration in Asia is in the range of 50%, the second-lowest of any region. Also contributing to this unexpected figure is the vast expanse of wealth distribution, insufficient access to amenities, and limited infrastructure.

There is also little consistency in duties and taxes in the region, with some of the highest and lowest taxed counties belonging here.

While globalisation and factors such as free ports in places such as Hong Kong and Singapore are making import easier, differing political systems and beliefs still pose challenges to those wanting to move East.

Do you have a specific Asian destination in mind? Learn more about the complexities of importing into Asian countries like China.