COST & PRICING · Updated 2026 · For importers, wholesalers & project specifiers
Every layer from the factory gate to your warehouse adds to the real cost of imported stone.
Why Factory Price Misleads
A supplier’s FOB or ex-works quote shows only the beginning. Ocean freight for heavy stone, destination handling, duties, and VAT can add 35–50% on top. Two suppliers with similar factory prices can land at very different costs once freight weight, packing method, and your country’s duty rate are included. Comparing on factory price alone is the most common budgeting mistake in stone importing.
The Landed Cost Formula
Use this simple, complete formula for any stone shipment:
Total Landed Cost = Factory Price + Packing + Inland Transport + Ocean Freight + Insurance + Destination Charges + Customs Duty + Import VAT
Landed Cost per m² = Total Landed Cost ÷ Total m² received
Work in the same currency and per m² (or per slab) so you can compare suppliers and materials like-for-like.
What Each Component Covers
| Component | What It Includes | Typical Share of Landed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Factory price | Material + processing (FOB or ex-works) | 50–65% |
| Packing | ISPM-15 wooden crates, foam, strapping | 3–6% |
| Inland transport | Factory → port trucking, China side | 2–4% |
| Ocean freight | Sea shipment (heavy stone = high weight cost) | 10–18% |
| Insurance | Marine all-risk (≈0.3–0.6% of cargo value) | ~1% |
| Destination charges | THC, port, deconsolidation, delivery | 5–10% |
| Customs duty | Per HS code / trade agreement (e.g., 0–5%) | 0–8% |
| Import VAT | Recoverable in many jurisdictions (e.g., 10–20%) | varies |
Worked Example
Assume a 20ft FCL of marble tiles: 500 m² at a factory price of $18/m² FOB, total cargo value $9,000.
| Line Item | Estimate | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|
| Factory price (500 m² × $18) | — | $9,000 |
| Packing (crates) | 4% | $360 |
| Inland transport to port | 3% | $270 |
| Ocean freight (20ft, heavy) | 15% | $1,350 |
| Insurance (0.5%) | 0.5% | $45 |
| Destination charges | 8% | $720 |
| Customs duty (e.g., 3%) | 3% of cargo | $270 |
| Import VAT (e.g., 10%, often recoverable) | 10% | $900 |
| Total landed cost | — | $12,915 |
In this example the factory price ($9,000) is about 70% of the non-VAT landed cost — but once VAT is counted it is ~70% of $12,915. Strip out recoverable VAT and the factory price is roughly 62% of true out-of-pocket landed cost. The point stands: budget the whole stack, and remember VAT may be reclaimable in your business.
Practical Tips to Lower Landed Cost
- Push volume toward FCL — freight per m² drops sharply once you fill a container.
- Confirm HS codes and trade agreements — wrong classification can add unnecessary duty.
- Negotiate packing efficiency — denser crating means more m² per container, spreading freight.
- Quote freight on weight, not just m³ — stone is heavy, so the chargeable basis matters.
- Factor recoverable VAT separately so you don’t overstate real cost.
A supplier with a $1/m² lower factory price but heavier packing and a costlier freight lane can still land more expensive than a slightly higher-priced, logistics-savvy factory. Landed cost is the only honest comparison.
How STONELINK Supports Accurate Costing
STONELINK provides itemized quotes that separate factory price, packing, and FOB terms, and we share current freight indications so you can build a realistic landed-cost model. We optimize crate density to maximize m² per container and recommend FCL at volume to keep per-unit logistics low. Our team can also supply the documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin) needed for smooth customs clearance and correct duty treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of landed cost is the factory price?
Typically 50–65% of total landed cost, including VAT; a bit higher (60–70%) if you exclude recoverable import VAT. The rest is logistics, duties, and tax.
Why is ocean freight so significant for stone?
Stone is dense and heavy, so shipments are charged on weight as much as volume. A full stone container can approach weight limits, making freight a larger share than for light goods.
Is import VAT always a real cost?
Often not — in many countries VAT paid on import is recoverable by registered businesses, so it is a cash-flow item rather than a permanent cost. Confirm your local rules.
How can I reduce landed cost?
Fill containers (FCL), confirm correct HS codes and any trade-agreement duty rates, maximize crate density, and obtain accurate weight-based freight quotes.
Why should I ignore the factory price when comparing suppliers?
Because packing, freight, duties, and VAT vary by supplier and lane. Two close factory prices can land 10–20% apart. Always compare landed cost per m².
About the Source
STONELINK is a natural stone manufacturer and exporter based in China, supplying marble, granite, quartzite, and other natural stone products to importers, wholesalers, and project contractors worldwide. For procurement support, samples, or a tailored quotation, contact our team.
This guide is educational. Always verify current export policies, shipping rates, and supplier credentials before placing orders.