Quick answer
Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia extrude PP and PE woven fabric for tarpaulins, FIBC bulk bags, agricultural sacks and ground covers. Tarpaulins run USD 0.55-1.90 per square metre at 3,000-5,000 kg MOQ; FIBCs run USD 3.80-9.50 each at 1,000-2,000 bags. Lead time is 30-50 days, and this category is one of the easiest ASEAN switches from China because tooling is minimal.
Product and origin fit
| Product | Best origin | MOQ | FOB |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE laminated tarpaulin (120-300 GSM) | Vietnam | 3,000 kg | USD 0.55-1.30 / sqm |
| Heavy-duty truck tarp (500-900 GSM PVC) | Thailand | 1,500 sqm | USD 2.40-6.80 / sqm |
| FIBC / bulk bags (food & UN-rated) | Vietnam / Thailand | 1,000 bags | USD 3.80-9.50 |
| PP woven sacks (rice, feed, fertiliser) | Indonesia / Vietnam | 50,000 pcs | USD 0.11-0.32 |
| Shade net, ground cover, weed mat | Thailand | 3,000 kg | USD 0.35-1.10 / sqm |
Specs to lock before quoting
- GSM and mesh: e.g. 10x10 mesh, 200 GSM PE tarp; state finished GSM, not fabric-only GSM.
- UV stabiliser: quantify in months of outdoor exposure (e.g. 24-month UV) and state the test region.
- Finishing: hem width, rope in hem, aluminium eyelet spacing and pull-out strength.
- FIBC: safe working load, safety factor (5:1 single trip, 6:1 multi-trip), liner type, discharge spout, anti-static class (A/B/C/D).
- Food or UN grade: declare it upfront — it changes the production line, not just the paperwork.
Compliance
- FIBC to ISO 21898; UN-certified bags for hazardous goods with a valid certificate number.
- Food contact: EU 1935/2004 or FDA for liners and food-grade woven fabric.
- Type C/D anti-static bags need documented resistance testing per IEC 61340.
- ISPM 15 pallets and correct HS classification (5903/6305) to avoid duty disputes.
Quality control plan
- Approve a physical fabric swatch with measured GSM, tensile and elongation.
- In-line: loom tension, lamination adhesion peel test, stitch density on seams.
- FIBC: top-lift test at rated SWL, drop test, cyclic test for multi-trip bags.
- Pre-shipment AQL 2.5, plus outdoor UV certificate matching the declared lifespan.
Landed cost example
| Line | USD / 1x40HQ (approx. 22,000 kg tarpaulin) |
|---|---|
| FOB at USD 1.55 / kg | 34,100 |
| Ocean freight + insurance | 2,800 |
| Duty and destination charges | 1,500-3,400 |
| Landed cost per kg | USD 1.74-1.83 |
FAQ
Why is ASEAN easy for this category?
There is no expensive tooling. Switching origins is mostly a fabric spec and loom-width exercise, so first shipments happen inside two months.
How do I compare tarpaulin quotes fairly?
Always quote per square metre at a fixed finished GSM with the same eyelet spacing and UV rating. Suppliers cut GSM to win on price.
Are food-grade FIBCs available?
Yes, from dedicated clean-room lines in Vietnam and Thailand with documented HACCP-style controls and virgin resin only.
What is a sensible first order?
One 20ft container of a single spec. Splitting a first order across five specs is the most common source of quality complaints.
Work with TUSKO
We keep the spec honest, run the load tests and hand you one landed-cost number with our fee already included. Send GSM, size and quantity on WhatsApp Business @tuskoconsulting (reply within 12-24 hours) or email contact@tuskoconsulting.com (within 24 hours).