Introduction
PVC tarpaulin has become one of the most widely used industrial and commercial materials across the world. From truck covers, tents, and canopies to advertising billboards, agriculture, construction, and emergency relief, PVC tarpaulin is valued for its waterproof performance, high tensile strength, UV resistance, and cost-effectiveness.
For global importers, China remains the largest manufacturing hub for PVC tarpaulin, supplying more than 70% of global demand thanks to competitive pricing, mature production technology, and strong export capability.
This guide provides a complete and professional overview for international wholesalers, distributors, engineering contractors, and brand owners who want to import PVC tarpaulin from China. You will learn about material classification, production process, specifications, applications, quality inspection standards, thickness/weight comparison, market pricing trends, and how to choose a reliable manufacturer in China.
What Is PVC Tarpaulin?
PVC tarpaulin is a polyvinyl chloride-coated fabric reinforced with a high-strength polyester base cloth. It is produced by coating liquid PVC paste onto woven polyester fabric, followed by heat setting and surface treatment.
Its key advantages include:
- 100% waterproof
- High tensile and tear strength
- UV and weather resistance
- Fire retardant (B1, B2 grades available)
- Anti-mildew
- Cold-resistant (up to −30°C with cold-resistant additives)
- Cost-effective for large-scale outdoor use
PVC tarpaulin typically has a lifespan of 3–10 years depending on thickness, coating quality, surface treatment, and outdoor exposure.
Main Types of PVC Tarpaulin
Different applications require different technical standards. Chinese factories mainly supply the following categories:
1.Laminated PVC Tarpaulin
Made by laminating PVC film with polyester fabric.
- Economical
- Lightweight
- Suitable for temporary covers, advertising banners, agriculture, packaging
Common weights: 300–600 gsm
2.Coated PVC Tarpaulin (Knife-Coated)
A high-performance industrial-grade material.
- Strong bonding
- Long service life
- High tensile and tear strength
- Suitable for trucks, canopies, tents, and industrial structures
Weights: 650–1500 gsm
3.PVC Coated Canvas (Poly Cotton Base)
- Good breathability
- Better for long-term storage covers, camping tents
4.Fire-Retardant PVC Tarpaulin
Meets B1/B2, NFPA701 standards.
Ideal for event tents, industrial warehouses.
5.Transparent PVC Tarpaulin
Crystal-clear PVC film.
- Greenhouses
- Sides of tents
- Industrial curtains
6.Anti-UV & Outdoor Grade Tarpaulin
Special UV stabilizers added for sunlight-heavy regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Australia.
7.Cold-Resistant PVC Tarpaulin
Maintains flexibility under −20°C to −40°C.
Common Specifications & Technical Data
When importing PVC tarpaulin from China, pay attention to the following specifications:
1.Weight (GSM)
The most important factor.
Typical GSM ranges:
| Application | Weight |
|---|---|
| Light covers | 300–450 gsm |
| Advertising banners | 440–510 gsm |
| Truck covers | 550–680 gsm |
| Heavy-duty tents | 700–900 gsm |
| Industrial structures | 900–1500 gsm |
2.Thickness
Usually between 0.25–1.5 mm.
3.Base Fabric (Polyester)
Density affects strength.
Common base cloth specifications:
- 500D×500D, 18×18
- 1000D×1000D, 9×9
- 1000D×1000D, 12×12
- 1300D×1300D
Higher denier = stronger tarpaulin.
4.Tensile & Tear Strength
Industrial-grade tarpaulin should meet:
- Tensile strength: ≥ 1500 N/5cm
- Tear strength: ≥ 180 N
5.Coating
- Single-side coated
- Double-side coated
- Knife-coated (superior)
6.Surface Treatment
- Acrylic coating
- Anti-UV coating
- Anti-slip
- Anti-mildew
- Glossy/Matte finish
7.Width
Typical widths:
1.02 m
1.37 m
1.83 m
2.5 m
3.2 m
4.0 m
Custom max width: 5.1 m
8.Standard Colors
Blue, green, orange, red, white, black, grey, yellow.
Special colors can be customized.
Main Applications of PVC Tarpaulin
PVC tarpaulin is widely used in industrial, commercial, and municipal fields. Major applications include:
1.Truck & Trailer Covers
- Waterproof, sun-resistant
- Knife-coated tarpaulin is the mainstream for long-distance logistics
2.Event Tents & Canopies
- High durability
- Fire retardant
- Long outdoor lifespan
3.Agriculture
- Grain storage
- Hay bale covers
- Greenhouse sides
- Pond liners
4.Construction
- Scaffolding tarps
- Temporary shelters
- Dust control covers
5.Industrial Curtains
- Warehouse partitions
- Welding curtains
- Sound insulation barriers
6.Advertising & Printing
- Banner material
- Billboard
- Flex banner (frontlit, backlit)
7.Marine & Outdoor
- Boat covers
- Outdoor furniture covers
- Camping tents
8.Emergency Relief
- Refugee tents
- Makeshift medical stations
- Disaster shelters
PVC tarpaulin’s versatility is a major reason it is heavily purchased by global B2B buyers.
The Production Process in Chinese PVC Tarpaulin Factories
Understanding how PVC tarpaulin is produced helps you evaluate factory quality.
1.Raw Material Preparation
- PVC resin powder
- Plasticizers
- Stabilizers
- Polyester base fabric
- UV additives
- Color pigments
2.Mixing & Formulation
Factories blend liquid PVC paste (PVC + additives).
Better formulas = stronger coating.
3.Coating or Laminating
Two main technologies:
Lamination
- Hot melt process
- Used for economic tarpaulin
Knife Coating
- Multiple coating layers
- Best bonding strength
- Suitable for heavy-duty applications
4.Heat Setting
Ensures stability and reduces shrinkage.
5.Surface Treatment
- Acrylic
- Anti-UV
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-slip
6.Cutting & Welding
Hot air welding
High-frequency welding
Used to make tarpaulin sheets, tent components, truck covers, etc.
7.Quality Control Inspection
Includes testing:
- GSM
- Tensile strength
- Tear resistance
- Waterproof pressure
- Color fastness
- Adhesion strength
- Width tolerance
How to Choose a Reliable PVC Tarpaulin Manufacturer in China
China has hundreds of PVC tarpaulin factories, but quality varies. Evaluate suppliers based on these standards:
1.Production Capacity
A reliable factory should have:
- Knife coating machines
- Warp knitting machines
- Calendar lines
- Welding equipment
- 24-hour QC monitoring
Monthly capacity of 500–1000 tons is standard for a medium-large manufacturer.
2.Export Experience
Professional manufacturers export to:
- Europe
- Middle East
- Africa
- South America
- Southeast Asia
Check their export certificates and customer base.
3.Quality Certificates
Look for:
- ISO 9001
- REACH
- RoHS
- Fire-retardant (B1/B2)
- SGS test reports
4.Customization Capability
A strong factory can offer:
- Custom colors
- Custom GSM
- Width up to 5.1m
- Anti-UV / Anti-mold enhancements
- Printed logo or patterns
5.In-house QC Laboratory
The best factories have testing machines for:
- Tensile
- Tear
- Thickness
- Adhesion
- Flame retardancy
6.Price Transparency
Avoid factories that only give prices without providing specification sheets.
7.Good Communication
Professional suppliers respond quickly and offer detailed technical parameters.
China PVC Tarpaulin Price (2024–2025 Market Guide)
Prices vary due to raw materials, GSM, coating technology, and surface treatment. The following prices represent average FOB China rates:
| Type | Weight | Price (FOB China) |
|---|---|---|
| Laminated tarpaulin | 300–450 gsm | $0.85–$1.25 / m² |
| Standard coated tarpaulin | 500–650 gsm | $1.45–$2.10 / m² |
| Heavy-duty coated tarpaulin | 700–900 gsm | $2.30–$3.50 / m² |
| Fire-retardant tarpaulin | 650–900 gsm | +$0.30–$0.50 / m² |
| Transparent PVC | 0.3–1.0 mm | $1.50–$4.00 / m² |
Price Trend
- PVC resin price fluctuated significantly in 2023–2024 due to oil price volatility.
- 2025 is expected to stabilize due to increased supply capacity in China.
- Coated tarpaulin prices have increased by 3–5% YoY due to rising labor and energy costs.
Tips for Importing PVC Tarpaulin from China
To reduce risk and ensure consistent product quality, follow these recommendations:
1.Request Detailed Specification Sheets
Ask for:
- GSM tolerance
- Base fabric density
- Tensile & tear strength
- Coating type
- Surface treatment
- Color codes
- Roll width & length
2.Request Samples First
Compare samples with the actual production quality.
3.Conduct Factory Audit (On-site or Video)
Check production lines and QC system.
4.Confirm Packaging Requirements
Typical packing:
- Rolls
- Kraft paper
- Pallet packing
- Shipping marks customization
5.Use 40HQ Containers for Better Freight Cost
PVC tarpaulin is heavy; optimized quantity lowers freight costs.
6.Ask for Test Reports
Especially for:
- UV resistance
- Flame-retardant
- Environmental compliance
7.Use Stable Payment Terms
Common payment terms:
- T/T 30% deposit + 70% before loading
- LC at sight
Why Choose a China Factory for PVC Tarpaulin?
China dominates the global PVC tarpaulin manufacturing market for good reasons:
1.Mature Production Technology
Over 20 years of knife coating and laminated production experience.
2.Competitive Price
Lower raw material and labor costs reduce overall cost.
3.Large Export Volume
Factories are very familiar with international standards.
4.Complete Supply Chain
Everything from PVC resin to polyester fabric is produced domestically.
5.Strong R&D Capability
Factories continuously upgrade UV formulas and develop higher-strength tarpaulin.
6.Flexible Customization
China factories can customize:
- GSM
- Logo printing
- Width
- Color
- Fire-retardant grade
Conclusion
PVC tarpaulin is one of the most essential materials in logistics, construction, agriculture, advertising, and outdoor industries. China, as the world’s leading PVC tarpaulin manufacturer, provides global buyers with competitive prices, stable quality, and strong production capacity.
This guide has covered:
- Types of PVC tarpaulin
- Technical specifications
- Applications
- Manufacturing process
- Quality standards
- Prices
- Tips for importing
- Key advantages of choosing a Chinese factory
Whether you are a distributor, wholesaler, brand owner, or project contractor, sourcing from a reliable Chinese PVC tarpaulin manufacturer will help you maintain competitive pricing and product stability in your local market.
