International trade in raw materials, minerals, and metals between South America and China has surged over the past two decades. Driven by China’s industrial growth, infrastructure expansion, and green energy transition, this has become one of the most important trading partnerships in the world.

China sources significant volumes of copper, gold, silver, iron ore, lithium, zinc, and lead from South America, with Chile, Peru, and Brazil among the leading suppliers. Alfred H Knight (AHK) supports international trade by verifying the quality, integrity, and compliance of these commodities before they arrive in China.

End-to-End Services Across the Supply Chain

With over 140 years of global expertise, Alfred H Knight operates directly in nine South American countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Argentina.

Our integrated global network combines local knowledge, technical expertise, and international standards to deliver consistent, reliable results at every stage of the international trade process.

Our services span the full value chain:

• Inspection and testing at any stage of the supply chain
• Weighing, Sampling and Moisture Determination (WSMD)
• Analytical services, including chemical and physical analysis, plus sample preparation
• Technical consultancy covering planning, audits, training, and laboratory management

Assurance from Mine to Port

At the source, our local experts conduct precise sampling, inspection, and testing of ores and concentrates. By verifying the content of copper, gold, iron ore, and lithium early in the process, AHK helps prevent costly disputes and maintain supply chain integrity.

As materials move to South America’s key export ports, we supervise loading and handling operations to prevent contamination or loss. Our pre-shipment inspections and certifications give traders and buyers confidence that cargoes meet contractual and international standards, a critical step in facilitating smooth International Trade.

Verification on Arrival in China

At Chinese ports such as Tianjin, our teams oversee discharge operations, perform rigorous sampling, and conduct laboratory analysis to confirm shipments match their original specifications. This supports customs clearance, compliance with Chinese regulations, and seamless acceptance by industrial end users.

Our Chinese laboratories operate under CNAS ISO 17025 and CMA accreditations. Strategically located, they deliver rapid turnaround times while ensuring secure, consistent, high-quality analysis across a wide range of mineral commodities.

Contact Us

Our global network of independent inspectors and technical specialists helps miners, traders, and end-users determine the quantity and quality of their commodities with confidence.

To learn more about how AHK can support your International Trade needs with a global network of experts and local knowledge, please contact us.