How to Get the Best Freight Rates From China
 

Importing items from China to the Philippines has become easier and budget-friendly for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are an ecommerce store owner, a retail business, or a company looking for steady supply, understanding the best shipping methods can increase your profits and ensure efficient operations.

Reasons to Buy From China

China is a top choice because of:

Low production costs

Massive product selection

Established factories

Quick transport routes

Active trade connections between both countries

For both small and large businesses, importing from China can support business growth.

Best Ways to Ship From China to the Philippines

You can choose from three major options:

1. Air Cargo

Air cargo is the fastest method, ideal for:

Gadgets

Compact packages

Expensive products

Urgent orders

Transit time:

2–7 days

Pros:

Extremely Shipping From China to the Philippines

Secure

Reliable monitoring

Cons:

More expensive

2. Cargo by Sea

Sea freight is the budget-friendly method for large shipments.

Choose between:

FCL (Full Container Load)

Best for those who can fill a full shipment.

LCL (Less Than Container Load)

Perfect when you want to ship small volume without booking a full load.

Transit time:

8–20 days

Pros:

Lowest cost

Perfect for volume importing

Cons:

Not suitable for urgent shipments

More paperwork

3. Courier Shipping

Best for small parcels under 50kg. Popular courier companies include:

DHL

FedEx

UPS

China EMS

LBC (via partners)

Transit time:

fast delivery times

Pros:

Delivered to your address

Easy process

Cons:

Higher cost per kg

Best Shipping Routes

China’s exporting ports:

Canton

Shenzhen

Ningbo-Zhoushan

Shanghai

Xiamen

Qingdao

Philippines receiving ports:

Port of Manila

Port of Cebu

Davao Port

Subic Port

Air cargo usually arrives at:

Manila International Airport

Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Import Duties

Your shipment may be charged:

Duty fees

VAT

Clearance fees

Costs depend on:

Product type

Declared value

Courier or freight

Items valued under ₱10,000 may qualify for the zero-duty rule.

Required Documents

Ensure your supplier provides:

Invoice

Packing List

Bill of Lading or Airway Bill

Origin certificate (if required)

Import Permit for restricted items

Complete documents ensure faster processing.

Choosing a Freight Forwarder

A good freight forwarder helps with:

Shipment booking

Handling paperwork

Home/warehouse delivery

LCL cargo grouping

Tracking

Choose a company with strong China-Philippines experience for better reliability.

Money-Saving Tips

Group packages

Don’t ship during Chinese New Year

Choose experienced partners

Ship by sea for large loads

Ask for discounts

Summary

Shipping from China to the Philippines is a profitable move for anyone looking to grow their business. With the right shipping method, proper documents, and a reliable freight forwarder, you can enjoy hassle-free and efficient importing in 2025 and beyond.