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Importing items from China to the Philippines has become more convenient and budget-friendly for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are an online seller, a retail business, or a company looking for bulk imports, understanding the available shipping options can increase your profits and ensure faster processing.

Why Import From China?

China is a top choice because of:

Low production costs

Thousands of product categories

Reliable suppliers

Quick transport routes

Long-standing importing ties between both countries

For both small and large businesses, importing from China can increase profits.

Top Logistics Options From China to the Philippines

You can choose from three major options:

1. Air Cargo

Air cargo is the most reliable method, ideal for:

Tech products

Light shipments

Sensitive cargo

Urgent orders

Transit time:

2 to 7 business days

Pros:

Extremely quick

Safe

Good tracking

Cons:

More expensive

2. Sea Freight

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

Choose between:

FCL (Full Container Load)

Best for those who can fill a standard container.

LCL (Less Than Container Load)

Perfect when you want to share a container without booking a full load.

Transit time:

around 2–3 weeks

Pros:

Very cost-effective

Perfect for volume importing

Cons:

Slower than air

Additional documentation

3. Express Delivery

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

DHL

FedEx

UPS

China EMS

LBC (via partners)

Transit time:

fast delivery times

Pros:

Door-to-door service

Minimal paperwork

Cons:

Not ideal for bulk items

Common Ports Used

China’s exporting ports:

Guangzhou

Shenzhen

Ningbo-Zhoushan

Shanghai

Xiamen

Qingdao

Philippines receiving ports:

Manila Port

Port of Cebu

Davao Port

Subic Port

Air cargo usually arrives at:

NAIA Manila

Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Customs and Taxes

Your shipment may be charged:

Import tax

VAT

Handling charges

Costs depend on:

Product type

Declared value

Shipping method

Items valued under ₱10,000 may qualify for the tax-free threshold.

Necessary Paperwork

Ensure your supplier provides:

Commercial Invoice

Package details

BL/AWB

Certificate of Origin (if required)

Special permit for restricted items

Complete documents ensure smooth customs clearance.

How to Pick a Logistics Partner

A good freight forwarder helps with:

Freight scheduling

Handling paperwork

Home/warehouse delivery

LCL cargo grouping

Monitoring

Choose a company with strong China-Philippines experience for smooth operations.

How to Reduce Costs

Combine shipments

Don’t ship during Chinese New Year

Use reputable forwarders

Pick sea freight for bulk

Ask for discounts

Final Thoughts

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