Bringing products from China into the Philippines has become easier and budget-friendly for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are an online seller, a wholesaler, or a company looking for bulk imports, understanding the right logistics routes can save you money and ensure faster processing.



Reasons to Buy From China



China is a top choice because of:



Low production costs



Thousands of product categories



Established factories



Strong logistics networks



Long-standing importing ties between both countries



For both small and large businesses, importing from China can boost margins.



Top Logistics Options From China to the Philippines



You can choose from three major options:



1. Air Cargo



Air cargo is the quickest method, ideal for:



Electronics



Small parcels



High-value items



Time-sensitive shipments



Transit time:



2 to 7 business days



Pros:



Rapid Shipping From China to the Philippines



Safe



Detailed updates



Cons:



More expensive



2. Cargo by Sea



Sea freight is the most economical 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 ship small volume without booking a full load.



Transit time:



depending on ports



Pros:



Affordable for bulk



Perfect for volume importing



Cons:



Slower than air



Additional documentation



3. Courier Shipping



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



DHL



FedEx



UPS



China EMS



LBC (via partners)



Transit time:



within a week



Pros:



Door-to-door service



Simple shipping



Cons:



Higher cost per kg



Common Ports Used



China’s exporting ports:



Canton



Shenzhen



Ningbo



Shanghai



Xiamen



Qingdao



Philippines receiving ports:



Manila Port



Port of Cebu



Davao Port



Subic Port



Air cargo usually arrives at:



Manila International Airport



Mactan-Cebu International Airport



Customs and Taxes



Your shipment may be charged:



Duty fees



VAT



Handling charges



Costs depend on:



Category of goods



Invoice amount



Courier or freight



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



Necessary Paperwork



Ensure your supplier provides:



Commercial Invoice



Package details



Bill of Lading or Airway Bill



Origin certificate (if required)



Special permit for restricted items



Complete documents ensure faster processing.



Selecting the Right Forwarder



A good freight forwarder helps with:



Freight scheduling



Processing documents



Final-mile services



Combining shipments



Monitoring



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



Ways to Save on Shipping



Group packages



Avoid peak season



Use reputable forwarders



Pick sea freight for bulk



Ask for discounts



Conclusion



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