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.