Importing items from China to the Philippines has become easier and affordable for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are an ecommerce store owner, a wholesaler, or a company looking for bulk imports, understanding the available shipping options can save you money and ensure faster processing.



Benefits of Sourcing From China



China is a top choice because of:



Cheap manufacturing rates



Massive product selection



Reliable suppliers



Fast Shipping From China to the Philippines



Active trade connections between both countries



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



Main Shipping Methods From China to the Philippines



You can choose from three major options:



1. Air Freight



Air cargo is the fastest method, ideal for:



Electronics



Light shipments



High-value items



Rush deliveries



Transit time:



2 to 7 business days



Pros:



Extremely quick



Secure



Detailed updates



Cons:



Higher cost



2. Ocean Shipping



Sea freight is the cheapest method for large shipments.



Choose between:



FCL (Full Container Load)



Best for those who can fill a 20ft or 40ft.



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



Best for big shipments



Cons:



Slower than air



Additional documentation



3. Door-to-Door Courier



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



DHL



FedEx



UPS



China EMS



LBC (via partners)



Transit time:



3–7 days



Pros:



Convenient handling



Simple shipping



Cons:



Higher cost per kg



Best Shipping Routes



China’s exporting ports:



Guangzhou



Shenzhen



Ningbo



Shanghai



Xiamen



Qingdao



Philippines receiving ports:



Manila Port



Cebu Port



Davao Port



Subic Port



Air cargo usually arrives at:



NAIA Manila



Mactan-Cebu International Airport



Import Duties



Your shipment may be charged:



Customs duties



VAT



Clearance fees



Costs depend on:



Product type



Invoice amount



Shipping method



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



Required Documents



Ensure your supplier provides:



Invoice



Packing List



Bill of Lading or Airway Bill



Certificate of Origin (if required)



Import Permit for restricted items



Complete documents ensure no delays.



Selecting the Right Forwarder



A good freight forwarder helps with:



Shipment booking



Processing documents



Final-mile services



Consolidation



Tracking



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



How to Reduce Costs



Consolidate orders



Don’t ship during Chinese New Year



Work with trusted companies



Ship by sea for large loads



Request better rates



Final Thoughts



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 cost-effective importing in 2025 and beyond.