Bringing products from China into the Philippines has become more efficient and cost-effective for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are an ecommerce store owner, a retail business, or a company looking for bulk imports, understanding the available shipping options can lower your costs and ensure faster processing.
Reasons to Buy From China
China is a top choice because of:
Cheap manufacturing rates
Thousands of product categories
Established factories
Strong logistics networks
Strong trade relationship between both countries
For both small and large businesses, importing from China can boost margins.
Best Ways to Ship From China to the Philippines
You can choose from three major options:
1. Air Shipping
Air cargo is the fastest method, ideal for:
Electronics
Small parcels
High-value items
Rush deliveries
Transit time:
2 to 7 business days
Pros:
Rapid shipping
Protected
Reliable monitoring
Cons:
Costly compared to sea freight
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 20ft or 40ft.
LCL (Less Than Container Load)
Perfect when you want to reduce costs without booking a full load.
Transit time:
around 2–3 weeks
Pros:
Lowest cost
Best for big shipments
Cons:
Not suitable for urgent shipments
Customs-heavy process
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:
Convenient handling
Minimal paperwork
Cons:
Not ideal for bulk items
Best Shipping Routes
China’s exporting ports:
Guangzhou
Shenzhen
Ningbo
Shanghai
Xiamen
Qingdao
Philippines receiving ports:
Port of Manila
Cebu Port
Davao Port
Subic Port
Air cargo usually arrives at:
NAIA Manila
Cebu Airport
Customs and Taxes
Your shipment may be charged:
Import tax
Value Added Tax
Processing fees
Costs depend on:
Category of goods
Declared value
Shipping method
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
Certificate of Origin (if required)
Import Permit for restricted items
Complete documents ensure smooth customs clearance.
Choosing a Freight Forwarder
A good freight forwarder helps with:
Booking cargo
Processing documents
Door-to-door delivery
LCL cargo grouping
Tracking
Choose a company with Shipping From China to the Philippines experience for better reliability.
How to Reduce Costs
Combine shipments
Skip holiday rush
Work with trusted companies
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 smooth and affordable importing in 2025 and beyond.