Shipping goods from China to the Philippines has become more convenient and affordable for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are an Shopee/Lazada seller, a retail business, or a company looking for bulk imports, understanding the best
Shipping From China to the Philippines can lower your costs and ensure smooth delivery.
Reasons to Buy From China
China is a top choice because of:
Affordable product pricing
Massive product selection
Reliable suppliers
Fast shipping connections
Strong trade relationship between both countries
For both small and large businesses, importing from China can boost margins.
Main Shipping Methods From China to the Philippines
You can choose from three major options:
1. Air Freight
Air cargo is the quickest method, ideal for:
Gadgets
Light shipments
Sensitive cargo
Urgent orders
Transit time:
2–7 days
Pros:
Extremely quick
Protected
Reliable monitoring
Cons:
Higher cost
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 full shipment.
LCL (Less Than Container Load)
Perfect when you want to ship small volume without booking a full load.
Transit time:
depending on ports
Pros:
Very cost-effective
Best for big shipments
Cons:
Not suitable for urgent shipments
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:
fast delivery times
Pros:
Convenient handling
Minimal paperwork
Cons:
Expensive for heavy parcels
Top Transport Routes
China’s exporting ports:
Guangzhou
Shenzhen
Ningbo-Zhoushan
Shanghai
Xiamen
Qingdao
Philippines receiving ports:
Manila Port
Cebu Port
Davao Port
Subic Port
Air cargo usually arrives at:
NAIA Manila
Cebu Airport
Import Duties
Your shipment may be charged:
Import tax
Philippine VAT
Clearance fees
Costs depend on:
Product type
Invoice amount
Shipping method
Items valued under ₱10,000 may qualify for the de minimis rule.
Necessary Paperwork
Ensure your supplier provides:
Invoice
Packing List
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:
Shipment booking
Handling paperwork
Door-to-door delivery
Consolidation
Monitoring
Choose a company with strong China-Philippines experience for lower rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Group packages
Skip holiday rush
Use reputable forwarders
Pick sea freight for bulk
Negotiate with suppliers
Final Thoughts
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 fast and cost-effective importing in 2025 and beyond.