The Philippines, as one of the important archipelagic countries in Southeast Asia, has close economic and trade exchanges with China. There is frequent maritime trade between China and the Philippines, and container transportation is the main mode of cargo transportation. Due to the geographical proximity, maritime transportation is usually fast and stable. This article will introduce the cost of containers between the two countries in detail.
Container Shipping from China to the Philippines
Container transportation between China and the Philippines is an important maritime trade route in Southeast Asia. The routes are dense and the voyage is short. The fastest time from South China Port to the Philippines is 3 days. The cargo volume is large. Mechanical and electrical products, building materials, and daily necessities are the main cargo categories. The service is mature, and all major shipping companies provide standardized services. Main ports for transportation:
- Manila Port: The largest port in the Philippines, handling more than 60% of the country’s imported goods, with the most routes and relatively high customs clearance efficiency.
- Cebu Port: The second largest port in the Philippines, serving the central region of the Philippines, with high transit efficiency and less congestion.
- Subic Port: Excellent water depth, strong handling capacity for large cargo, suitable for importing heavy machinery and vehicles
20ft and 40ft Container Comparison
Container transportation is one of the most commonly used logistics methods in international trade. Choosing the right container size directly affects transportation costs and efficiency. The following is a detailed cost comparison of 20ft and 40ft containers from China to the Philippines
| Introduction | 20ft Container | 40ft Container | Differences |
| Basic ocean freight | $500–$850 | $900–$1350 | 40ft is about 1.6–1.8 times that of 20ft |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$150 | $150–$200 | Weighted according to the volume of the container |
| Port surcharge | $150–$250 | $200–$300 | 40ft has higher handling costs |
| Appropriate load volume | About 28 cubic meters | About 68 cubic meters | 40ft has nearly 2.5 times more space, more cost-effective |
| Appropriate load weight | About 22 tons | About 26 tons | Can load heavy goods or light bulky goods, more adaptable |
Factors Affecting Container Shipping Costs from China to Philippines
- Seasonal fluctuations: Freight rates rise during peak season (usually September-December), and are relatively low during off-season.
- Cargo volume and weight: Overweight and oversized cargoes are subject to surcharges.
- Shipping companies and routes: Prices vary greatly among different shipowners.
- Whether trailers are included: If door-to-door delivery is included, trailer fees are required.
- Whether LCL: LCL fee structures are different and are charged by volume.
- Charging policy at the port of destination: Charging standards vary among ports in the Philippines.
- Fuel prices: BAF fluctuates with the global fuel market.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Philippines
Shipping from different ports in China to different ports in the Philippines will have different costs due to the different distances between the ports and the influence of the above factors. The following are the detailed costs of container shipping;
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of Philippines) | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Manila | $500–$750 | $900–$1200 |
| Shenzhen | Manila | $650–$850 | $900–$1300 |
| Ningbo | Manila | $550–$800 | $950–$1250 |
| Shanghai | Cebu | $520 – $750 | $950–$1300 |
| Shenzhen | Cebu | $500 – $840 | $900–$1350 |
| Ningbo | Cebu | $550 – $850 | $900 – $1150 |
| Shanghai | Subic | $600 – $800 | $920 – $1340 |
| Shenzhen | Subic | $550 – $770 | $940 – $1250 |
| Ningbo | Subic | $530 – $850 | $950 – $1300 |
The following are the costs for shipping containers to other regions:
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to South Korea
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Japan
Goods Prohibited from Export to the Philippines
- Dangerous goods: explosives, flammable liquids, radioactive materials, etc.
- Pharmaceuticals: unregistered drugs, counterfeit drugs
- Imitation goods: counterfeit brands (such as Nike, Adidas)
- Second-hand electrical appliances: TVs, refrigerators, etc., which require special permission to import
- Agricultural products: live animals, unquarantined seeds, meat, etc.
- Cultural products: publications or media containing prohibited content
Container Customs Clearance from China to the Philippines
During the process of transporting from China to the Philippines, the following are the customs clearance documents required for standard customs clearance:
- Commercial Invoice : Proof of value, used for declaration
- Packing List: Packing details, inspection basis
- Bill of Lading : Issued by the shipping company, proof of ownership of goods
- Export declaration form: Customs declaration required, customs record
- Certificate of Origin (Certificate of Origin): Ordinary goods issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), enjoy preferential tariffs, China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Certificate of Origin.
- Philippine import license (if applicable): Specific goods require import licenses from relevant departments
Things to Note When Shipping from China to the Philippines
- Manila Port congestion warning: The rainy season (June-October) is severely congested every year. It is recommended to book space 2 weeks in advance and consider using Subic or Batangas as an alternative
- Difference in customs clearance efficiency: 3-5 working days in Manila (no inspection), local ports may take 5-7 working days
- Difference in port surcharges: Manila Port has the highest surcharge, and local ports usually have lower surcharges
- Storage restrictions: Manila Port’s free storage period is usually only 3 days. Local ports may extend to 5-7 days
Container shipping from China to the Philippines is characterized by high frequency and low cost. By choosing the right container size, arranging the shipping time reasonably, and mastering the customs clearance process, you can significantly improve logistics efficiency and reduce transportation costs. It is recommended to cooperate with Ubestshipping to obtain the latest freight rates and customs clearance suggestions.