As the global supply chain becomes increasingly close, more and more Argentine companies and consumers choose to import electronic products, machinery and equipment, textiles, household goods, etc. from China. Understanding the time schedule for shipping from China to Argentina will help to rationally plan the procurement cycle and reduce inventory costs.
Background of Sino-Argentine trade relations
China is one of Argentina’s most important trading partners. Especially in the past decade, bilateral trade has continued to grow, becoming the preferred source for procurement and replenishment for Argentine companies. The main reasons why companies and individuals choose to import from China to Argentina include:
- Cost advantages of China’s manufacturing industry
- Rich product variety and supply chain options
- Increasingly mature cross-border logistics solutions
How to Ship from China to Argentina
For Chinese exporters and Argentine importers, understanding the transportation steps is a key link in controlling the timeliness of transportation. The following are detailed transportation steps:
Determine the type and volume weight of goods
Different types of goods and transportation needs such as general goods, dangerous goods, and fresh food determine which transportation method to use.
Find a freight forwarder to book a space
Find an international freight forwarder with experience in operating in Central and South America. The freight forwarder will arrange the booking (sea freight) or flight (air freight), confirm the delivery time, transportation insurance, and whether customs clearance is included (such as DDP/DAP terms)
China export customs clearance
The freight forwarder prepares and submits the necessary documents to the customs authorities to facilitate the export process, settle export duties and taxes in accordance with local regulations, and ensure a smooth customs clearance process
Choose a suitable mode of transportation
Sea Freight
Sea freight has low freight rates and is suitable for bulk goods or transportation with low time requirements. It has strong carrying capacity and can transport various types of large, heavy goods, dangerous goods, etc. It has good stability and is more cost-effective than air freight, especially during peak seasons.
Air Freight
Air freight has a fast transportation speed and is suitable for time-sensitive goods. The procedures are relatively simple, customs declaration is fast, the pickup time is short, and the cargo damage rate is low. It is suitable for high-value goods, but the carrying capacity is limited and it is not suitable for large or overweight goods.
Argentina import customs clearance
Argentina’s foreign exchange is strictly regulated. Importers need to register with AFIP (Tax Bureau). Some products need to apply for import licenses in advance (such as electronic products, medicines, etc.). Customs clearance is completed by local importers or their agents in Argentina. The required documents are:
- Invoice
- Packing list
- Sea waybill/air waybill
- Certificate of origin (if any)
- Import license (if it involves specific categories)
Destination delivery
After customs clearance, the goods are delivered to the delivery address by truck or logistics company. If DDP service, the freight forwarder will take care of the whole process and the customer only needs to receive the goods.
Key Factors Affecting Shipping Time from China to Argentina
In addition to the transportation mode, the time of transportation from China to Argentina is also affected by the following factors:
- Whether the route is direct or not: direct flights have a fast time, while stopover or transshipment routes will extend the time.
- Cargo shipment preparation time: factory production cycle, document preparation, port warehouse arrangement affect the overall shipment.
- Customs clearance efficiency: Argentina’s customs clearance process is relatively complicated, and incomplete documents or tax audits will significantly delay delivery.
- Holidays and peak seasons: China’s National Day, Spring Festival, and Argentine holidays will affect port operation efficiency.
- Weather impact: The South Atlantic hurricane season (November-April of the following year) may cause route adjustments, and the dry season of the La Plata River affects the berthing of large ships
- Whether to choose door-to-door service: Choosing a professional freight forwarder for DDU/DDP transportation can save transit waiting time.
Shipping Time from China to Argentina
The time for transport from China to Argentina depends on factors such as mode of transport, departure city, destination city, and whether there is a transit. The following are the times for common modes of transport:
Sea Freight Time from China to Argentina
Sea transport is the mainstream way to transport bulk and heavy goods from China to Argentina. The goods mainly depart from major ports in China, transit through Singapore, Santos, Brazil or the Panama Canal, and then transport to ports in Argentina. It usually takes 30-45 days, depending on the departure port and the shipping company’s route arrangement.
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of Brazil) | Shipping Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Buenos Aires | 32-43 days |
| Shenzhen | Buenos Aires | 30-45 days |
| Ningbo | Buenos Aires | 31-42 days |
| Shanghai | Rosario | 34-45 days |
| Shenzhen | Rosario | 32-44 days |
| Ningbo | Rosario | 30-45 days |
| Shanghai | Bahia Blanca | 33-42 days |
| Shenzhen | Bahia Blanca | 32-40 days |
| Ningbo | Bahia Blanca | 30-40 days |
Air Freight Time from China to Argentina
Air freight from China to Argentina is suitable for high-value, time-sensitive goods. The main departure airports include Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun and Hong Kong. The goods are transferred via Europe (such as Frankfurt, Madrid) or America (such as Sao Paulo, Miami), and the destination is usually Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). The transportation time is usually 5 to 10 days.
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Argentina) | Shipping Time |
| Shanghai Pudong | Ezeiza | 5-9 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Ezeiza | 6-10 days |
| Beijing Capital | Ezeiza | 5-8 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | El Palomar | 4-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | El Palomar | 5-9 days |
| Beijing Capital | El Palomar | 5-10 days |
Learn more about shipping times to other countries below:
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Brazil
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Mexico
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to USA?
How to Shorten the Shipping Time from China to Argentina
Use the following strategies to effectively reduce the logistics time from China to Argentina:
Lock warehouse and book space in advance
Especially in peak season, avoid delays due to rushing for space.
Choose direct routes
Reduce transit time and shorten the overall cycle.
Smart customs clearance preparation
Apply for Argentina import license (RADIM) in advance, use ATA carnet for temporary duty-free import, and electronic pre-declaration can save 48 hours of customs clearance time.
Prefer professional freight forwarding companies
Chinese freight forwarders with experience in South America can better connect with Argentina’s customs clearance and distribution links.
Application of digital tools
Real-time tracking system reduces information delays, and blockchain technology accelerates document verification
Combined with air-sea transport
Some urgent orders can be transported by air, and the rest of the regular goods can be transported by sea, balancing cost and timeliness.
Choosing the right mode of transportation, operating in compliance, and cooperating with professional logistics partners are effective means to improve efficiency and reduce risks. Reasonable time arrangements are not only related to the stability of the supply chain, but also directly affect the company’s capital turnover and customer satisfaction.