In recent years, Mexico has been actively expanding its trade relations with Asian countries, making Chinese goods more competitive in the Mexican market.
With the increase in cross-border e-commerce, industrial outsourcing and infrastructure cooperation, the demand for efficient and stable international logistics services has also increased significantly. Cost is an important reference factor in international transportation. This article will introduce the logistics costs between the two countries in detail.
Introduction to Mexico
Mexico is adjacent to the United States in the north, Central America in the south, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico in the east and west. It is a hub connecting North America and Latin America. The consumer market is huge and growing rapidly. With the rapid development of manufacturing, e-commerce and retail industries, Mexico’s demand for international logistics has increased significantly.
Its industrial system is highly complementary to China, especially in the fields of auto parts, electronic products, machinery and equipment, textiles and household goods, which rely on imports, which has promoted the prosperity of the China-Mexico logistics market.
How to Ship from China to Mexico
From China to Mexico, choose the mode of transport according to the characteristics of the goods. Each mode has its own characteristics, applicable scenarios, timeliness, cost and precautions:
Sea Freight
Sea transport is one of the most cost-effective and reliable ways to transport large quantities of goods from China to Kenya. It has low cost and strong carrying capacity, and can transport large and heavy goods (such as furniture, machinery, cars, etc.). There are mainly two types of services: FCL and LCL, but the transportation time is longer, usually between 20-40 days, depending on the route, port of call and number of transits.
Air Freight
Air transport is the fastest mode of transport with the shortest transportation time, ensuring that urgent goods can reach their destination quickly. Weight and volume are limited, suitable for light, small, high-value goods (such as electronic components, urgent orders, samples, etc.).
Air transport can also enhance the security of valuable and sensitive items and reduce the risk of damage or theft during transportation. In addition, frequent flight schedules and a wide global airline network ensure regular and reliable services.
Key Factors Affecting Shipping Cost from China to Mexico
Logistics costs from China to Mexico are constantly changing, mainly affected by the following factors:
Cargo volume and weight
Heavy goods are suitable for sea transportation, and light, small and high-value goods are suitable for air transportation. Billing methods include volumetric weight (CBM) or actual weight.
Cargo attributes
Dangerous goods/special goods require additional declaration and packaging fees.
Transportation method selection
Air freight prices are much higher than sea freight, but the timeliness is faster. LCL costs are relatively cheap, but there are more additional costs.
Selection of departure port and destination port
Direct ports are more economical. Off-site ports may involve transit fees.
Peak and off-season changes
Freight rates fluctuate significantly during peak seasons such as “Golden September and Silver October”, Double Eleven, and before Christmas.
Customs clearance difficulty and tax rates
Special goods such as electronics and live electrical products need to pay attention to Mexico’s import restrictions and high tariffs, which increase the total cost.
Shipping Cost from China to Mexico
The transportation cost from China to Mexico usually consists of the following parts:
- Basic freight: Ocean freight is charged by container (20GP/40HQ), and air freight is charged by weight (actual weight or volumetric weight).
- Local costs at the port of departure: customs clearance, trailer fees, port miscellaneous fees
- Costs at the port of destination: unloading, customs clearance, port service fees
- Additional costs: such as peak season surcharges, fuel surcharges, storage fees
Sea Freight Cost from China to Mexico
There are many types of shipping services from China to Mexico. Common services include FCL and LCL. FCL is for cargo that is sufficient to fill one or more standard containers. Usually charged according to the size of the container. LCL is for cargo that is less than one container. It is charged by volume or weight, in cubic meters (CBM). The following is the cost range of shipping from China to Mexico:
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of Brazil) | LCL Shipping Cost | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Manzanillo | $100 – $180/CBM | $3000 – $3500 | $4200 – $4800 |
| Shenzhen | Manzanillo | $95 – $175/CBM | $3300 – $3800 | $4200 – $5000 |
| Ningbo | Manzanillo | $90 – $170/CBM | $3000 – $3600 | $4100 – $4700 |
| Shanghai | Lazaro Cardenas | $100 – $185/CBM | $3200 – $4000 | $4500 – $5200 |
| Shenzhen | Lazaro Cardenas | $100 – $175/CBM | $3100 – $4000 | $4100 – $4700 |
| Ningbo | Lazaro Cardenas | $90 – $180/CBM | $2900 – $3500 | $4100 – $4800 |
| Shanghai | Veracruz | $85 – $170/CBM | $3000 – $3600 | $4200 – $5000 |
| Shenzhen | Veracruz | $90 – $185/CBM | $3000 – $3500 | $4400 – $5200 |
| Ningbo | Veracruz | $100 – $180/CBM | $3300 – $4000 | $4200 – $4800 |
| Shanghai | Altamira | $80 – $180/CBM | $3100 – $4000 | $4500 – $5200 |
| Shenzhen | Altamira | $90 – $160/CBM | $3000 – $3600 | $4200 – $5000 |
| Ningbo | Altamira | $100 – $180/CBM | $3300 – $3800 | $4100 – $4700 |
Air Freight Cost from China to Mexico
Air freight from China to Mexico is suitable for high-value and time-sensitive goods. The air freight billing weight is generally calculated based on the larger volume weight and actual weight. The volume weight calculation formula is: length × width × height (cm) ÷ 6000 = volume weight (kg). The final quotation will fluctuate depending on the airline, space availability, cargo type, whether customs clearance/delivery is included, etc.
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Mexico) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Mexico City | $5.5 – $9.6 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Mexico City | $6.0 – $9.8 |
| Beijing Capital | Mexico City | $6.5 – $9.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Guadalajara | $5.5 – $10.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Guadalajara | $6.0 – $9.2 |
| Beijing Capital | Guadalajara | $5.5 – $9.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Monterrey | $6.0 – $8.8 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Monterrey | $6.5 – $10.0 |
| Beijing Capital | Monterrey | $5.0 – $9.6 |
Read below for shipping costs to other countries to help you understand more:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Canada
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to USA
Strategies to Reduce Shipping Cost from China to Mexico
Use the following strategies to effectively reduce logistics costs from China to Mexico:
Choose a reasonable mode of transportation
When LCL is not cost-effective, consider consolidating with other sellers, or directly shipping in full containers.
Plan transportation time in advance
Avoid peak seasons and book low-priced shipping space.
Cooperate with reliable freight forwarders
Integrate customs declaration, transportation, and customs clearance services to reduce intermediate costs.
Optimize packaging size
Reduce volume, use standard pallets to increase container utilization, and reduce billable weight.
Understand Mexico’s import tax policy
Reasonably declare value to avoid unnecessary high taxes and fees.
Use DDP one-stop service
Suitable for first-time exporters to avoid customs clearance risks.
Under the trend of globalization and regional integration, this article will help companies reduce logistics costs and improve supply chain efficiency in China-Mexico trade by understanding the characteristics of the Mexican market and logistics needs, flexibly choosing transportation methods, and gaining an in-depth understanding of cost structures and influencing factors.