With the increasing frequency of trade between China and the Philippines, the demand for shipping goods from China to the Philippines continues to grow. For many foreign trade companies and importers, understanding the transportation costs and their composition is the key to effectively control costs and improve efficiency. This article will introduce the cost from China to the Philippines in detail
Introduction to the Philippines
The economic structure is dominated by the service industry and manufacturing industry. In recent years, the e-commerce and retail industries have developed rapidly, and the demand for imported goods has also increased.
The local manufacturing capacity of the Philippines is relatively limited, and the logistics infrastructure is still being improved, so it is highly dependent on international logistics. , The frequent flow of bilateral goods has promoted the development of related industries such as cross-border transportation, customs clearance services, and warehousing and distribution.
The main commodities imported from China include:
- Electronic products (mobile phones, televisions, computer accessories, etc.)
- Building materials (ceramic tiles, hardware, doors and windows)
- Machinery and spare parts
- Household products (furniture, lighting)
- Food and daily chemicals
How to Ship from China to the Philippines
Depending on the type of goods and timeliness requirements, there are mainly the following modes of transportation:
Sea Freight
Sea freight is one of the most cost-effective ways to transport large quantities of goods over long distances. Ocean freight provides ample space for goods and is ideal for transporting large or heavy goods. With proper planning and arrangement, companies can efficiently manage the supply chain and ensure that goods arrive safely at their destination.
Air Freight
Air freight has unparalleled speed and efficiency. It is very suitable for companies that need urgent delivery, whether it is a product with high timeliness requirements or a company that needs to replenish stocks quickly, which significantly reduces the transportation time. Air freight services provide greater security for valuable items and minimize the risk of damage or loss during transportation.
Cost Composition of Shipping from China to the Philippines
Transportation costs are usually composed of the following parts:
- International freight (sea/air): calculated by weight or volume, with a greater impact on routes, space, and oil prices.
- Port of departure fees: such as loading fees, terminal handling fees, customs clearance service fees, etc.
- Port of destination fees: such as unloading, terminal handover, document processing, etc.
- Customs clearance and taxes: including Philippine import duties, value-added tax (VAT), and customs clearance agency fees.
- Local distribution costs: transportation costs for goods from ports or warehouses to the final destination.
Factors Affect of Shipping Cost from China to the Philippines
Shipping costs fluctuate due to the following factors:
Transportation method selection
Air freight costs much more than sea freight, but it is faster.
Cargo volume and weight
Shipping costs are charged based on the actual weight or volume weight, whichever is greater.
Departure city and destination port
Differences in departure and arrival costs are different at different ports.
Service type
Door-to-door service includes customs clearance and tax, which is worry-free but more expensive.
Season and fuel surcharge
Prices rise during peak seasons, and fuel fluctuations can also affect costs.
Cargo type
Dangerous goods or special cargo require additional fees and compliance documents.
Shipping Cost from China to the Philippines
The cost of shipping from China to the Philippines depends on the above factors. Here are the costs of different shipping methods:
LCL Shipping Cost from China to the Philippines
It is an affordable option for exporters with smaller volumes, shippers who share a container with other shippers and need flexible and efficient shipping arrangements. The cost is usually calculated on a CBM basis.
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of Philippines) | LCL Shipping Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Manila | $50-$100 |
| Shenzhen | Manila | $55-$100 |
| Ningbo | Manila | $50-$90 |
| Shanghai | Cebu | $50-$100 |
| Shenzhen | Cebu | $60-$100 |
| Ningbo | Cebu | $55 – $85 |
| Shanghai | Subic | $60 – $90 |
| Shenzhen | Subic | $50 – $95 |
| Ningbo | Subic | $60 – $100 |
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Philippines
Full container load is ideal for businesses that need to ship large quantities of goods that can fill an entire container. This service provides dedicated space to minimize the risk of damage to goods during transportation. It is usually charged according to the size of the container (20ft and 40ft).
| 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 |
Air Freight Cost from China to the Philippines
Air freight costs are usually calculated based on the actual weight or volume weight of the goods. For lighter but larger goods, air freight costs are usually calculated based on volume weight, which is calculated as: length cm × width cm × height cm ÷ 6000.
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Philippines) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Ninoy Aquino | $4.0 – $9.6 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Ninoy Aquino | $4.0 – $9.8 |
| Beijing Capital | Ninoy Aquino | $4.5 – $9.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Mactan-Cebu | $4.5 – $10.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Mactan-Cebu | $4.0 – $9.5 |
| Beijing Capital | Mactan-Cebu | $5.5 – $9.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Davao | $5.0 – $8.8 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Davao | $4.5 – $10.0 |
| Beijing Capital | Davao | $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 South Korea
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Japan
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Australia
Strategies to Reduce Cost from China to the Philippines
Use the following strategies to effectively reduce logistics costs between the two countries
Plan delivery time in advance
Avoid transportation peaks and reduce the impact of peak season surcharges.
Choose the right mode of transportation
Light and small items can be shipped by air, heavy goods/large quantities are preferred by sea.
Choose the right freight forwarder
Compare prices with multiple freight forwarders to get competitive quotes.
Integrate supply chain resources
Concentrate shipments and share warehousing.
Optimize packaging
Improve loading efficiency and reduce volume weight.
Use overseas warehouses
Achieve bulk shipments and local distribution.
Choose a reliable DDP service
Reduce hidden costs and avoid customs clearance difficulties at the destination port.
Tariffs for Shipping from China to the Philippines
Tariffs include import taxes and duties that have a huge impact on the cost of products imported from China to the Philippines. Please consider the following key factors:
- Value Added Tax (VAT): The Philippines imposes a standard 12% VAT on imported products in most cases.
- Tariffs: Tariff rates vary depending on the classification of the product under the HS code, and in some cases, the cost of goods can range from 0% to more than 30%.
- Calculation: Taxes are usually expressed as a percentage of the CIF (cost, insurance, freight and freight) value of the imported or exported goods. The CIF value includes the total value of the product, the shipping cost, and any fees associated with insurance of the goods.
| Product | HS Code | Customs Duty (%) | VAT (%) |
| Electronics | 85 | 0-15 | 12 |
| Textiles | 63 | 5-20 | 12 |
| Machinery | 84 | 0-10 | 12 |
| Agricultural Products | 10 | 35 | 12 |
Reasons to Choose UbestShipping
Choosing a reliable freight forwarding company is the key to controlling transportation costs and reducing risks. Here are the reasons to choose Ubestshipping:
- Industry experience and professional capabilities: Familiar with China-Philippines routes and customs clearance policies.
- Transparent quotations: Clear cost details to avoid hidden costs.
- Service network: There are operating teams or cooperative agents in both China and the Philippines.
- Customer service quality: Fast response speed, able to handle emergencies in a timely manner.
- Provide value-added services: such as warehousing, packaging, insurance agency, destination delivery, etc.
The cost of shipping from China to the Philippines is affected by many factors. Through this article, you can effectively reduce logistics costs, ensure smooth transportation and control costs by choosing services, optimizing packaging, and selecting high-quality freight forwarders.