With the development of global trade, trade between Taiwan and the United States is becoming increasingly frequent. From electronic products to mechanical equipment, from textiles and garments to plastic products, Taiwan’s manufacturing advantages have provided a large number of high-quality goods to the US market.
Efficiently and low-cost transportation of these goods from Taiwan to the United States is the focus of every import and export company, trader and logistics person, and this article will introduce this in detail.
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Overview of trade relations between Taiwan and the US
Taiwan is an important trading partner of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2024, Taiwan’s total exports to the United States exceeded US$85 billion. The main export commodities include:
- Electronic products: semiconductors, PC components, motherboards, monitors, etc.
- Mechanical equipment: CNC machine tools, automated production line components
- Textiles and garments: functional fabrics, sportswear, OEM order clothing
- Plastic products and packaging materials
- Household appliances and consumer electronics
Sea Freight Cost from Taiwan to US
Sea freight is the most common mode of transportation. Ships can carry multiple containers and have a large carrying capacity, which is suitable for bulk cargo transportation. The transportation cost is relatively low, but the transportation time is relatively long. It takes about 12-18 days from Taiwan to the west coast of the United States and about 30 days to the east coast.
The fees are mainly calculated based on the transportation service, which is mainly divided into FCL and LCL
- Full Container Load (FCL): Suitable for situations where the cargo volume is enough to fill a container. Generally, the fee is charged according to the size of the container (20GP, 40GP, 40HQ).
- Less than Container Load (LCL): Suitable for situations where the cargo volume is not enough to fill a container and needs to share a container with others. Usually the fee is charged by volume.
Transportation mainly consists of the following costs
- Basic ocean freight: Transportation costs charged by shipping companies
- Original port charges (ORC, THC): Terminal operation fees at loading port, such as loading and unloading, yard management fees
- Destination port charges (DDC): Terminal charges at unloading port, cargo handling fees, etc.
- Document charges (DOC): Costs of issuing documents such as bills of lading and manifests
- Customs clearance: Export customs clearance fees in Taiwan
- Customs clearance fees at destination port: U.S. import customs clearance service fees (usually borne by the consignee)
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of USA) | LCL Shipping Cost | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaohsiung | Los Angeles | $80 – $120/CBM | $2050-$3000 | $3200-$4500 |
| Keelung | Los Angeles | $90 – $130/CBM | $2000-$2900 | $3150-$4650 |
| Taichung | Los Angeles | $105 – $160/CBM | $2000-$3000 | $3350-$4750 |
| Kaohsiung | Long Beach | $100 – $140/CBM | $2050-$2950 | $3250-$4550 |
| Keelung | Long Beach | $85 – $125/CBM | $2150-$3000 | $3150-$4600 |
| Taichung | Long Beach | $90 – $130/CBM | $2000-$2850 | $3200-$4500 |
| Kaohsiung | New York | $105 – $160/CBM | $3000-$3800 | $4050-$5550 |
| Keelung | New York | $85 – $125/CBM | $3050-$3900 | $4350-$5600 |
| Taichung | New York | $95 – $125/CBM | $3050-$4000 | $4200-$5650 |
| Kaohsiung | Savannah | $90 – $125/CBM | $3050-$3900 | $4100-$5600 |
| Keelung | Savannah | $85 – $120/CBM | $3050-$3850 | $4100-$5750 |
| Taichung | Savannah | $100 – $130/CBM | $3050-$3900 | $4300-$5850 |
| Kaohsiung | Houston | $95 – $130/CBM | $2850-$3700 | $4100-$5650 |
| Keelung | Houston | $105 – $145/CBM | $2950-$3900 | $4050-$5650 |
| Taichung | Houston | $85 – $125/CBM | $2800-$3900 | $4050-$5650 |
Air Freight Cost from Taiwan to US
Air freight is fast and time-efficient. It usually takes only 1-3 days to arrive from Taiwan to the United States. It is highly secure and has a relatively low risk of loss or damage. It is suitable for high-value and small-volume goods.
The cost is high, and the unit freight is much higher than sea freight. It is usually charged based on the larger of actual weight and volumetric weight (length cm × width cm × height cm ÷ 6000)
It consists of the following costs
- Basic freight: The main freight charged by the airline, priced according to the billing weight
- Fuel surcharge (FSC): Floating according to international fuel prices
- Security surcharge (SSC): Security surcharge
- Document fee (DOC): The cost of issuing an air waybill
- Customs clearance: fee for Taiwan exports
- Ground handling fee: at the destination port Handling and transshipment fees when receiving goods at the US airport
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (USA) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Taipei Taoyuan | Los Angeles | $5.50 – $7.50 |
| Taipei Taoyuan | San Francisco | $6.00 – $7.80 |
| Taipei Taoyuan | Dallas | $5.50 – $7.80 |
| Taipei Taoyuan | Chicago O’Hare | $5.50 – $7.20 |
| Taipei Taoyuan | New York John F. Kennedy | $6.00 – $7.50 |
| Taipei Taoyuan | Miami | $5.50 – $7.20 |
Learn more: How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to USA
Factors Affecting the Shipping Cost from Taiwan to US
The cost of shipping from Taiwan to USA can be affected by many factors:
- Cargo Weight and Volume: Heavy cargo is charged by weight, light cargo is charged by volumetric weight
- Transportation Distance and Port of Origin/Destination: Transportation costs are directly related to distance, and different routes and ports of destination will also affect costs
- Cargo Types: Dangerous goods, cold chain products or special goods require special handling and require additional fees.
- Seasonal and Market Fluctuations: Freight rates rise during peak seasons (such as before Christmas). Freight rates are relatively low during off-seasons.
- Customs Clearance and Taxes: US Customs may impose additional tariffs on certain goods, and the complexity of customs clearance will also affect the overall cost.
Tips to Reduce Shipping Costs from Taiwan to US
Controlling freight costs is the key to increasing profits in international trade. Here are some tips to reduce freight costs from Taiwan to the United States:
Plan shipping time in advance
Try to avoid peak periods, such as before the Chinese New Year and before Christmas in Nigeria, to avoid peak freight increases.
Book in advance
Booking space in advance can lock in lower prices and avoid price increases caused by last-minute arrangements.
LCL shipping
Choosing LCL for small quantities of goods can significantly save costs.
Choose a professional freight forwarder
A professional freight forwarder can assist in arranging the right shipping method and customs clearance procedures to avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs.
Optimize cargo packaging
Package goods reasonably to reduce volume and weight and avoid unnecessary freight expenses.
Choosing the Right Taiwan to US Freight Forwarder
Choosing the right freight forwarder is essential for shipping from Taiwan to the United States efficiently and cost-effectively. Here are the key factors to consider:
- Experience and expertise: Choose a freight forwarder with extensive experience handling Taiwan shipments and a deep understanding of U.S. customs regulations.
- Service coverage: Make sure the freight forwarder offers a comprehensive range of services, including customs clearance, insurance, and door-to-door delivery.
- Cost transparency: Look for a freight forwarder that offers clear, detailed pricing to help you avoid hidden fees and unexpected costs.
- Customer support: A responsive customer service team can provide valuable assistance and information throughout the shipping process.
The Role of Freight Forwarders in Cost Management
Freight forwarders play a key role in effectively managing shipping costs. By choosing a knowledgeable freight forwarder, you can significantly improve your shipping experience while keeping costs manageable. Their expertise can help you in several ways:
- Cost savings: By leveraging relationships with carriers, freight forwarders can negotiate better rates and advise on cost-saving strategies.
- Optimizing logistics: They can provide insights into the most efficient shipping routes and methods, helping to reduce time and costs.
- Streamlining processes: Freight forwarders handle all logistics, taking the burden off your business so it can focus on its core business.
The logistics cost from Taiwan to the United States depends on the type of goods, mode of transportation and market conditions. Enterprises can reduce costs by optimizing transportation plans, choosing the right freight forwarder and taking advantage of off-season shipments.