Paraguay is one of the important trade hubs in South America. It has stable economic growth and a superior geographical location (adjacent to Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia), making it a key gateway to the South American market. More and more Chinese exporters are looking to Paraguay. This article will detail the logistics between the two countries.
How to Ship from China to Paraguay
Shipping from China to Paraguay is a complex transportation process. According to the characteristics and needs of different goods, choose the appropriate mode of transportation. The following are the characteristics of different modes of transportation:
Sea Freight
The common ways to transport goods from China to Paraguay are mainly sea and air transportation. Sea transportation is the most common choice, suitable for bulk goods or customers with low timeliness requirements. Low freight, suitable for bulk or heavy goods, can accept a variety of cargo types such as 20-foot and 40-foot containers. Stable, safe, and mature services.
Since Paraguay is a landlocked country, goods are usually sent from major Chinese ports to ports in South America (such as the Port of Montevideo in Uruguay or the Port of Santos in Brazil), and then transferred to Paraguay by land, such as the capital Asuncion. This mode of transport takes a long time, generally 35 to 50 days, and is suitable for exporters to ship in bulk.
| Shipping Mode | Cost Range (USD) | Transit Time (Days) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (Less than Container Load) | $50 – $100 per cubic meter | 35 – 40 days | Smaller shipments, less urgent goods |
| Sea Freight (20-foot container） | $3,000-$4,000 | 30 – 40 days | Larger shipments, bulk goods |
| Sea Freight (40-foot container） | $4,500-$6,800 | 30 – 40 days | Cost-effective for bulk goods; includes sea and inland transport. |
Air Freight
Air transport is suitable for small or high-value goods with high timeliness requirements. Fast timeliness and relatively simple customs clearance. Suitable for high-value urgent goods, etc. But there are many restrictions (volume, weight, type of goods); capacity is affected by routes and flights.
Goods shipped from international airports in China are generally delivered to Paraguay through transit stations (such as the United States, Europe or Sao Paulo, Brazil). The entire transportation time is usually around 7 to 12 days, which is fast and convenient, but the cost is significantly higher than sea transportation.
| Shipping Mode | Cost Range (USD) | Transit Time (Days) | Best For |
| Air Freight | $6.50-$10.0 per kg | 7-12 days | High-value or time-sensitive items |
Factors Affecting Shipping Costs
The logistics costs of shipping from China to Paraguay depend on the mode of transportation and are also affected by a variety of factors:
Cargo Weight and Volume
Freight is usually calculated based on the weight and volume of the cargo.
Distance and Route
Both the distance the cargo is transported and the chosen shipping route affect the cost
Duties and Taxes
Import duties and taxes imposed by Paraguayan customs can significantly increase the overall shipping cost.
Fuel Prices
Fuel price changes can have a significant impact on freight rates, as fuel is a major operating cost for air and ocean carriers.
Seasonality and Demand
Freight rates fluctuate based on seasonal demand. Freight rates may rise during peak shipping seasons such as holidays or major promotions due to increased demand for logistics services.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Paraguay
Container transportation is one of the most common and economical logistics methods from China to Paraguay, especially suitable for bulk goods, machinery and equipment, home appliances, building materials and other goods with high value or large volume. The following is the transportation cost of 20ft and 40ft containers:
| Departure Port (China) | Arrival Port (Paraguay) | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Asuncion | $3050 – $5,150 | $5,400 – $6,750 |
| Shenzhen | Asuncion | $0300 – $5,200 | $5,500 – $6,800 |
| Ningbo | Asuncion | $3050 – $5,250 | $5,550 – $6,850 |
| Guangzhou | Asuncion | $3000 – $5,100 | $5,300 – $6,700 |
| Qingdao | Asuncion | $3000 – $5,100 | $5,400 – $6,700 |
Air Freight Cost from China to Paraguay
More and more companies choose to transport goods from China to Paraguay by air, especially for customers with high time requirements or high value of goods. Air transport is the first choice for both efficiency and stability. The air freight costs are mainly composed of the following parts:
- International air freight: depends on the type, weight, volume and selected route of the goods. Actual weight vs. volume weight (the larger of the two), volume weight calculation formula = length × width × height ÷ 6000
- Original cost: including palletizing fee, export customs declaration fee, document handling fee, pick-up transportation, etc.
- Transit service fee: if you need to change flights or handle transit customs clearance, you will generally incur transit service fees.
- Destination customs clearance and delivery fee: customs clearance service fee for the Paraguay section. If delivery to the customer’s warehouse is included, additional delivery fees are required.
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Paraguay) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Asuncion | $5.0 – $9.6 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Asuncion | $5.0 – $9.8 |
| Beijing Capital | Asuncion | $5.5 – $9.8 |
| Hangzhou Xiaoshan | Asuncion | $5.5 – $10.0 |
| Chengdu Shuangliu | Asuncion | $5.0 – $9.5 |
The following is a reference for transportation costs to the transit port:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Argentina
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Brazil?
Shipping Time from China to Paraguay
As a landlocked country in central South America, Paraguay has no direct routes to China. All goods must be shipped by sea, air, and transit through neighboring countries (such as Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, etc.) to reach their destination. Several factors may affect shipping time:
- Port congestion: Busy ports in Argentina or Brazil may cause delays; scheduling shipments during off-peak hours may help.
- Weather conditions: Bad weather in the Pacific or during land transport may disrupt plans; monitoring forecasts is essential.
- Customs procedures: Incomplete or inaccurate documents may cause customs clearance delays; adequate preparation is key.
| Shipping Mode | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | 30-45 days | Non-urgent, large shipments due to lower costs |
| Air Freight | 7-12 days | High value, urgent cargo |
Learn about shipping times from China to surrounding areas:
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Brazil
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Argentina
Detailed Steps for Shipping from China to Paraguay
Since Paraguay is a landlocked country, shipping from China to Paraguay requires a complex process. The following is a detailed process to help understand the entire transportation process:
Preparation stage
Before shipping, it is necessary to clarify the properties, volume, weight and timeliness requirements of the goods to determine the most appropriate mode of transportation (sea or air).
Operation in China
The goods can be delivered to the warehouse by the shipper or picked up by the freight forwarder. Full container goods need to be loaded and towed to the port, while LCL or air freight goods are centrally palletized and packaged for unified export.
International transportation stage
Transport to Paraguay through appropriate transportation methods
Paraguay customs clearance and delivery
After the goods arrive in Paraguay, the consignee or agent must complete customs clearance procedures, including declaration, tax payment and other processes. Customs clearance documents:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L) or air waybill (AWB)
- Certificate of origin (COO)
- Import license (required for some goods)
Delivery
After customs clearance, you can choose to pick up the goods at the warehouse or have them delivered to the designated address by a local logistics company.
Choosing Freight Forwarder from China to Paraguay
A freight forwarder is essential, managing documentation and ensuring that all documents comply with Chinese export and Paraguayan import regulations. They can coordinate multimodal transport and organize seamless transfers between ocean, air and land transport to ensure smooth delivery. They offer real-time tracking, providing continuous updates from departure from China to final delivery in Paraguay.
Factors to choose a freight forwarder that fits your needs
- Experience on the China-Paraguay route: Look for expertise with extensive experience in managing the logistical challenges unique to this corridor.
- Strong network: Make sure the freight forwarder has strong connections in ocean, air and land logistics to enable flexible route planning.
- Comprehensive service offerings: Choose a provider that offers customs clearance, warehousing and customized distribution services.
- Reliable reputation: Consistent positive feedback and on-time delivery are key indicators of quality service.
As China-Paraguay trade deepens, exporting from China to Paraguay is becoming a strategic choice for more and more companies. Rationally planning the mode of transportation, choosing a reliable freight forwarder, and doing a good job of customs clearance and logistics connection are the keys to ensuring smooth, safe, and low-cost delivery.