With the advancement of China’s “Belt and Road” initiative and the growing demand for Chinese-made goods in Latin American countries, trade between China and Uruguay has become increasingly frequent. It is an important springboard to enter markets such as Brazil and Argentina. This article will introduce the logistics details between the two countries.
How to Ship from China to Uruguay
China is one of Uruguay’s largest trading partners, mainly exporting electronic products, machinery and equipment, textiles, chemical products and auto parts. The bilateral trade volume continues to grow, and the demand for logistics has also risen accordingly.
Affected by geographical distance, trade between China and Uruguay mainly relies on two modes of transportation: sea and air. Montevideo is the main port in Uruguay. It is not only the country’s busiest shipping hub, but also carries most of the import and export business of goods from China. Uruguay’s main international airport also supports the transit of high-value or urgently needed goods from China.
When arranging transportation, shippers should fully understand the customs clearance policies and cargo reception requirements of the Uruguayan destination port. Different types of goods may have differences in inspection, declaration or taxation, so working with a professional and experienced freight forwarder can effectively avoid potential customs clearance delays and additional costs.
Choosing the most appropriate shipping solution based on the weight, volume, urgency and budget of your goods will help ensure that your goods are delivered to Uruguay safely and efficiently.
Sea Freight from China to Uruguay
Sea Freight is a cost-effective bulk shipping solution for shipping goods to Uruguay, and is the first choice for businesses/individuals looking for an affordable way. Compared with air transportation, sea transportation is relatively more environmentally friendly because it generally reduces carbon emissions per unit of goods transported, thereby promoting environmental sustainability.
There are two main types of sea transportation services, and it is important to understand the difference between full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) shipping methods
Full Container Load(FCL)
Full container shipping is the ideal choice for transporting large quantities of goods. With FCL shipping, you have the entire container to yourself, ensuring that your goods are safe and stored separately from other goods. FCL shipping has the following advantages:
- Safety: Your goods are packed in a sealed container, minimizing handling and reducing the risk of damage or loss.
- Transit Time: FCL shipments generally have shorter transit times because there is no need to stop to load or unload other goods in the same container.
- Cost-Effective: For larger shipments, FCL shipments generally offer a more cost-effective solution compared to LCL.
Less Than Container Load(LCL)
For smaller shipments that don’t fill a container, in LCL shipments, your shipments share container space with other customers’ shipments. Here are some key points:
- Cost Savings: You only pay for the space you use, which makes LCL cost-effective for smaller shipments.
- Flexibility: It is a flexible option for shipments that don’t need to fill a full container.
- Transit Time: LCL shipments are consolidated at container freight stations, and transit time may increase slightly compared to FCL shipments.
Air Freight from China to Uruguay
Air freight is known for its unparalleled speed. It is the quickest way to get your goods to Uruguay, and is ideal for time-sensitive shipments. Airlines operate strictly to schedules, minimizing the possibility of unexpected delays. This reliability is essential for shipments that require punctuality.
Compared to other modes of transport, air freight involves minimal handling, meaning there is less risk of damage or loss of cargo. Airports are major global hubs, providing extensive connections to destinations around the world, making air freight an ideal choice for international trade.
Air freight services are designed to meet your urgent transportation needs while ensuring the safety and integrity of your cargo. Whether you are shipping electronics, pharmaceuticals, or any other time-sensitive goods, air freight is your best choice.
Shipping Time from China to Uruguay
For businesses and individuals planning to import goods, it is crucial to understand the shipping time from China to Uruguay. Understanding the factors that affect shipping time can help businesses plan better and reduce delays:
- Port congestion: Congestion at the Montevideo port can cause delays during peak season.
- Seasonal changes: Holiday peaks (fourth quarter) and Chinese New Year usually extend shipping time.
- Weather conditions: Bad weather may disrupt shipping plans.
Depending on the chosen mode of transportation, shipping times can vary greatly. The sea route mainly takes the Pacific-Panama Canal-Atlantic route to reach the main ports in Uruguay, which is generally 35-45 days.
Air routes usually take 5-10 days to arrive at Carrasco International Airport (Montevideo) due to the lack of direct flights.
| Shipping Mode | Departure City(China) | Arrival City(Uruguay) | Typical Transit Time |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | Shanghai | Montevideo | 35-45 days |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | Shenzhen | Montevideo | 30-40 days |
| Air Freight | Beijing | Carrasco | 10-12 days |
The following are the shipping times from China to surrounding countries:
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Argentina
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Brazil
Shipping Cost from China to Uruguay
Transportation costs are affected by factors such as cargo volume, weight, mode of transportation, fuel surcharges, etc. The cost structure usually includes the following parts:
- International freight: trunk line costs for sea/air transportation
- Local costs at the port of departure: customs declaration, loading, port miscellaneous costs, etc.
- Destination port costs: unloading, customs clearance, warehousing, etc.
- Taxes and tariffs: Uruguay’s import tariffs, consumption taxes, etc.
The cost range of shipping from China to Uruguay is as follows:
| Method | Shipping Cost | Best For |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | $3,800 – $5,000/container | Bulk machinery, furniture |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | $100 – $200/CBM | Small businesses |
| Air Freight | $6.0 – $10.0/kg | Electronics, pharmaceuticals |
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Container from China to Uruguay
Container shipping from China to Argentina is the mainstream mode of transportation. In addition to the different costs according to size (20ft and 40ft containers), there are also large differences between different ports of departure to different ports in Argentina:
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of Uruguay) | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Buenos Aires | $2300 – $3400 | $4000 – $4800 |
| Shenzhen | Buenos Aires | $2300 – $3600 | $3900 – $5000 |
| Ningbo | Buenos Aires | $2400 – $3500 | $4000 – $4700 |
| Shanghai | Rosario | $2200 – $3400 | $3900 – $4800 |
| Shenzhen | Rosario | $2100 – $3600 | $3950 – $4900 |
| Ningbo | Rosario | $2350 – $3700 | $4000 – $4800 |
| Shanghai | Bahia Blanca | $2400 – $3550 | $3800 – $5000 |
| Shenzhen | Bahia Blanca | $2500 – $3600 | $3800 – $4800 |
| Ningbo | Bahia Blanca | $2300 – $3700 | $4000 – $4800 |
Here are the costs for shipping to other countries:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Brazil?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Argentina
Steps to Shipping Goods from China to Uruguay
International freight shipping can be complex, whether you are a business owner importing in bulk or an individual shipping personal belongings, following a clear process can help ensure a smooth transaction:
Choose your delivery method
There are two main ways to ship goods from China to Uruguay, each with its own advantages depending on the size, weight and urgency of the shipment.
Find a reliable freight forwarder
Contact a freight forwarder or shipping company to book and arrange pickup and trailer services within China (such as from the factory to the port). Make sure to use the right container or packaging method
Packaging, Documentation and Compliance
Make sure your items are securely packaged and all documents are in order for worry-free transportation.
Smooth customs and tariffs
It is the Chinese exporter or its agent who is responsible for declaring the goods to the Chinese customs. After successful customs clearance, the goods will be loaded on a ship or machine for export.
Track the goods and manage the delivery
Know the exact location of your goods at any time with real-time online tracking. Freight forwarders usually provide tracking information, including shipping schedule updates, estimated time of arrival (ETA), etc.
Destination delivery
After customs clearance, the goods will be delivered to the destination city, such as Montevideo, Salto, Paisandu, etc. You can choose truck transportation or warehouse transit distribution.
Uruguay Customs Clearance and Import Requirements
Uruguay has a clear regulatory mechanism for imported goods, and it is recommended to be assisted by a professional freight forwarder. The main documents required for customs clearance:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin (if applicable)
- Bill of lading/airway bill
- Import license (additional documents are required for certain products such as medicines, food, and electrical appliances)
Tax policy
- Tariff rates are generally between 0-20%
- Value added tax (IVA) is 22%
- Some goods enjoy MERCOSUR regional tariff preferences
Although the geographical distance from China to Uruguay is far, for exporters and importers, choosing the right mode of transportation, understanding the customs clearance process, and cooperating with professional freight forwarding companies through this article are the key to ensuring the smooth, safe and timely arrival of goods.