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Shipping from China to Philippines

Complete Guide to Costs, Methods & Transit Times

Shipping goods from China to the Philippines used to be fairly simple, but things have changed. Many of our Filipino customers tell us they’re dealing with tougher customs requirements, unexpected delays, and confusing procedures once their shipments reach the Philippines. And honestly, it’s understandable—one small mistake in the paperwork can lead to high fees or days of waiting.

The easiest solution?
Work with a reliable freight forwarder in China who can take over everything from pickup to delivery. That’s exactly what companies like DDPCHAIN do: we handle each step so you don’t have to stress about clearance, paperwork, or logistics.

In 2025, the Philippines imported about USD 34.50 billion worth of goods from China. The majority of shipments move through four main methods:

  • Air Freight
  • Sea Freight (LCL/FCL)
  • DDP Door-to-Door Shipping
  • Express Courier Services

This guide breaks down each option clearly so you can choose a method that fits your budget, timeline, and business needs.

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Available Shipping Methods From China to the Philippines

There are four main shipping options you can choose from. Each one works best for a specific type of shipment, budget, or business model.

Comparison of Shipping Methods (2026)
Shipping MethodCostSpeedBest ForPopularity in the Philippines
Air FreightMedium–High3–7 daysElectronics, high-value goods, urgent cargo⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sea Freight (LCL/FCL)Low10–35 daysBulk shipments, heavy cargo, large volumes⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
DDP Door-to-DoorMedium7–18 daysSMEs, beginners, anyone avoiding customs⭐⭐⭐⭐
Express Courier (DHL/UPS/FEDEX/EMS)High2–5 daysSamples, small packages, urgent orders⭐⭐⭐

With this overview in mind, you can match the method to your budget and your timeline.

Air Freight From China to the Philippines (Costs + Transit Time)

Even though the distance between China and the Philippines is relatively short, about 20% of importers still choose air freight. Why? It’s fast, secure, and reliable making it perfect for commercial shipments like electronics, gadgets, and accessories.

Air freight is available from major Chinese hubs including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Yiwu, Shanghai, Beijing, Xiamen, Chengdu, and others. Shipments arrive in key Philippine airports such as Manila (NAIA), Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro.

Air Freight Rates (SZX → MNL)
WeightRouteTransit TimeTotal PricePrice per KG
100 kgSZX → MNL4 days$968$9.68/kg
300 kgSZX → MNL4 days$1,376$4.58/kg
500 kgSZX → MNL4 days$1,850$3.70/kg
Air Freight Rates (PVG → MNL)
WeightRouteTransit TimeTotal PricePrice per KG
100 kgPVG → MNL9–11 days$968$9.68/kg
300 kgPVG → MNL9–11 days$1,358$4.52/kg
500 kgPVG → MNL9–11 days$1,770$3.54/kg

What’s Included in Air Freight Pricing?

These prices are airport-to-airport only. If you need delivery straight to your address, that falls under DDP air shipping.

Below is a breakdown of what’s included in the standard air freight cost:

Origin Charges (China)
  • Documentation (ODOC) — Export paperwork
  • Customs Clearance (OCCF) — 0.1 USD/kg, min. 85 USD
  • Palletization (PLT) — 0.5 USD/kg, min. 0.5 USD
Air Freight Charges
  • Weight-based cost
  • Handling and loading fees
Destination Charges (Philippines)
  • Import Documentation (DDOC)
  • Local Handling Fee (D-LOCAL) — 0.5 USD/kg, min. 12 USD
  • Terminal Handling Charge (DTHC)
  • Brokerage — Includes import clearance for up to 2 HS codes
  • Insurance — Based on declared cargo value

If this feels complicated, don’t worry — forwarders like DDPCHAIN can take over the entire process.

Best Philippine Airport for Air Freight

We usually recommend Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) because:

  • Clearance is faster
  • More daily flights from China
  • Better handling for commercial cargo

Sea Freight From China to the Philippines (Costs + Transit Time)

If your goal is to save on shipping, sea freight is the best option. This works for shipments from 1 CBM up to full containers  no size limits.

You can choose between:

FCL (Full Container Load)
  • Entire container belongs to you
  • Best for shipments over ~16 CBM (20ft container)
LCL (Less Than Container Load)
  • You share a container with others
  • Ideal for 1–10 CBM shipments
2026 FCL Sea Freight Rates (China → Philippines)
Origin PortDestinationTransit TimeTypePrice (USD)
ZhaoqingManila22 daysFCL$385
ShenzhenManila6 daysFCL$480
GuangzhouManila15–20 daysFCL$395
NanshaManila16–22 daysFCL$420
Shanghai (PVG)Manila18–22 daysFCL$430
Shanghai (Waigaoqiao)Manila17–21 daysFCL$445
NingboManila18–22 daysFCL$410
XiamenManila16–20 daysFCL$405

Best Philippine Seaport for Importers

Most importers prefer Port of Manila (Pantalan ng Maynila) because:

  • It handles the largest volume
  • Vessels from China arrive frequently
  • Processing is generally smoother

Express Courier Shipping (Costs + Transit Time)

If speed matters more than cost, courier shipping is the quickest option. Your package is moved by companies like FedEx, DHL, UPS, EMS, and others.

Great for:

  • Samples
  • Documents
  • Small parcels
  • Urgent orders
Express Courier Prices (2026)
WeightE-ExpressChina PostFedEx IPUPS ExpeditedHK-UPS SaverDHL
1 kg$21.27$21.81$34.82$41.86$47.85$43.01
5 kg$49.72$74.44$100.26$85.12$107.99
10 kg$85.27$120.08$175.53$118.31$188.40
Transit Times (2026)
WeightE-ExpressChina PostFedEx IPUPS ExpeditedHK-UPS SaverDHL
1 kg10–20 days18–30 days5–8 days8–12 days5–7 days3–6 days
5 kg10–20 days5–8 days8–12 days5–7 days3–6 days
10 kg10–20 days5–8 days8–12 days5–7 days3–6 days

DDP Door-to-Door Shipping From China to the Philippines

Customs in the Philippines can be complicated. One mistake often leads to delays, penalties, or unexpected costs. That’s why many importers  especially SMEs   now prefer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid).

With DDP:

  • We pick up the goods in China
  • Handle export paperwork
  • Ship by air or sea
  • Process customs clearance in both countries
  • Deliver straight to your address in the Philippines

No need to deal with brokers, taxes, or customs officers.

DDP Shipping Rates (2026)
ServiceCargo TypePriceTransit Time
DDP Air (<100kg)Normal goods30 RMB/kg5 days
DDP Air (>100kg)Normal goods27 RMB/kg5 days
DDP Air (>100kg)With brand authorization33 RMB/kg5 days
DDP Air (>100kg)No brand authorization43 RMB/kg5 days
DDP SeaNon-brand goods1,000 RMB/CBM (delivery included)15–20 days
DDP SeaSecond-hand items1,600 RMB/CBM + 4,200 RMB deliveryVaries

This is why DDP is the most convenient option for many importers  shipping + clearance + delivery are already included.

Required Documents for a Shipping Quote

To calculate an accurate shipping price, we need a few basic documents from you:

  • Proforma Invoice (from your supplier)
  • Packing List
  • Photos of the shipment
  • Product type (whether it contains batteries, liquids, magnets, or is considered DGR)
  • Loading port in China
  • Destination port in the Philippines
  • Shipping terms (EXW, FOB, CIF, etc.)

Once we have these, we can recommend the best route and the lowest cost based on your shipment.

Final Thoughts

Shipping from China to the Philippines doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is choosing the right method for your budget and timeline and working with a freight forwarder who can simplify the entire process.

If you need help comparing costs or choosing between air, sea, DDP, or courier, the DDPCHAIN team can walk you through every step.

Just send your shipment details, and we’ll help you choose the best option.

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FAQ
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to the Philippines?

Sea freight especially LCL is usually the lowest-cost option for shipments under 10 CBM.

Pricing depends on weight, volume, and method. Air freight, sea freight, DDP, and express each have different rate structures.

Delivery time ranges from 2 days (express) to 3–7 days (air) and 10–35 days (sea) depending on your route.

DDP is a door-to-door service where the forwarder handles pickup, export, shipping, customs clearance, and delivery with no extra fees for the importer.

DDP rates are calculated per kilogram (air) or per CBM (sea), and include shipping plus customs clearance.

Express couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS are the fastest, usually delivering in 2–5 days.

You need a proforma invoice, packing list, shipment photos, product details, and port information.

Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Yiwu are the most commonly used because of frequent flights and vessel schedules.

Yes. DDP shipping allows you to avoid customs processing entirely because the forwarder manages everything.

Weight, CBM, shipping method, cargo type (normal or DGR), origin port, and final destination all impact the final cost.

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