For many years, China has been Mexico’s second largest trading partner globally. Mexico firmly holds the position of China’s second largest trading partner in Latin America and is one of the key countries for Chinese companies to conduct investment cooperation in Latin America. The cooperation areas mainly cover energy, telecommunications, transportation, infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, and finance.
Efficient shipping from China to Mexico is crucial for businesses engaged in international trade between these two countries. This comprehensive guide offers detailed insights into various aspects of shipping, such as sea and air freight, shipping durations, major ports, customs procedures, and the selection of a reliable freight forwarder.
Selecting a reliable freight forwarder is crucial for a seamless shipping experience. A good freight forwarder will have expertise in handling shipments between China and Mexico, be familiar with the customs procedures of both countries, and offer competitive rates and excellent customer service.
What are the shipping methods from China to Mexico?
The main options are express shipping by courier service, airfreight, and sea freight. In this section, we’ll provide a quick overview of how each method works as well as their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Express Shipping freight From China to Mexico :
This is the fastest option to ship goods to Mexico . With Express shipping, your merchandise can reach its destination within 3-7 business days. With Express shipping courier services see your packages from door-to-door – that is, from your supplier factory to the items’ end destination.
A variety of well-known carriers offer these services, such as UPS, TNT, FedEx, and EMS. They all have good reputations for reliability, so you can rest easy knowing your items are quickly making their way to their destination. These carriers use a variety of methods (airfreight and sea freight which we’ll go into in greater depth later) to provide a hands-off, worry-free service. They can pick up your inventory at your door (or factory) and see it to a designated address, whether that be the warehouse in Mexico or directly to your Mexican customers.
Door-to-door express shipping handles items of all sizes and weights. Light items are generally air-freighted for speed and heavy items are sea-freighted, which involves a longer ship time. But since they come directly to your door, they are the most convenient option.
Upsides to express shipping: A fast, worry-free experience for you
Downsides to express shipping: More expensive than alternatives
Air freight from China to Mexico :
The biggest advantage of air freight is speed. Items shipped from China can arrive in Mexico within 5-8 days. This is the best option for high-value items as they spend less time in transit. However, that speed comes with some trade-offs.
Air freight is usually more expensive than sea freight. It’s also better suited for smaller items since airlines have weight and volume restrictions. Air freight also uses more fuel than other modes of transportation, so if you and your company are ethically concerned about your carbon footprint, you’ll choose sea freight.
Sea Freight from China to Mexico :
Ocean Freight is the most common way to ship items from China to Mexico, mainly because of its versatility and reliability. While air freight has restrictions on what it can carry, virtually all items can be shipped by sea, including very large and heavy items (such as cars). The main disadvantage of ocean shipping is its timing. Other shipping methods take just a few days to deliver goods, while ocean freight can take weeks. Items typically take 15-40 days to reach their destination, depending on the type of shipment and the specific departure and arrival ports.
Ocean freight operates under FCL and LCL container systems. Please consider container size when selecting a shipping size and getting a price estimate, as FCL and LCL prices differ. We can help you create commercial invoices, clear customs and purchase insurance for your goods.
Full Container Load (FCL): Shipping in which all contents of the container are owned by one company. This is a good option when you are transporting a volume large enough to fill an entire container yourself. This applies to bulk items and bulky products. If you are filling the entire container, this is the most cost-effective option.
Less than Container Load (LCL): Items from multiple shippers are packed into a single container. This method is used when the quantity you are shipping is too small to fill an entire container. This allows for smaller, more adaptable inventories.
China main loading ports (POL) and Mexico main ports of discharge (POD) for sea freight & air freight
| SEAFREIGHT | AIRFREIGHT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Main POL | Main POD | Main POL | Main POD |
| Shanghai | Manzanillo | Shenzhen (SZX) | Mexico City (MEX) |
| Shenzhen | Veracruz | Shanghai (PVG) | Guadalajara (GDL) |
| Ningbo | Lázaro Cárdenas | Beijing (PEK) | Monterrey (MTY) |
| Qingdao | Altamira | Qingdao (TAO) | Queretaro (QRO) |
| Guangzhou | Enseñada | Ningbo (NBG) | Toluca (TLC) |
| Tianjin | Progreso | Xiamen (XMN) | Cancun (CUN) |
| Dalian | Guangzhou (CAN) | Tijuana (TIJ) | |
| Xiamen | Hong-Kong (HKG) | Hermosillo (HMO) | |
| Hong-Kong | Zhengzhou (CGO) | ||
| Macao | Xi’An (XIY) |
Shipping Costs from China to Mexico
Shipping costs from China to Mexico depend on various factors, including the shipping method, the size and weight of the cargo, and the specific route taken. Below are some general shipping cost estimates for different shipping methods:
Cost Of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Container From China To Mexico
The average price to ship a container from China to Mexico is $3,050 to $5,550.
Shipping costs for shipping a full container from China to Mexico depend on the size of the container (20ft or 40ft) and the timetable route, please contact the Bassendon Quotation Team for detailed rates for shipping containers from China to major container ports in Mexico .
- How much does it cost to ship a 20-foot container from China to Mexico? The average price to ship a 20-foot container from China to Mexico is $3050 to $4050. Shipping schedules for shipping 20-foot containers from China to Mexico vary by route.
- How much does it cost to ship a 40-foot container from China to Mexico? The average price of shipping a 40-foot container from China to Mexico is from $3,550 to $5,550. Shipping schedules for shipping 40-foot containers from China to Mexico vary by route.
How Much Does Container Shipping Rates From China To Mexico In 2024
These are the average prices to ship a container from China Mexico with the cheapest rates for loading and shipping containers from the major ports in China to Mexico for 20ft and 40ft containers (FCL) with all types of cargo such as: commercial cargo, vehicles, or personal effects for international shipments from China to Mexico.
| Container shipping service from China to Mexico | Type of container | Ocean freight rates from China to Mexico: |
|---|---|---|
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai China to Mexico. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3050 20FT average price from: $4150 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen China to Mexico. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Ningbo-Zhoushan China to Mexico. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong China to Mexico. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Guangzhou China to Mexico. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Qingdao China to Mexico | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Tianjin China to Mexico | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4150 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Dalian China to Mexico | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Xiamen China to Mexico | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Yingkou China to Mexico | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
LCL Consolidation Sea Freight Rates from China to Mexico
| Departure Port | Destination Port | USD/CBM (1-3 CBM) | USD/CBM (3-9 CBM) | Estimated Transit time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ningbo | Manzanillo | 250 | 200 | 35 |
| Shanghai | Manzanillo | 250 | 200 | 35 |
| Shenzhen | Manzanillo | 230 | 200 | 35 |
*These rates are subject to change and should be used as a reference only. For personalized LCL quotes, please contact Basenton Logistics.
Air freight price per kG from China to Mexico
| Departure City | Range | Destination Airport | Price Per KG ($USD) | Estimated Transit time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Mexico City (MEX) | 6.32 | 3-7 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Guadalajara (GDL) | 6.6 | 3-7 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Monterrey (MTY) | 6.7 | 7-10 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Mexico City (MEX) | 6.32 | 3-7 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Guadalajara (GDL) | 6.6 | 5-8 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Monterrey (MTY) | 6.7 | 7-10 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Mexico City (MEX) | 6.15 | 5-8 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Guadalajara (GDL) | 6.5 | 5-8 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Monterrey (MTY) | 6.55 | 7-10 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Mexico City (MEX) | 6.6 | 5-8 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Guadalajara (GDL) | 6.55 | 5-8 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Monterrey (MTY) | 7 | 5-8 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Mexico City (MEX) | 6.1 | 5-8 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Guadalajara (GDL) | 6.55 | 5-8 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Monterrey (MTY) | 7 | 6-9 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Mexico City (MEX) | 5.9 | 5-8 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Guadalajara (GDL) | 6.45 | 6-9 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Monterrey (MTY) | 6.9 | 6-9 |
How long does it take to ship from China to Mexico?
Sea, Air, Rail & Express transit times from China to Mexico
| Port to Port (days) | Door to Door (days) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight FCL | 25-35 | 28-45 |
| Sea Freight LCL | 25-35 | 28-45 |
| Air freight | 5-8 | 7-14 |
| Express | / | 3-7 |
Ship a Container from China to Mexico Time
The average transit time, sailing, and vessel schedule to ship your container from China to Mexico from the major ports in China.
| Continent of origin | Country of origin | Port of origin | Port of destination | Transit time (days) | 20DV FCL 40HQ FCL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | China | Port of Shanghai | Port of Altamira | 35 | $3150 |
| Asia | China | Port of Shenzhen | Port of Veracruz | 40 | $3850 |
| Asia | China | Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan | Port of Lazaro Cardenas | 38 | $3850 |
| Asia | China | Port of Hong Kong | Port of Manzanillo | 39 | $3850 |
| Asia | China | Port of Guangzhou | Port of Altamira | 40 | $3850 |
| Asia | China | Port of Qingdao | Port of Veracruz | 42 | $3850 |
| Asia | China | Port of Tianjin | Port of Lazaro Cardenas | 42 | $4850 |
| Asia | China | Port of Dalian | Port of Manzanillo | 25 | $3150 |
| Asia | China | Port of Xiamen | Port of Altamira | 28 | $3150 |
| Asia | China | Port of Yingkou | Port of Veracruz | 28 | $3250 |
Cheapest way to ship from China to Mexico
Minimizing transportation costs is crucial to maximizing profits in your importing business. To find the cheapest shipping method, consider these tips:
- Negotiate with multiple suppliers and carriers to find the best price
- Use freight forwarder packaging materials to reduce weight and costs
- Ship during the off-season to take advantage of lower shipping costs
- Consolidate shipments from multiple suppliers to save on shipping costs
- Choose the most suitable shipping method based on your cargo size, weight and required transit time
The 12 most important industry goods imported from China to Mexico
Mexico imports a variety of goods from China. The following are the most important categories:
- Motors: From generators to batteries and more.
- Machinery: including engines and refrigeration equipment.
- Vehicles: including cars, trucks and related parts.
- Computers and Electronics: Personal computers, parts and other electronic equipment.
- Fossil fuels: such as oil and coal.
- Plastics and plastic products: from plastic packaging to PVC.
- Optics, Technology, Medical Devices: Covering eyewear to technology and medical devices.
- Steel: Steel raw materials and processed products.
- Appliances: Various household and commercial appliances.
- Organic chemicals: used in various industries.
- Aluminum: Raw and processed aluminum products.
- Tires: Various types and sizes for different vehicles.
Customs Clearance and Import Duties in Mexico
When importing goods from China to Mexico, you must understand the customs clearance process and import duties. Mexican customs imposes a 16% value-added tax (VAT) on imported products, and additional taxes may be levied depending on the specific items being imported. It is crucial to understand these fees and prepare the necessary documentation to ensure a smooth customs clearance process.
Documents required for customs clearance
- Bill of Lading Manifest
- Mexican tax identification number
- Tariff subtitles and product information
- Register as an importer in Mexico
- Mexican Customs Value Declaration
- Mexico’s debt-free status
- Move inventory (if applicable)
- Trade or company patent in Mexico
- Authorization letter from your customs broker
What documents are needed to import from China to Mexico?
The requirements for importing from China to Mexico are to present an English-translated commercial invoice and a detailed packing list, which must indicate details of quantity, product type and shipping location, and then provide the following documents to customs in Mexico:
Goods imported from China must have the following documents:
- Bill of Lading Manifest, used for import, release and tax purposes.
- Mexican tax identification number
- Tariff subheadings and location of goods
- Register as an importer in Mexico
- Mexican Customs Value Declaration
- Mexico debt free
- Transfer inventory from China to Mexico (simple copy)
- Having a trade or company patent in Mexico must show that you are committed to importing from China.
- China Phytosanitary Export Certificate (Simplified Copy)
- Showcasing Mexico’s economic solvency
- Develop the terms of an Incoterms import agreement.
- Find a good customs broker in Mexico
- Original bill of lading, sea waybill or air waybill from the shipping company
- packing list
- commercial invoice
- China Joint Certificate of Production Value and Origin (CCVO)
- A letter of authorization authorizing your customs broker to handle import customs clearance for you in Mexico.
