Why Air Freight is Popular Among Filipino Importers

Importing items from China to the Philippines has become more efficient and budget-friendly for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are an ecommerce store owner, a wholesaler, or a company looking for bulk imports, understanding the available shipping options can increase your profits and ensure faster processing.

Benefits of Sourcing From China

China is a top choice because of:

Cheap manufacturing rates

Thousands of product categories

Trusted manufacturers

Fast shipping connections

Long-standing importing ties between both countries

For both small and large businesses, importing from China can support business growth.

Best Ways to Ship From China to the Philippines

You can choose from three major options:

1. Air Cargo

Air cargo is the fastest method, ideal for:

Tech products

Compact packages

Expensive products

Rush deliveries

Transit time:

within a week

Pros:

Extremely quick

Secure

Reliable monitoring

Cons:

More expensive

2. Ocean Shipping

Sea freight is the most economical method for large shipments.

Choose between:

FCL (Full Container Load)

Best for those who can fill a full shipment.

LCL (Less Than Container Load)

Perfect when you want to reduce costs without booking a full load.

Transit time:

around 2–3 weeks

Pros:

Very cost-effective

Best for big shipments

Cons:

Slower than air

Customs-heavy process

3. Courier Shipping

Best for small parcels under 50kg. Popular courier companies include:

DHL

FedEx

UPS

China EMS

LBC (via partners)

Transit time:

fast delivery times

Pros:

Door-to-door service

Simple shipping

Cons:

Not ideal for bulk items

Best Shipping Routes

China’s exporting ports:

Canton

Shenzhen

Ningbo

Shanghai

Xiamen

Qingdao

Philippines receiving ports:

Port of Manila

Port of Cebu

Davao Port

Subic Port

Air cargo usually arrives at:

NAIA Manila

Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Customs and Taxes

Your shipment may be charged:

Duty fees

Value Added Tax

Clearance fees

Costs depend on:

Product type

Declared value

Courier or freight

Items valued under ₱10,000 may qualify for the zero-duty rule.

Documentation Needed

Ensure your supplier provides:

Invoice

Packing List

Bill of Lading or Airway Bill

Origin certificate (if required)

Import Permit for restricted items

Complete documents ensure smooth customs clearance.

Choosing a Freight Forwarder

A good freight forwarder helps with:

Booking cargo

Processing documents

Home/warehouse delivery

Consolidation

Monitoring

Choose a company with strong China-Philippines experience for smooth operations.

How to Reduce Costs

Combine shipments

Skip holiday rush

Use reputable forwarders

Ship by sea for large loads

Request better rates

Conclusion

Shipping From China to the Philippines  is a strategic move for anyone looking to grow their business. With the right shipping method, proper documents, and a reliable freight forwarder, you can enjoy hassle-free and affordable importing in 2025 and beyond.