Import & Shipping Cost from China to United States | Free Calculator 2026
Importing from China to the US is rarely as simple as the factory quote suggests. Once you layer in freight, insurance, customs duty, clearance fees, and inland delivery, the total can land 15-35% above the invoice price. Here is what a real China-to-US shipment looks like when every cost layer is on the table.
Air vs Sea from China: Which Shipping Method Wins on Cost?
Choose the shipping method by cost-per-day, not by cheapest headline rate. Sea freight wins for anything over 1 CBM or under $15/kg value density; air wins when stock-out costs exceed the freight premium. Shanghai→Los Angeles 14-18 days by sea (Pacific route). 3-5 days by air freight via LAX or SFO. Whatever you pick, the calculator above lets you switch methods and see the landed-cost impact instantly.
US Ports of Entry for China Cargo: What to Expect
Where your shipment lands matters as much as how it ships. Choosing a port close to your distribution center can cut inland freight by 30-50% versus a far gateway. Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Guangzhou, Qingdao → Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Seattle is the standard routing for this lane, and the calculator's fee structure reflects the costs at these gateways.
Your Real Cost from China to the US: A Full Breakdown
To plan your margin on China imports, add roughly 12-18% on top of the FOB price for a typical sea-freight shipment: freight, insurance, duty at 2-15% depending on HS code (Section 301 tariffs may add 7.5-25% on Chinese goods), broker fees, and clearance charges. Run your own numbers in the calculator — the breakdown shows exactly where each dollar goes.
How Much Duty Will You Pay on China Imports to the US?
When US–China trade with Section 301 tariffs on select goods applies, your effective duty can drop sharply — but only if the paperwork proves origin correctly. Keep supplier certificates and production records on file; US Customs can request them months after entry. For electronics, machinery, toys, textiles, furniture, and auto parts, verify whether the rate that applies is the general, special, or Section 301 column before quoting your margin.
Sourcing from China: What the Numbers Really Say
The case for sourcing from China looks different once you include everything after the factory gate. A $10 unit price can become $12.80 by the time it clears US customs and reaches your warehouse. That is why this route page exists: to show the real, itemized numbers instead of the quoted FOB price.
Mistakes to Avoid When Importing from China
The difference between a smooth and a painful US clearance often comes down to documents: a complete commercial invoice, packing list, and correct HTS code. For China shipments, also keep origin certificates if US–China trade with Section 301 tariffs on select goods is claimed. The calculator's estimate assumes standard documentation is in place — verify yours before you book freight.
More Routes from China
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Disclaimer
Duty rates, shipping costs, and VAT rates are estimates for reference only. Actual costs depend on specific HS code classification, current carrier rates, fuel surcharges, exchange rates, and country-specific customs regulations. Consult a licensed customs broker for accurate quotes.
Rates last updated September 2026. Sources: national customs authorities, EU TARIC, and official tariff schedules. Verify with your customs broker before shipping.