Import & Shipping Cost from Mexico to United States | Free Calculator 2026
The US market rewards importers who plan their duty exposure before they book freight. From 2-15% depending on HS code (Section 301 tariffs may add 7.5-25% on Chinese goods) base rates to Section 301 surcharges and the $800 de minimis threshold, the tariff structure for Mexico goods is layered. This guide walks through each layer with numbers you can verify against your own supplier quotes.
Is Mexico the Right Sourcing Choice? A Cost Reality Check
Before you commit to Mexico as your source, run the full pipeline math: unit price, freight, insurance, duty, and inland delivery. US importers who compare landed cost per unit across two or three origins typically find a 8-15% spread that changes their sourcing decision. Base duty rates for machinery, vehicles, electronics, oil, and agricultural products fall in the 2-15% depending on HS code (Section 301 tariffs may add 7.5-25% on Chinese goods) range before any additional tariffs are applied.
US Tariffs on Mexico Goods: What You Will Actually Pay
Duty calculation for Mexico goods starts with the 10-digit HTS number, not the product name. The base rate for machinery, vehicles, electronics, oil, and agricultural products sits in the 2-15% depending on HS code (Section 301 tariffs may add 7.5-25% on Chinese goods) band, but classification errors are the most common reason importers overpay. Mexico and United States trade under standard WTO most-favored-nation (MFN) duty rates. A customs broker can verify your HTS code before you ship, which costs far less than a post-clearance correction.
Sea Freight or Air Freight from Mexico? The Cost Difference
Freight economics on the Mexico to United States lane: LCL sea freight typically runs $400-700 per 2 CBM with 14-18 day transit, while air cargo costs $1,200-1,800 and lands in 3-5 days. Sea freight typically 15-28 days. Air freight 3-7 days depending on the route. For products under 1 CBM with high unit value, express courier is often the total-cost winner because it cuts warehousing and handling.
Which US Port Will Your Mexico Cargo Clear Through?
Cargo from Mexico clears through the main US gateways — Los Angeles and Long Beach on the West Coast, New York and Newark in the East, Savannah for the Southeast. On this lane the typical port pair is Manzanillo, Veracruz, Lazaro Cardenas, Altamira → Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Seattle. Customs clearance adds roughly $150-300 in broker fees plus ISF filing, which the calculator includes in its estimate.
The Full Landed Cost from Mexico to the US, Line by Line
A concrete example on this route: $10,000 of goods from Mexico, LCL sea freight at $500, marine insurance at 0.5% ($50), customs duty at an estimated 8% ($800), broker fees of $150, and ISF filing at $25 — a landed total near $11,535 before inland delivery. Every line item is adjustable in the calculator above.
Common Mistakes Importers Make with Mexico Shipments
Three recurring clearance issues on US imports from Mexico: (1) using the wrong valuation basis — the US assesses duty on FOB value, so check whether freight is embedded in your price; (2) missing ISF filing, which triggers fines; (3) assuming the product description on the invoice matches the HTS definition. Each one is avoidable with a short checklist before shipping.
More Routes from Mexico
Explore other popular destination markets for Mexico exports.
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.