Spike in the tariff has created a huge impact on shipping from China to the USA, making it more important than ever to calculate shipping charges accurately.
By knowing the costs upfront, you can avoid unexpected fees, protect your profit margins, and save time.
This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step breakdown — along with the latest tariff updates — to help you ship smarter.
Why Shipping Costs Matter for Importers
Every importer across the globe wants the best deal, that means every dollar in shipping from China to the USA matters.
A product that looks profitable on paper can quickly turn into a loss once freight rates, customs, and delivery charges kick in.
So without a clear grasp of these costs upfront, you risk mispricing products, losing competitiveness, and watching your margins disappear.
Knowing your shipping cost isn’t just accounting — it’s survival for your business.
If you are shipping apparel from China to the USA (read)
Factors That Affect Shipping Charges from China to USA
When it comes to shipping, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” price. Your total cost depends on several moving parts — and understanding them helps you avoid surprises and choose the most cost-effective option.
Mode of Transport
Whether you ship by air freight, sea freight, express couriers, or rail + truck combos, the choice directly impacts cost, speed, and reliability. Sea is usually cheaper but slower; air is fast but comes at a premium. (Read)
Weight & Volume
Carriers often charge based on chargeable weight — whichever is greater between the actual weight and the volumetric weight. Bulky but lightweight products may cost more than you expect.
Distance & Routes
Shipping to the East Coast vs. West Coast can make a big difference in cost and transit time. Add in factors like port congestion or detours, and rates can fluctuate further.
Incoterms
Terms like FOB, EXW, DDP, or CIF define who covers what costs (supplier vs. buyer). Not knowing your Incoterms can leave you footing unexpected bills.
Customs Duties & Tariffs
Tariffs have seen frequent updates in recent years. Factoring in the latest customs duties is essential to avoid nasty surprises at the border.
Fuel Surcharges & Peak Season Fees
From rising fuel costs to seasonal surcharges during holidays or shopping peaks, these extras can quickly add up and eat into your margins.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Calculate Your Shipping Costs
Calculating shipping costs from China to the USA doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these simple steps to get a realistic picture of what you’ll pay and how it impacts your bottom line.
Step 1: Identify Your Shipping Method
Decide whether you’ll use sea freight, air freight, express courier, or rail/truck combos. Sea is cheaper for large, heavy shipments but slower (20–40 days). Air or courier is faster (3–10 days) but costs more.
Step 2: Measure Your Shipment Size & Weight
Carriers charge based on chargeable weight — the greater of actual weight vs. volumetric weight (length × width × height ÷ 6000 for air freight). For example, a box of pillows may weigh only 20 kg, but its volume could make the chargeable weight 60 kg.
Step 3: Get Freight Rates
Request quotes from forwarders or carriers. As a ballpark:
- Sea freight (FCL 40-ft container): $4,000–$6,000.
- Air freight: $4–$8 per kg.
- Express courier (DHL/UPS/FedEx): $6–$10 per kg for smaller loads.
Step 4: Add Tariffs & Customs Duties
Factor in US import duties and tariffs, which vary by product category (HS code). With ongoing US-China trade policies, tariffs can range from 55% up to 200% on certain goods.
Step 5: Include Local Charges
Don’t forget origin and destination fees:
- China export fees (documentation, customs clearance).
- USA port/handling fees (terminal charges, unloading).
- Inland delivery (trucking from port/airport to your warehouse).
Step 6: Calculate Your Landed Cost per Unit
Add everything up (freight + tariffs + local charges). Then divide by the number of units shipped. This landed cost per unit is what really determines whether your product is profitable.
👉 Example: A $3 product might look like a steal, but after shipping, tariffs, and handling, your real landed cost could be $5 or more — a huge difference when setting retail prices.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, calculating shipping from China to the USA isn’t guesswork — it’s about breaking it down into the right pieces: your shipping method, shipment weight and volume, freight rates, tariffs, and all those extra add-ons like handling and delivery fees.
And that’s where a trusted international freight forwarding partner makes all the difference. At AIR 7 SEAS, we help businesses like yours simplify the entire process — from accurate cost breakdowns to smooth customs clearance — so you can focus on growing your business while we handle the logistics.
So the next time you’re browsing suppliers in China, don’t just ask for the product price — ask for a full shipping breakdown too. That’s how you protect your margins and stay competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to ship from China to the USA?
The cost varies depending on the shipping method, size, and weight of your goods:
- Sea freight (FCL, 40-ft container): $4,000–$6,000
- Air freight: $4–$8 per kg
- Express courier (DHL/UPS/FedEx): $6–$10 per kg for smaller loads
Your final cost also depends on tariffs, customs duties, and local handling charges in both China and the USA.
2. What tariffs apply to goods imported from China to the USA?
Tariffs depend on the product category (HS code). With recent US-China trade tensions, duties can range widely — from 55% up to 200% for certain goods. Checking the latest tariff updates before shipping is crucial to avoid unexpected costs that can wipe out profit margins.
3. What is included in landed cost when importing from China?
Your landed cost is the true cost per unit after everything is added up. It includes:
- Freight charges (sea, air, or courier)
- Customs duties & tariffs
- Origin charges in China (export fees, documentation)
- Destination charges in the USA (port fees, unloading, trucking)
Example: A $3 product might end up costing $5+ per unit after shipping and tariffs.
4. How can I reduce shipping costs from China to the USA?
You can cut costs by:
- Choosing the right mode: Use sea freight for large shipments, air/courier for urgent or smaller loads.
- Consolidating shipments: Combine multiple orders into one to save on container space.
- Optimizing packaging: Reduce volumetric weight by minimizing empty space.
- Working with a freight forwarder: They can negotiate better rates and simplify customs clearance.
- Planning ahead: Avoid peak season surcharges by shipping early.
5. Should I use a freight forwarder when shipping from China?
Yes — a reliable international freight forwarder can save you time, money, and stress. They handle:
- Negotiating the best freight rates
- Managing documentation and customs clearance
- Advising on Incoterms (so you don’t get stuck with unexpected costs)
- Coordinating delivery from the Chinese supplier to your US warehouse
This allows you to focus on running your business instead of dealing with shipping complexities.