Shipping from China to Brazil plays a vital role in global trade, especially as Brazil remains one of the largest importers of Chinese goods in South America. From consumer electronics and machinery to clothing and industrial components, thousands of companies rely on efficient and reliable shipping services to move products from Chinese factories to Brazilian ports and warehouses.
Understanding the shipping cost from China to Brazil is crucial for businesses looking to control expenses, streamline logistics, and ensure timely delivery. Whether you are shipping a full container or managing smaller shipments, choosing the right shipping method—such as sea freight, air freight, or door-to-door delivery—directly affects both budget and performance.
In this 2025 guide, we break down the full range of international shipping options available, compare transit times, provide sample air freight and sea freight costs, and explain how to navigate customs clearance and Brazilian import regulations. With expert tips and updated shipping rates, you’ll discover how to reduce shipping costs, avoid common pitfalls, and work with a trusted freight forwarder to ensure smooth delivery from China to Brazil.
Sea Freight from China to Brazil
Sea freight is the most commonly used and cost-effective shipping method for businesses transporting large volumes of goods from China to Brazil. It’s ideal for full container loads (FCL), less than container loads (LCL), and bulk cargo. Though slower than air freight, ocean shipping offers the best value when measured by cost per cubic meter.
Major Chinese Ports for Export
China’s well-developed port infrastructure ensures smooth cargo handling and global accessibility. Key major container ports used for shipping cargo to Brazil include:
These ports offer access to competitive ocean freight rates and direct connections to Brazil’s top ports.
Major Brazilian Ports for Import
Brazil also has several strategically located container ports that handle goods from China, including:
- Port of Santos – the largest and busiest in Brazil
- Port of Rio de Janeiro
- Port of Paranaguá
- Port of Itajaí
Selecting the right destination port helps reduce inland transport costs and improves delivery speed.
Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Brazil
The sea freight transit time depends on origin and destination ports, vessel schedules, and cargo handling. Below is a table of estimated transit times:
| Route | Sea Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Shanghai → Santos | 35 – 42 days |
| Ningbo → Rio de Janeiro | 37 – 45 days |
| Shenzhen → Itajaí | 33 – 40 days |
| Guangzhou → Paranaguá | 36 – 43 days |
Transit time may vary depending on shipping lines, port congestion, or customs delays.
Sea Freight Costs from China to Brazil
| Route | 20GP Container | 40GP Container | 40HQ Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai – Santos | $1,050 | $1,750 | $1,850 |
| Ningbo – Rio de Janeiro | $1,080 | $1,780 | $1,880 |
| Shenzhen – Itajaí | $1,030 | $1,700 | $1,800 |
Prices may fluctuate depending on market demand, shipping lines, and seasonal surcharges.
LCL Shipping (Less Than Container Load)
For businesses that don’t require a full container, LCL shipping allows you to pay only for the space you use. LCL is perfect for smaller shipments under 15 CBM and helps reduce overall costs.
Air Freight from China to Brazil
For time-sensitive shipments, air freight is the fastest and most secure way to transport goods from China to Brazil. Although the cost per kilogram is higher compared to sea freight, air transportation provides a major advantage when dealing with urgent cargo, high-value shipments, or smaller shipments requiring timely delivery.
Major Airports in China for Export
China operates several international airports equipped for global air cargo exports, including:
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)
These hubs handle large volumes of air freight destined for Brazil and offer frequent direct flights to South America.
Brazilian Airports for Air Cargo
In Brazil, the main gateways for air shipments are:
- São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
- Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport (GIG)
These major Brazilian ports by air are strategically located for fast cargo handling and nationwide distribution.
Air Freight Transit Time from China to Brazil
The air freight transit time typically ranges between 4–8 days, depending on origin city, airline, customs clearance, and whether the flight is direct or via transit hubs.
| Route | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Shanghai → São Paulo | 5 – 7 days |
| Guangzhou → Rio de Janeiro | 6 – 8 days |
| Shenzhen → São Paulo | 4 – 6 days |
| Beijing → São Paulo | 5 – 8 days |
Use air transport for shipments requiring speed, safety, and minimal inventory delays.
Air Freight Cost from China to Brazil
Air freight cost depends on cargo weight, volume, and route. Below is a sample of estimated pricing:
| Weight Category | Cost per kg | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|
| 100 kg | $4.80 – $5.50 | $480 – $550 |
| 300 kg | $3.90 – $4.80 | $1,170 – $1,440 |
| 500 kg+ | $3.60 – $4.40 | $1,800 – $2,200 |
Air cargo pricing is typically based on chargeable weight, which considers both gross and volumetric dimensions.
Door to Door Shipping from China to Brazil
If you’re looking for a hassle-free logistics solution, door to door shipping from China to Brazil is the most convenient method. This comprehensive shipping service covers everything—from pickup at the Chinese supplier’s warehouse to final delivery at your location in Brazil.
Whether you’re shipping by air freight or sea freight, door-to-door delivery helps reduce coordination issues by bundling all steps into one service handled by your freight forwarder.
What’s Included in Door-to-Door Service?
A standard door to door shipping service includes:
- Pickup from the factory or supplier in China
- Inland trucking to port or airport
- Export customs clearance in China
- Air or sea transportation
- Brazilian customs clearance
- Final delivery to your warehouse, store, or home
This service is especially helpful for buyers unfamiliar with customs regulations or import processes in Brazil.
DDP Shipping from China to Brazil
For even more convenience, many logistics providers offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping to Brazil. This includes all shipping costs, import duties, customs taxes, and local delivery fees, allowing you to receive your goods without dealing with Brazilian customs directly.
Comparison: DDP by Air vs DDP by Sea
| Service Type | Transit Time | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DDP Air | 7 – 10 days | $4.50 – $8/kg | Urgent or lightweight cargo |
| DDP Sea | 35 – 45 days | $180 – $300/CBM | Large-volume or bulk shipments |
DDP is ideal for e-commerce sellers and small businesses needing predictable international shipping with no surprise fees.
Who Should Use Door-to-Door?
- Amazon or Shopify sellers
- SMEs without import licenses
- Buyers unfamiliar with the customs clearance process
- Customers seeking all-in-one shipping options
With a trusted freight forwarder, your entire shipping process is simplified and managed under one contract.
Customs Clearance in Brazil
When importing goods from China to Brazil, understanding the customs clearance process is crucial. All shipments—whether transported by air freight or sea freight—must comply with Brazilian customs regulations to avoid delays, fines, or cargo seizures.
Required Documents for Brazilian Customs
To ensure smooth customs clearance, the following documents are typically required:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)
- Import Declaration (DI)
- NCM code (Brazil’s version of the HS code)
- Certificate of Origin (if applicable)
In some cases, additional permits or product certifications may be required depending on the goods.
Role of Customs Brokers
A licensed customs broker (Despachante Aduaneiro) is often needed to handle the import declaration and liaise with Brazilian customs authorities. Working with an experienced freight forwarder or broker helps reduce errors, speed up processing, and avoid penalties.
Brazilian Import Duties and Taxes
Brazil applies import taxes based on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). The main taxes include:
- II (Import Duty) – typically 0%–20% depending on the product
- IPI (Industrialized Product Tax) – varies by product category
- PIS/COFINS – 9.25% combined
- ICMS (State Tax) – varies by state, often 18%
Make sure to classify your products correctly using the right NCM code, as it determines your applicable import duty and tax rates.
Common Issues During Clearance
- Incomplete or incorrect documents
- Mismatched declared value
- Improper product classification
- Lack of import license (for restricted items)
These can result in cargo hold-ups or fines. It’s highly recommended to work with a reliable shipping company or freight forwarder who understands Brazilian customs.
Explore more shipping guides:
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Factors Affecting Shipping Costs from China to Brazil
The shipping cost from China to Brazil isn’t fixed—it varies depending on several key factors. Understanding these variables can help you plan more accurately, negotiate better rates, and choose the most suitable shipping method for your cargo.
Shipping Method (Air vs Sea)
- Air freight offers fast transit time, but it’s more expensive and calculated based on chargeable weight.
- Sea freight, especially FCL (full container load) or LCL (less than container load), is more economical but slower.
Choosing the right shipping mode based on your budget and timeline will greatly affect total costs.
Cargo Volume and Weight
Whether you’re shipping pallets, cartons, or entire container loads, the volume (CBM) and gross weight determine how much you’ll pay. For LCL shipping, you’re charged per cubic meter. For air shipping, both volume and actual weight are calculated to determine the final rate.
Use a CBM calculator to estimate shipping volume before booking.
Shipping Route and Port Choice
The shipping route and your selected origin and destination ports can influence both price and delivery time. For example:
- Shipping from Shanghai to Santos is usually cheaper than from inland cities like Chengdu.
- Choosing major ports with frequent vessel calls reduces both cost and delays.
Transit Time
Faster shipping typically costs more. If you need time-critical shipments, expect to pay a premium—especially during high-demand seasons or peak holidays.
| Shipping Type | Average Transit Time | Speed Level |
|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | 4 – 8 days | Fast |
| Sea Freight | 35 – 45 days | Slow |
| DDP Air | 7 – 10 days | Medium |
| DDP Sea | 35 – 50 days | Slow |
Freight Forwarder and Service Type
The freight forwarder you choose plays a big role in final cost. A good forwarder can optimize routes, consolidate cargo, and offer all-inclusive container shipping services with predictable pricing.
Look for experienced providers who understand Brazilian customs regulations and have local clearance teams.
How to Reduce Shipping Costs from China to Brazil
Lowering your shipping costs from China to Brazil is possible with smart planning and the right logistics strategies. Whether you’re a small e-commerce seller or a large importer, here are some proven ways to reduce shipping costs while maintaining reliability and speed.
Choose the Right Shipping Method
Selecting the correct shipping method is the foundation of cost control. For large volumes, sea freight (especially FCL) is the most cost-effective. For urgent or lightweight goods, air freight or LCL shipping may be better—but ensure you’re not paying premium prices for non-urgent cargo.
Use FCL when your goods fill at least 15–20 CBM to get the best per-unit rate.
Optimize Cargo Volume and Packaging
Improper packaging can increase chargeable weight or result in wasted space in your shipping container. Use stackable cartons and calculate your CBM to avoid overpaying for unused capacity.
- Combine smaller shipments into one load
- Avoid excessive packaging material
- Use proper box sizes for better container fit
Book Early and Avoid Peak Season
International shipping rates often spike during peak seasons (e.g., Chinese New Year, Black Friday, Christmas). Booking early gives you access to better rates and ensures space availability—especially for container shipping services.
Consider Door-to-Door or Consolidated Shipping
If you frequently ship smaller volumes, consider consolidated LCL shipping or DDP door-to-door services. Grouping shipments reduces handling and customs charges, while door-to-door shipping simplifies the entire process.
Work with a Trusted Freight Forwarder
A professional freight forwarder can:
- Recommend cost-saving shipping options
- Provide better shipping rates
- Handle customs clearance
- Ensure efficient coordination of the entire shipping process
A reliable partner helps you avoid delays, hidden fees, and costly mistakes when importing into Brazil.
FAQ: Shipping from China to Brazil
What is the cheapest shipping method from China to Brazil?
The cheapest shipping option is usually sea freight using an FCL (Full Container Load). If you’re shipping more than 15 CBM, booking an entire container offers the lowest cost per unit. For smaller volumes, LCL shipping is more affordable than air.
How long does shipping from China to Brazil take?
- Sea freight: 35–45 days
- Air freight: 4–8 days
- DDP by air: 7–10 days
- DDP by sea: 35–50 days
Transit time can vary based on the shipping route, customs processing, and local port congestion.
Can I ship small or urgent goods by air?
Yes. Brazil air freight is ideal for time-critical shipments, high-value items, or orders under 300 kg. It offers faster delivery, especially for businesses requiring timely delivery or minimal inventory delays.
What are the customs taxes when importing to Brazil?
Brazilian customs tax includes:
- Import Duty (II): up to 20%
- IPI (Industrialized Product Tax)
- PIS/COFINS
- ICMS (State Tax)
Taxes are calculated based on the CIF value of the shipment. A customs broker or freight forwarder can help you classify goods correctly and avoid penalties.
Which are the major ports for shipping goods into Brazil?
- Port of Santos (São Paulo)
- Port of Rio de Janeiro
- Port of Paranaguá
- Port of Itajaí
These ports handle most brazil sea freight and are well-connected to major inland cities.
Do I need a license to import from China to Brazil?
Yes, some goods require an import license. Your freight forwarder or shipping company can advise whether your products need special documentation or customs clearance permits.
Can I combine air and sea freight for better efficiency?
Yes, multimodal transport is available—combining air freight for urgent parts and sea freight for bulk goods. This strategy balances speed and cost.
What size shipping containers are available?
Standard options for shipping containers from China to Brazil include:
- 20ft container (ideal for ~28 CBM)
- 40ft container (ideal for ~58 CBM)
- 40ft HQ container (ideal for ~68 CBM)
Choosing the right size container depends on your cargo type, volume, and packaging style.
What’s the role of a freight forwarder in international shipping?
A freight forwarder manages the entire shipping process, from supplier pickup in China to customs clearance and final delivery in Brazil. They ensure proper documentation, negotiate with carriers, and handle any issues during transit.