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Shipping from China to North America

Sea, air and DDP shipping from Shenzhen, Shanghai, Ningbo and Qingdao to the USA, Canada and Mexico, routed by the final delivery point.

Get My North America Quote

Quick Answer: China to North America Shipping Time & Routes

Sea freight from China reaches the US West Coast and Vancouver in about 14–20 days port to port, the US East Coast in 25–35 days through the Panama Canal, and Mexico's Pacific ports in 18–28 days. Inland cargo continues by rail or truck: Toronto takes 22–28 days by sea and rail.

Each country needs its own importer setup before arrival: an ISF, bond and broker for the US, a CARM account for Canada, and Padrón de Importadores registration for Mexico. One shipment cannot clear in two countries on one entry.

Choose Your North American Destination

Each country has its own ports, customs system and importer rules, so start from the guide that matches your delivery address.

🇺🇸 USA

  • Ports: Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle, New York/New Jersey, Savannah.
  • Transit time: West Coast 14–20 days; East Coast 25–35 days port to port.
  • Customs: ISF 24 hours before loading; no duty-free de minimis for China-origin goods.
  • Go to: Shipping from China to USA

🇨🇦 Canada

Lowest cost • Best for bulk cargo
  • Ports: Vancouver and Prince Rupert, with rail to Toronto and Montreal.
  • Transit time: Vancouver 14–18 days; Toronto 22–28 days by sea and rail.
  • Customs: Your own CARM registration and financial security; 5% GST.
  • Go to: Shipping from China to Canada

🇲🇽 Mexico

Small parcels • Samples & documents
  • Ports: Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas and Ensenada.
  • Transit time: About 18–28 days port to port.
  • Customs: Padrón de Importadores; 5–50% duty on 1,463 tariff lines since 2026.
  • Go to: Shipping from China to Mexico

Not sure which gateway fits? Send your delivery address and we will route it.

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North America is one region on a map but three customs systems in practice. The cheapest port is rarely the cheapest route once inland trucking or rail is added.

This page compares the gateways first, then sets the three countries side by side, then lists the importer setup each one needs.

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Which North American Gateway Should You Use?

  1. US West Coast for the western states: the shortest ocean leg and the most sailings, with inland rail to Chicago and Dallas. Peak congestion can add 5–15 days.
  2. US East Coast for the eastern half: about two weeks longer by sea, but no cross-country truck or rail move.
  3. Vancouver or Prince Rupert for Canada: western Canada clears in Vancouver; Ontario and Quebec continue by CN or CPKC rail.
  4. Mexico's Pacific ports: Manzanillo for central Mexico, Lázaro Cárdenas for industrial cargo, Ensenada for Baja California.

Price the route to your warehouse ZIP or postcode, not to the port.

USA, Canada and Mexico Side by Side

Country Main Gateways Ocean Transit Customs System Importer Must Have
USA LA/Long Beach, NY/NJ, Savannah 14–35 days ACE (CBP) ISF, customs bond, broker
Canada Vancouver, Prince Rupert 14–18 days + rail CARM (CBSA) CARM account and own security
Mexico Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas 18–28 days VUCEM / pedimento (SAT) Padrón registration, licensed broker

Importer Setup by Country

  1. USA: an importer of record with a customs bond and a licensed broker; ISF filed 24 hours before loading.
  2. Canada: a CARM Client Portal account, a delegated broker and financial security posted in your own name.
  3. Mexico: registration in the Padrón de Importadores and a Mexican customs broker to file the pedimento.

Without one, use DDP shipping from China or an importer-of-record service.

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What You’ll Read Here
FAQ
Can one shipment from China serve the USA and Canada?

Not as one entry. Each country needs its own Bill of Lading, importer and customs entry, but cargo can be consolidated in China and sail on the same vessel.

Can I ship to Amazon FBA in the USA, Canada and Mexico?

FBA shipping is set up for the USA and Canada, with labels, cartons and appointments handled before export. For Mexico, confirm importer and marketplace requirements first.

Is air freight worth it to North America?

For urgent stock, yes: air DDP to a US address takes about 7–10 days door to door. See air freight from China.

Is sea always cheaper?

For anything that can wait three to six weeks, yes; our sea freight from China guide compares FCL and LCL.