How much is shipping from China to Brazil

Are you wondering how much is shipping from China to Brazil and what factors influence the costs? Whether you’re considering sea freight, air freight, or want to understand the import tax and customs clearance process, it’s important to plan your shipments efficiently. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down container costs, per kilogram rates, transit times, required documents, and offer tips to reduce your overall shipping costs from China to Brazil. Let’s navigate your international shipping with confidence!

Sea freight cost from China to Brazil

Shipping goods from China to Brazil via sea freight remains the most cost-effective option for large and heavy shipments. The overall cost depends on several factors, including container size, shipping route, current fuel prices, port charges, and the nature of your cargo. Key Brazilian ports include Santos, Paranaguá, and Rio de Janeiro. Below, I break down the typical sea freight costs and what influences them.

If you are looking for more details about the process, you may also want to refer to our comprehensive guide on Sea Freight From China to Brazil.

Cost of 20ft container shipping from China to Brazil

A 20ft container (standard capacity: 28CBM) is suitable for small to medium-sized shipments. The cost to ship a 20ft container from major Chinese ports (such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Ningbo) to main Brazilian ports typically ranges from USD 2,800 to USD 4,500 as of Q3 2025. Rates fluctuate based on seasonality (peak shipping periods), space availability, and global market trends. Surcharges such as BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) and port handling fees may apply.

Origin Port (China)	Destination Port (Brazil)	Estimated Rate (20ft, USD)	Transit Time (days)
Shanghai	Santos	3,200 – 4,200	32 – 38
Shenzhen	Rio de Janeiro	2,900 – 4,000	34 – 42
Ningbo	Paranaguá	3,000 – 4,500	35 – 40

Please note: These rates exclude local charges at both origin and destination, customs clearance, and possible inland delivery fees. For precise quotations tailored to your cargo, weight, and destination, consult a reputable freight forwarder like Dantful International Logistics.

Cost of 40ft container shipping from China to Brazil

A 40ft container (capacity: 56CBM) and 40HQ (High Cube, capacity: 68CBM) are ideal for larger shipments and provide better value per cubic meter. As of Q3 2025, the cost to ship a 40ft container from China to Brazil usually falls between USD 4,500 and USD 6,800, depending on similar factors as above.

Origin Port (China)	Destination Port (Brazil)	Estimated Rate (40ft, USD)	Transit Time (days)
Shanghai	Santos	5,000 – 6,300	32 – 38
Shenzhen	Rio de Janeiro	4,800 – 6,100	34 – 42
Ningbo	Paranaguá	4,900 – 6,800	35 – 40

Additional Considerations:

• LCL (Less than Container Load): If your cargo does not fill a full container, LCL shipping is available. Rates are usually calculated per CBM or per ton, and may include additional consolidation and handling charges. For businesses shipping small quantities, you may find it helpful to read more about consolidated freight shipping.

• OOG (Out of Gauge) & Breakbulk: For oversized or non-containerized cargo, specialized solutions are available. Dantful Logistics offers tailored project logistics for such requirements.

Air freight cost from China to Brazil per KG

Air freight is the fastest shipping method between China and Brazil, ideal for high-value, time-sensitive, or perishable goods. Rates are calculated per kilogram and depend on the route, cargo dimensions, weight, nature of goods, and airline fuel surcharges.

As of Sep 2025, air freight costs from major Chinese airports (e.g., Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Beijing Capital (PEK)) to major Brazilian airports (e.g., São Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU), Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (GIG)) typically range as follows:

Weight Break	General Cargo (USD/KG)	Transit Time (days)
45 – 99 KG	7.50 – 10.50	3 – 7
100 – 299 KG	6.30 – 9.50	3 – 7
300 KG and above	5.80 – 8.80	3 – 7

Factors Impacting Air Freight Cost:

• Chargeable Weight: Air freight is charged on the greater of actual or volumetric weight.

• Cargo Type: Dangerous goods, batteries, or temperature-controlled items may incur surcharges.

• Peak Seasons: Airfreight rates can spike during holiday seasons, or during global supply chain disruptions.

For a tailored quote or expert advice, please contact Dantful International Logistics to discuss your shipping requirements. We help you optimize transit time, manage costs, and ensure seamless delivery from China to Brazil.

If you are interested in the logistics market in neighboring regions, you might also be interested in Shipping From China to Argentina.

What is the import tax from China to Brazil?

When importing goods from China to Brazil, understanding the import tax structure is essential for accurate cost estimation and compliance. Brazilian import taxes are relatively complex, as they combine several different duties and charges. Below is a comprehensive overview to help importers, exporters, and supply chain professionals navigate these costs.

Main Types of Import Taxes in Brazil

Tax Name (Abbreviation)	Portuguese Name	Typical Rate / Calculation	Description
Import Duty (II)	Imposto de Importação	0%–20% (varies by HS code)	The main tariff applied to the customs value (CIF: Cost + Insurance + Freight). The specific rate depends on the tariff classification (HS code).
Industrialized Product Tax (IPI)	Imposto sobre Produtos Industrializados	0%–15% (depending on product type)	A federal tax levied on most manufactured goods. Rate depends on the product’s NCM code (Brazilian HS code).
Tax on Circulation of Goods and Services (ICMS)	Imposto sobre Circulação de Mercadorias e Serviços	Typically 7%–18% (varies by state and product)	A state-level tax, calculated on CIF value plus II and IPI, and sometimes other charges. The actual ICMS rate depends on the destination state in Brazil.
Contribution to Social Integration Program (PIS)	Programa de Integração Social	2.1% (on CIF + II + IPI + ICMS)	Federal tax, applicable to most imported goods.
Contribution for Social Security Financing (COFINS)	Contribuição para o Financiamento da Seguridade Social	9.65% (on CIF + II + IPI + ICMS)	Another federal tax, also calculated on the same tax base.
Merchandise Handling Fee (AFRMM)	Adicional ao Frete para Renovação da Marinha Mercante	25% (of international freight cost, sea freight only)	Applies only to sea shipments, calculated on the freight portion of the CIF value.

Example Calculation:
If you import a $10,000 CIF shipment of electronics from China to Brazil (assuming the following rates: II = 14%, IPI = 10%, ICMS = 12%, PIS = 2.1%, COFINS = 9.65%), total tax can exceed 60% of CIF value in some scenarios.

Quick Reference Table: Typical Import Tax Rates

Product Category	Import Duty (II)	IPI	ICMS	PIS	COFINS	Total Tax Estimate (%)
Electronics	14%	10%	12%	2.1%	9.65%	~60–70%
Garments/Textiles	35%	0%	18%	2.1%	9.65%	~70–80%
Machinery/Parts	10–14%	5–10%	12–18%	2.1%	9.65%	~55–68%

Note: The actual rates depend on product classification and state. Use the official Brazilian SISCOMEX or consult with an experienced customs broker or freight forwarder like Dantful International Logistics for precise, up-to-date calculations.

Additional Considerations

• HS/NCM Code Accuracy: Correctly classifying your goods is crucial, as tax rates are determined by the product’s tariff code.

• Exemptions & Special Regimes: Some products may qualify for tax exemptions or reductions under Mercosur agreements or special economic zones.

• Import Licenses: Certain items require prior licenses which, if not obtained, can result in heavy penalties or seizure.

Our team at Dantful International Logistics provides full customs clearance and consulting services to help clients accurately estimate and manage import taxes, ensuring compliance and cost control.

Brazil Customs Clearance & Documents Checklist

A successful import process from China to Brazil requires proper documentation and strict adherence to customs procedures. Missing or incorrect paperwork can lead to delays, fines, or even confiscation of goods. Below is a detailed customs documents checklist and process guide.

Essential Documents for Importing to Brazil

Document Name	Required For	Description / Key Information
Bill of Lading (B/L)	Sea / Air Freight	Proof of shipment, issued by the carrier; must match cargo details.
Commercial Invoice	All Shipments	Shows goods’ value, description, HS code, Incoterms, and both shipper/consignee information.
Packing List	All Shipments	Details on packing: weight, measurements (CBM), volume, and packaging type.
Import Declaration (DI via SISCOMEX)	All Imports	Electronic declaration submitted via the Brazilian customs system (SISCOMEX).
Import License (if applicable)	Restricted Goods	Required for trade-controlled goods (e.g., chemicals, electronics, food, medical items).
Certificate of Origin	Tariff Preferences/Controls	Needed for preferential rates or for controlled goods, issued by an authorized body in China.
Proof of Payment	All Shipments	Bank transfer slip or remittance document, often needed for customs audit purposes.
Insurance Certificate	If insured	Confirms goods are covered during transit.
Technical Documents / Special Certificates	Specific Goods	E.g., sanitary certificate (food), ANVISA (health), INMETRO (electronics), other product-specific docs.
Cargo Manifest	Consolidated Shipments	List of all goods within a container or consolidated cargo (LCL, groupage).

Customs Clearance Steps in Brazil

1. Pre-shipment Review:
   Confirm import license requirements and ensure all documents are accurate and complete.

2. Cargo Arrival at Port/Airport:
   Goods arrive at a major Brazilian port (e.g., Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Itajaí) or airport.

3. SISCOMEX Registration:
   Submit Import Declaration (DI) via SISCOMEX, attaching all relevant documents.

4. Tax Payment:
   Pay all applicable import taxes and duties as detailed above.

5. Inspection & Release:
   Customs may physically inspect the cargo. If no discrepancies, customs issues clearance and goods are released.

6. Final Delivery:
   Arrange domestic transport to the final destination.

Pro Tips for Smooth Customs Clearance

• Double-check all document details: Inconsistent data between invoice, B/L, and packing list is a common cause of delays.

• Work with an experienced freight forwarder: Partnering with Dantful International Logistics ensures professional handling of all documentation, regulatory compliance, and on-time delivery.

• Stay updated on regulations: Brazilian import regulations and tax rates can change frequently.

Tips to reduce shipping cost from China to Brazil

Reducing your shipping expenses from China to Brazil can have a significant positive impact on your business’s profit margins. Drawing from my 15+ years of experience at Dantful International Logistics, I’ve summarized the most effective strategies to help importers, exporters, and supply chain professionals manage costs in 2025:

1. Choose the Most Suitable Shipping Method

Selecting the right transportation mode—sea freight, air freight, or a combination—directly impacts cost and transit time. For bulky, non-urgent cargo, sea freight (FCL or LCL) is usually the most economical. Air freight suits smaller, time-sensitive shipments but is generally more expensive per kilogram.

Shipping Mode	Typical Use Cases	Cost Level	Transit Time
Sea Freight (FCL)	Full containers, heavy cargo	Low	25–40 days
Sea Freight (LCL)	Less than container load	Medium	30–45 days
Air Freight	Small, urgent, high-value shipments	High	3–7 days

As we covered earlier, LCL can be a cost-saving option for small shipments — more details can be found in the section on consolidated freight shipping.

2. Optimize Packaging and Container Utilization

• Maximize container space: Use the full volume—28CBM for 20FT, 56CBM for 40FT, and 68CBM for 40HQ—to avoid shipping ‘air’.

• Consolidate shipments: Combining smaller shipments into a single container (LCL or groupage services) reduces costs per unit.

• Minimize deadweight: Use lightweight and durable packaging materials to avoid unnecessary weight charges, especially for air freight.

3. Plan Shipments in Advance

• Book early: Advance booking allows access to better rates and more options, especially during peak seasons (e.g., before Chinese New Year or Black Friday).

• Avoid urgent shipments: Last-minute bookings usually attract premium charges for both air and sea freight.

4. Select the Right Incoterms

• Negotiate Incoterms (e.g., FOB, CIF, DAP) with your supplier to optimize cost responsibility and risk allocation.

• FOB (Free on Board) is often recommended, as it gives you control over freight choices and potentially better rates via your own freight forwarder.

5. Work with a Reputable Freight Forwarder

Partnering with an experienced, reliable freight forwarder like Dantful International Logistics provides several advantages:

• Access to competitive rates through established carrier relationships

• Professional consolidation, customs clearance, insurance, and warehousing services

• End-to-end visibility and proactive solutions for cost optimization

As a one-stop international logistics service provider, Dantful covers sea freight, air freight, rail freight, road freight, Amazon FBA, warehouse, customs clearance, insurance, door-to-door, OOG freight, consolidated freight, and breakbulk freight for shipments from China to Brazil.

Need door-to-door service for Brazil? Discover the process and advantages of door to door shipping from China to Brazil.

6. Stay Updated on Surcharges and Market Conditions

• Fuel surcharges, port congestion fees, and peak season surcharges can vary. Regularly check for updates and consult your freight forwarder for the latest market intelligence.

7. Leverage Freight Insurance and Risk Management

• While adding cost, cargo insurance protects against potential losses, helping avoid significant financial setbacks due to damage, loss, or delay.

8. Explore Door-to-Door & Consolidation Solutions

• For small or medium shipments, consider door-to-door or consolidated freight services, which often reduce overall logistics expenses by streamlining processes and sharing transit costs.

9. Consider Alternative Ports or Routes

• Brazil has several major ports such as Santos, Rio de Janeiro, and Itajaí. Compare rates and transit times to different ports, as some may offer better cost efficiency depending on your cargo’s final destination.

Transit time from China to Brazil

Understanding the transit time between China and Brazil is crucial for proper planning and inventory management. Transit durations depend on factors such as shipping mode, port pair, customs procedures, and possible transshipments.

1. Sea Freight Transit Time

Origin Port (China)	Destination Port (Brazil)	Estimated Transit Time (Days)	Notes
Shanghai	Santos	30–40	Direct & transshipment
Ningbo	Santos	30–45	Via Singapore/Europe
Shenzhen	Santos	28–40	Seasonality applies
Qingdao	Rio de Janeiro	35–45	Longer for north China
Guangzhou	Itajaí	30–42	Transshipment likely

• Note: Times may vary due to weather, port congestion, customs clearance, and shipping line schedules.

2. Air Freight Transit Time

Origin Airport (China)	Destination Airport (Brazil)	Estimated Transit Time (Days)	Route Type
Shanghai (PVG)	São Paulo (GRU)	3–6	Direct/1 stop
Guangzhou (CAN)	São Paulo (GRU)	4–7	Transshipment via Europe/Middle East
Hong Kong (HKG)	São Paulo (GRU)	3–5	Direct/1 stop

• Note: Air transit times are calendar days and do not include pickup, customs clearance, or final delivery.

3. Factors Affecting Transit Time

• Customs clearance in China and Brazil

• Transshipment delays at intermediate ports (common in sea freight)

• Seasonal congestion (e.g., during Chinese New Year or Christmas)

• Carrier schedules and route availability

4. Recommendations

• Always allow for possible delays, especially during peak shipping seasons.

• Plan inventory and shipping schedules with buffer periods.

• Use Dantful International Logistics’s track-and-trace systems for real-time updates and proactive exception management.

Transit time from China to Brazil

Transit time is a critical aspect of international shipping. Actual duration depends on the shipping mode, port pairs, route, carrier schedules, and customs processing.

Typical Transit Times for Key Shipping Modes

Shipping Mode	Port Pair (Example)	Estimated Transit Time	Remarks
Sea Freight (FCL/LCL)	Shanghai – Santos	28-35 days	Possible delays due to transshipment
	Shenzhen – Rio de Janeiro	30-38 days
Air Freight	Guangzhou – São Paulo (GRU)	3-7 days	Includes customs clearance
	Hong Kong – Viracopos (VCP)	3-6 days	Direct and transshipment flights
Express Courier	Shenzhen – São Paulo	3-5 days	For parcels and samples
Door-to-Door (DDU/DDP)	Any city – Any city	5-15 days (air), 35-45 days (sea)	Variable, includes domestic delivery

Note: Sea freight is most cost-effective for large, heavy shipments. Air freight is suitable for urgent or high-value cargo. Transit times can be affected by vessel schedules, weather, port congestion, and customs inspections.

Tips to Minimize Delays

• Work with experienced forwarders for optimal routing.

• Ensure all documents are complete and accurate.

• Plan shipments in advance, especially during peak seasons or public holidays.

• Consider combining different modes (multimodal solutions) for better balance of speed and cost.

With Dantful International Logistics, you benefit from real-time shipment tracking, proactive exception management, and local support in both China and Brazil.

Freight forwarder from China to Brazil

Choosing the right freight forwarder is essential for efficient and cost-effective shipping from China to Brazil. A reliable partner not only manages transportation but also coordinates customs clearance, documentation, warehousing, and value-added services, reducing risks and delays.

Dantful International Logistics is a highly professional, cost-effective, and high-quality one-stop international logistics service provider for global traders. With over 15 years of experience, our team provides customized solutions for sea freight, air freight, rail freight, road freight, Amazon FBA, warehousing, customs clearance, insurance, door-to-door, OOG (Out of Gauge) freight, consolidated freight, and breakbulk freight.

Why Choose Dantful International Logistics?

Service Features	Dantful International Logistics	Other Providers
Comprehensive Service Scope	Sea, Air, Rail, Road, FBA, Door-to-door, Customs, etc.	Limited to main modes
In-depth Local Expertise (China & Brazil)	Yes	Varies
Customs Clearance Solutions	Strong, professional team	Often outsourced
Warehouse & Consolidation	Own warehouses, multi-point consolidation	May lack
End-to-end Tracking	Real-time, digitalized	Not always provided
Competitive Pricing	Direct contracts, volume discounts	Higher rates possible
Industry Accreditation	FIATA, NVOCC, CIFA, WCA member	Varies

Our expertise covers major Chinese ports (e.g. Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo) to key Brazilian ports such as Santos, Rio de Janeiro, and Itajai. We support full container load (FCL), less than container load (LCL), oversized cargo, and sensitive shipments. Additionally, we provide multilingual customer service and tailored logistics consulting, ensuring your cargo reaches Brazil smoothly, on time, and in compliance with all regulations.

For an accurate quote or to discuss your project, contact Dantful International Logistics. Our team will analyze your requirements and provide the most suitable, secure, and cost-effective shipping solution from China to Brazil.

For those considering other South American destinations, see Shipping From China to Colombia for options and transit times.

FAQs

Q1: How much is shipping from China to Brazil per container?
The cost depends on container size, shipping line, origin/destination ports, and current market rates. As of Sep 2025, shipping a 20ft container from major Chinese ports to Santos typically ranges from $2,800 to $4,500 USD, and a 40ft container ranges from $4,500 to $7,000 USD. LCL rates are calculated per CBM and depend on cargo volume.

Q2: What documents are required for shipping to Brazil?
Key documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of origin, and import licenses if applicable. Some cargo types may require additional certificates or sanitary permits.

Q3: How long does customs clearance take in Brazil?
Customs clearance usually takes 2-5 working days if documents are in order. Delays may occur due to incomplete paperwork, random inspections, or regulatory checks.

Q4: What is the import tax rate in Brazil for goods from China?
Brazilian import duties vary by product HS code, typically ranging from 0% to 20%, plus other taxes such as IPI, ICMS, and PIS/COFINS. Total landed cost should include these fees.

Q5: How can I reduce my shipping costs from China to Brazil?
Consolidate shipments, optimize container load, choose off-peak seasons, and work with a professional forwarder like Dantful International Logistics. We offer tailored solutions to match your budget and timeline.

For further questions or to request a personalized quotation, please contact Young Chiu and the team at Dantful International Logistics—your trusted partner for smooth, reliable shipping from China to Brazil.