COMPREHENSIVE SHIPPING GUIDE FROM CHINA TO BRAZIL
Sea Freight from China to Brazil
Transit Time
Direct routes: 30–45 days from major Chinese ports (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou) to key Brazilian ports such as Santos (South America’s largest port, handling ~30% of Brazil’s foreign trade).
Transit routes: 45–60 days if transshipped via hubs like Singapore or Durban (e.g., Shenzhen→Rio de Janeiro via Durban takes ~50–55 days).
Pricing
FCL (Full Container Load):
20GP (28 CBM): ~$1,500–$2,000
40HQ (68 CBM): ~$2,500–$3,000 (rates fluctuate seasonally; peak seasons may see increases of up to 50%).
LCL (Less than Container Load): ~$50–80/CBM (charged per cubic meter or ton, whichever is higher).
Additional fees:
Origin: THC (~¥800–1,200/container), documentation fees (~¥500–800/shipment), customs clearance (~¥300–500/shipment).
Destination: Customs clearance (~$150–300/shipment), THC (~$200–400/container), demurrage/storage fees if delays occur (~$100–200/day).
Key Factors Influencing Rates
Fuel costs: Volatile bunker fuel prices impact base rates.
Seasonal demand: Peak seasons (e.g., Q4 holidays) increase rates due to capacity shortages.
Port congestion: Santos Port often faces delays, raising demurrage costs.
Route disruptions: Events like the Red Sea crisis have reduced effective shipping capacity, compounding rate increases.
Major Ports
China: Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou
Brazil:
| Port | English Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Santos | Santos | São Paulo state, the largest in South America, is an industrial hub | |
| Port of Rio de Janeiro | Rio de Janeiro | Tourist and industrial port; it often requires transshipment | |
| Port of Vitória | Vitória | Espírito Santo state; handles bulk commodities like iron ore | |
| Port of Salvador | Salvador | Bahia state, gateway to Northeast Brazil | |
| Port of Manaus | Manaus | Amazonas state requires river transit after ocean freight |
Air Freight from China to Brazil
Transit Time
3–7 business days for major routes (e.g., Beijing/Shenzhen→São Paulo).
Direct routes like Shenzhen-São Paulo (operated by Atlas Air) take ~24 hours flight time but require additional processing
Pricing
Rates calculated based on chargeable weight (greater of actual weight or volumetric weight: L × W × H (cm)/6,000).
Example rates: Shenzhen→Brazil from ~$7/kg
Key Factors Influencing Rates
Fuel costs: Jet fuel price changes directly affect rates.
Capacity constraints: Passenger flight belly space (45% of air cargo capacity) shrinks during tourist peaks, reducing capacity.
Cargo type: Special handling (e.g., lithium batteries: +15–25% cost; pharmaceutical冷链: +30–50%) increases fees.
Exchange rates: USD-denominated costs rise if local currencies depreciate against the dollar
Major Airports
China: Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX), Hong Kong (HKG).
Brazil:
São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU): Primary hub for cargo
Rio de Janeiro/Galeão (GIG)
Brasília (BSB)
Manaus (MAO)
Recife (REC)
Import and Export Taxes
China Export Taxes
Value-Added Tax (VAT): Generally 0% for exported goods (unless specified otherwise by the State Council).
Corporate Income Tax: Standard rate applied to annual profits.
Consumption tax: Applicable only to specific goods like luxury items.
Brazil Import Taxes
Brazil uses the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value as the taxable base for all import duties. The total tax burden can reach ~66% of the CIF value. Key taxes include:
Import Duty (II): 0%–35% (varies by HS code).
Industrialized Products Tax (IPI): 0%–50% (calculated on CIF + II).
State Value-Added Tax (ICMS): 17%–25% (varies by state; São Paulo: 18%). Calculated incrementally on CIF + II + IPI.
Federal Social Contributions (PIS/COFINS): Combined 9.25%.
📌 Example Calculation (CIF = $200,000; II = 10%; IPI = 15%; ICMS = 18%):
II = $20,000
IPI = (CIF + II) × 15% = $33,000
ICMS = [(CIF + II + IPI) / (1 – 0.18)] × 0.18 ≈ $55,536
Total approximate tax = $20,000 + $33,000 + $55,536 = $108,536
Estimated Tax Rates for Key Product Categories
Electronics: II up to 35% + IPI + ICMS
Textiles/Apparel: II around 26% + other taxes
Automotive Parts: II around 14%–18% + IPI
Chemicals: Variable II + IPI
⚠️ Note: Brazil has strict customs rules. Inaccurate documentation or undervaluation can lead to fines, delays, or seizure.
Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Goods
As of the latest data, no broad anti-duty measures against Chinese imports are highlighted.
Always verify the latest regulations with a local broker or Brazil’s Foreign Trade Secretariat (SECEX) for product-specific measures.
Bilateral Favorable Trade Policies
Zero VAT on Exports: China maintains a 0% VAT policy for most exported goods, reducing costs for exporters.
Potential IPI Exemptions: Brazil may exempt certain goods (e.g., books, medical devices) from IPI or offer rebates for intermediate goods used in manufacturing.
State Incentives: Some Brazilian states offer reduced ICMS rates for specific industries or goods to encourage economic development.
Step-by-Step Shipping Process from China to Brazil
Inquiry and Booking
Obtain quotes from freight forwarders (compare FCL/LCL for sea; direct/transit for air).
Book space once confirmed
Cargo Preparation
Packaging: Ensure sturdy packaging. Air cargo may have specific size/weight rules; sea cargo must be properly containerized.
Labeling: All packages should have clear labels in Portuguese. Brazil requires Portuguese labeling for many goods (e.g., food, cosmetics).
Document Preparation: Prepare commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin (CO or Form A)
Origin Procedures
Export Declaration: File customs declarations in China.
Cargo Inspection: May be required by Chinese customs.
Transport to Port/Airport: Arrange trucking to the origin port or airport.
Transportation
Sea: Carrier loads container onto the vessel. Track the shipment.
Air: Carrier loads onto the scheduled flight
Destination Clearance
Submit Documents to Brazilian Customs: Required documents include:
Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)
Commercial Invoice (with precise Portuguese descriptions)
Packing List
Certificate of Origin
Import License (for restricted goods; obtained by importer)
Pay Import Duties and Taxes: The Brazilian importer (consignee) is typically responsible for payment.
Inland Transportation and Delivery
After clearance, goods are transported by truck or train from the port/airport to the final destination in Brazil
Critical Reminders for Shippers
Accurate Documentation: Ensure all documents (especially B/L and commercial invoice) match exactly. Any discrepancy can cause significant delays.
Choose Experienced Partners: Work with freight forwarders experienced in Brazil-China trade who can handle potential issues and offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) services.
Monitor Regulatory Changes: Brazilian import policies and tax laws can change. Stay updated through your forwarder or local contacts