In the first half of 2025, Argentina imported $8.3 billion worth of goods from China, with imported exports including electronic equipment, machinery, organic chemicals, automobiles and parts, plastics, and more.
If you plan to export products to Argentina while maintaining healthy profit margins, understanding the shipping process from China to Brazil is crucial. We’ve compiled a concise guide to help you navigate each step, featuring practical shipping tips, customs clearance advice for Argentina, and strategies for securing the best freight rates.
China Exports to Argentina
| China Exports to Argentina | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $9.31B | 2024 |
| Electrical, electronic equipment | $2.04B | 2024 |
| Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers | $1.79B | 2024 |
| Organic chemicals | $936.37M | 2024 |
| Vehicles other than railway, tramway | $668.24M | 2024 |
| Plastics | $410.43M | 2024 |
| Optical, photo, technical, medical apparatus | $253.17M | 2024 |
| Fertilizers | $249.41M | 2024 |
| Articles of iron or steel | $213.68M | 2024 |
| Toys, games, sports requisites | $205.49M | 2024 |
| Rubbers | $196.03M | 2024 |
| Miscellaneous chemical products | $187.70M | 2024 |
Argentina Import Duties and Taxes
| Category | Description | Rate / Range / Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty (Customs Tariff) | Duty applied on the CIF value of imported goods as governed by Argentina Customs Code. | 0% – 35% of CIF value. |
| Statistics Fee | Fee charged on customs value to fund trade statistics. | 3% of customs value (up to specified maximum of USD 150,000). |
| Value-Added Tax (VAT) | Standard VAT charged on import transactions, based on CIF + duties + statistics fee. | 21% or 10.5% (depending on product classification). |
| VAT Advance Payment | Advance payment withheld at import; normally could be reduced/exempted with certificate. | 10% – 20% (creditable). |
| Income Tax Advance Payment Withholding | Advance on corporate income tax withheld on certain imports. | 6% – 11% of dutiable base. |
| Advance Gross Receipts Tax | Advance deposit on provincial gross receipts tax upon import. | Varies by province/industry. |
| Exclusion/Exemption Certificates | Certificates that normally exempt importers from having to pay VAT and income tax advance withholdings on certain imports. | Suspended until 30 June 2025 under General Resolution 5624/2024 (importers must pay, but VAT advance is fully creditable and income tax advance is not deductible). |
| Exemption Exception | Any exemptions from this suspension. | Excludes: (1) micro & small companies with valid MiPyME certificate; (2) imports for National State; (3) imports exempt under Law 27701. |
Different Shipping services from China to Argentina
Ocean Freight from China to Argentina
Shipping goods from China to Argentina is most cost-effective by ocean, with routes connecting major ports like Shanghai or Shenzhen to Buenos Airessuch as Rosario or Zarate. Ocean freight typically takes 35 to 45 days. Hongocean has years of experience and supports you at every step, from managing paperwork and customs to keeping your logistics on track. You can select full-container loads in 20-foot or 40-foot sizes, or use our DDP Ocean freight service for direct delivery to your door.
Air Freight from China to Argentina
Air freight is the fastest way to ship goods from China to major cities in Argentina. Most shipments depart from airports in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou and arrive in destinations such as Ezeiza Airport, Córdoba International Airport, or Jorge Newbery Airport. With transit times typically 5 to 10 days, air freight is well-suited for electronics, product samples, or other items that need to get there quickly.
Shipping Times from China to Argentina
| Shipping Mode | Starting point | Destination | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (LCL and FCL) | Shanghai | Buenos Aires | 35-45 days |
| Air Freight | Shanghai | Buenos Aires | 5-10 days |
| Express Shipping | Shanghai | Buenos Aires | 3-7 days |
Please note that these are estimated times, and the actual transit time may be affected by various factors, such as weather, port congestion, customs inspections, peak seasons, etc.
Shipping Cost from China to Argentina
| Shipping Mode | Starting point | Destination | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight (1000+ kgs) | Shanghai | Buenos Aires | $7-9/kg |
| LCL | Shanghai | Buenos Aires | $100-300/CBM |
| FCL(20ft-40ft) | Shanghai | Buenos Aires | $1500-2,500 |
Cost of shipping 20ft & 40ft container from China to Argentina
| POL (Port of Loading) | POD (Port of Discharge) | CNTR Size | port to port price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Buenos Aires | 20ft | $1,900 |
| Shanghai | Buenos Aires | 40ft | $2,300 |
| Shanghai | Rosario | 20ft | $2,100 |
| Shanghai | Rosario | 40ft | $2,500 |
| Shanghai | La Plata | 20ft | $2,500 |
| Shanghai | La Plata | 40ft | $3,000 |
Shipping cost trends from China to Argentina in 2025:
Container Types for Sea Freight Shipping from China to Argentina
The most common standard dry container types include:
- 20-foot standard container (20′ GP): has an internal capacity of about 28-30 cubic meters.
- 40-foot standard container (40′ GP): has an internal capacity of about 58-60 cubic meters.
- 40-foot high cube (40′ HQ): About 1 foot taller than the 40′ GP, this cube has an internal capacity of about 68-70 cubic meters and is suitable for bulky but lightweight goods.
| Container Type | External Dimensions (L×W×H) | Internal Dimensions (L×W×H) | Volume | Max Payload | Tare Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m | 5.90 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m | 28-30 m³ | 24,000 kg | 2,300 kg |
| 40GP | 12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m | 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m | 58-60m³ | 30,480 kg | 3,700 kg |
| 40HQ | 12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.89 m | 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.69 m | 68-70 m³ | 30,480kg | 4,000kg |
- Other special container types include reefers (refrigerated containers) for transporting goods that require temperature control, open-top containers for extremely high goods, and flat rack containers for oversized or heavy goods.
Guide to Customs Clearance in Argentina
Shipping goods from China to Argentina requires adherence to a complex system of customs regulations, tariffs, and compliance requirements. Violations can result in costly delays, fines, and in some cases, seizure of goods. Understanding the Argentina Customs clearance process and compliance is critical for companies looking to streamline the import process and avoid unnecessary risk.
Key Customs Documents Required for Argentina Imports
| Document Name | Purpose / Explanation |
|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Must include INCOTERM terms, unit price, total value, quantity, and currency. It is the main document for customs valuation and tax calculation. |
| Packing List | Lists contents, net and gross weight, and packaging details of each shipment; helps customs verify the cargo against the declaration. |
| Legalized Certificate of Origin | Required for certain HS codes to qualify for preferential tariffs; must be original and consular certified. |
| Consignee’s CUIT Number | Local tax identification number (CUIT) must appear on all documents; without it, customs clearance cannot proceed. |
| HTS / Schedule B Code | The HS/HTS code must be included on the invoice to ensure correct customs classification and duty calculation. |
| VGM Form (for FCL shipments) | For full container shipments, verified gross mass (VGM) must be submitted prior to vessel departure in compliance with SOLAS regulations. |
| Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | Proof of shipment by sea or air, required for cargo release and customs clearance. |
| Insurance Certificate (if applicable) | If transport insurance is purchased, the certificate should be submitted for customs valuation and claims purposes. |
| Power of Attorney (if using a customs broker) | Required if a customs agent or broker is authorized to clear goods on behalf of the importer. |
| Export SLI / Export Declaration (if export value > $2,500) | Required in the exporting country for customs release before shipment. |
Additional Notes & Requirements
- The invoice must clearly show the goods’ value and tariff information, as this is key to customs valuation.
- A Certificate of Origin is mandatory for some products (especially consumer goods, machinery, textiles, toys); missing certificates may lead to delays or higher duties.
- Provide original signed documents whenever possible to avoid clearance delays.
- Certain product categories (food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics, etc.) may require additional licenses or inspection certificates depending on the goods.
- Invoices and packing lists must be provided in Spanish or accompanied by certified translations to facilitate expedited customs clearance at local ports.
Customs Clearance Process in Argentina
- The importer must be registered with Argentine Customs (ARCA / Dirección General de Aduanas) in order to carry out international trade.
- Gather and prepare all necessary documents (commercial invoice in Spanish or with certified translation, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, insurance certificates, etc.).
- File the customs declaration electronically before the goods arrive; include a form declaring quantities and composition of goods (often required ahead of clearance).
- Ensure all documentation submitted to Argentine authorities is in Spanish or has a certified translation due to local regulatory requirements.
Customs assigns the shipment to a risk‑based channel under the Comprehensive Import
Monitoring System (SIMI):
- Green – no physical inspection
- Orange – documentation inspection only
- Red – both goods and documents inspected.
- Commodities assigned to Orange or Red channels undergo additional review of documents and/or physical inspection by customs authorities.
- Customs calculates applicable duties and taxes (import tariff based on HS/NCM classification, VAT, statistical charges, etc.) prior to final clearance.
- Duties and import taxes must be paid before cargo is released. These are typically assessed on the CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value of the shipment.
- Once documentation, inspections (if any), and payments are completed, customs releases the goods for delivery to the importer.
- Under the Temporary Admission Regime, trade samples and advertising materials with no commercial value may enter duty and tax free if re‑exported within a specified period.
Key Ports in China and Argentina for Shipping
| Country | Port Name | Key Features | Main Imports/Exports |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | Shanghai Port | World’s busiest container port, high-tech facilities | General cargo, electronics, consumer goods |
| China | Shenzhen Port | Advanced logistics, significant electronic exports | Electronics, manufactured goods |
| China | Ningbo-Zhoushan | Large cargo handling capabilities | Heavy and bulk commodities |
| Argentina | Port of Buenos Aires | Largest port in Argentina, main entry for imports | Electronics, machinery, textiles |
| Argentina | Port of Rosario | Important for agricultural and industrial imports | Grain, vegetable oils |
| Argentina | Port of Bahía Blanca | Specializes in petrochemicals and liquid cargo | Petrochemicals, energy sector products |
How to Ship from China to Argentina: Brief Steps
For beginners, it is advisable to work with a professional freight forwarder. Here are the basic steps:
Step 1: Choose a Reliable Freight Forwarder
Start by partnering with an experienced international freight forwarder who understands the logistics and compliance requirements for China–Argentina trade. At Hongocean, we are a Chinese freight forwarding company specializing in helping SMBs and e-commerce companies transport goods efficiently and economically.
Step 2: Select the Right Mode of Transportation
Choose a shipping method based on your cargo’s size, urgency, and budget:
- Air Freight: Ideal for time-sensitive shipments. Delivery typically takes 2–5 days.
- Sea Freight (FCL or LCL): Best for bulk shipments. It’s more cost-effective but slower, with a transit time of 20–45 days.
- Express Services (FedEx, UPS, DHL): Suitable for small, high-value parcels that need fast delivery but at a higher cost.
Step 3: Arrange Pickup
Please coordinate with your freight forwarder or carrier to arrange for the pickup of the goods from your supplier, factory, or warehouse and their transportation to the designated port or airport.
Step 4: Prepare Required Export and Import Documents
Accurate documentation is key for smooth customs clearance. Common documents include:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin (if required)
- Bill of Lading (B/L) for sea freight or Air Waybill (AWB) for air shipments
Working with a freight forwarder that offers customs brokerage services can help reduce errors and delays during clearance.
Step 5: Calculate Duties and Taxes
Estimate applicable import duties and taxes using the Argentina HS code. You can check this using Argentina Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA) or third-party tariff lookup tools.
Step 6: Complete Argentina Customs Clearance
Step 7: Schedule Final Delivery
Once the shipment clears customs, arrange for last-mile delivery to the final destination—whether it’s a business address, warehouse, or customer location. Your freight forwarder or a local logistics provider can assist with this step.
Freight Forwarders from China to Argentina
Why do we need a freight forwarder?
The primary advantage of using a freight forwarder is cost reduction. In today’s world of diversified logistics and growing volumes of goods, freight forwarding is vital. Cross-border trade is mainly carried out by sea and air. In contrast to land transportation, import and export customs clearance procedures require specialized knowledge and extensive technical know-how. Outsourcing the work to a freight forwarder can significantly reduce costs compared to accumulating the relevant knowledge and know-how on your own.
Responsibilities of a freight forwarder
Freight forwarders play a vital role in the logistics industry, helping companies optimize their freight processes and ensure an efficient supply chain. Freight forwarders perform the following duties:
- Shipping management: Freight forwarders are responsible for coordinating the entire shipping process, from selecting the mode of transportation, to loading and unloading cargo to tracking the transportation route.
- Customer advice and support: Freight forwarders provide detailed information on regulations, customs procedures and shipping-related requirements, helping companies to comply with the law and optimize costs.
- Documentation handling: Freight forwarders ensure that necessary documentation such as invoices, bills of lading, import/export licenses and customs documents are in order to help shipments move smoothly.
- Coordinating and bridging the transportation process: Freight forwarders act as a bridge between companies and carriers, warehouses and related parties to ensure that cargo arrives at the right place on time.
- Problem solving: when problems such as delays, lost cargo or procedural difficulties arise, freight forwarders quickly find solutions to protect their clients’ interests.
- Optimizing Transportation Costs: With an extensive network of relationships, freight forwarders can help companies negotiate reasonable freight rates and utilize economical transportation solutions, especially for smaller combined shipments.
How to choose the best freight forwarding company
In order to ensure smooth transportation of goods, companies need to choose a reputable and quality freight forwarding company. The following are important criteria to help businesses choose the right freight forwarding partner:
- Experience and expertise: Freight forwarders with years of experience in the industry are usually experienced and flexible enough to respond to unexpected situations. Give preference to a company with extensive experience in the areas or freight routes your business requires, such as a freight forwarder specializing in refrigerated or dangerous goods.
- Extensive network: Freight forwarders need to have well-established relationships with shipping lines, seaports, and customs. An extensive network of domestic and international contacts not only helps to solve problems quickly but also ensures more efficient transportation.
- Reasonable cost of services: The total cost of transportation and related services is an important factor in evaluating a freight forwarder. Companies should compare the price lists of different organizations and choose a company that offers competitive costs and provides value commensurate with the quality of its services.
- Facilities and service attitude: A reliable freight forwarding company usually has modern facilities and a professional service attitude. An enthusiastic team of staff who are always available to answer customer queries is also a sign of their commitment to meeting customer needs.
- Diversification of services: In addition to freight forwarding, reputable freight forwarders usually offer additional services such as customs clearance, warehousing, and international trade consulting. This not only helps companies to optimize their supply chain, but also saves time in logistics handling.
