In 2024, China’s exports to Chile reached approximately $20.65 billion, marking a significant surge in economic ties between the two nations. Today, China is Chile’s largest trading partner, primary export destination, and main source of imports. Meanwhile, Chile holds a vital spot for China as its third-largest trading partner in Latin America and the top supplier of copper.
China’s main exports to Chile include electrical machinery and equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles, apparel, and plastics.
For businesses eager to tap into this thriving market, shipping goods from China to Chile may seem daunting, especially for newcomers. This guide breaks down the process into straightforward, actionable steps, enabling you to move your products smoothly and keep expenses under control.
China Exports to Chile
| China Exports to Chile | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $20.65B | 2024 |
| Electrical, electronic equipment | $3.40B | 2024 |
| Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers | $2.27B | 2024 |
| Vehicles other than railway, tramway | $1.80B | 2024 |
| Articles of apparel, knit or crocheted | $1.22B | 2024 |
| Plastics | $1.04B | 2024 |
| Articles of iron or steel | $943.16M | 2024 |
| Iron and steel | $930.16M | 2024 |
| Articles of apparel, not knit or crocheted | $922.97M | 2024 |
| Furniture, lighting signs, prefabricated buildings | $748.41M | 2024 |
Data Source：www.tradingeconomics.com
Chile Import Duties and Taxes
| Type of Tax | Rate / Standard | Tax Base | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customs Duty (Ad-Valorem Duty) | 6% | CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) | Applied to most imported goods. May be reduced or exempted if the exporting country has an FTA with Chile. |
| Value-Added Tax (VAT / IVA) | 19% | CIF + Customs Duty | Mandatory for all imported goods. |
| Additional Tax: Luxury Goods | 15% | CIF + Customs Duty | Applies to items such as gold, platinum, ivory, jewelry, gems, luxury carpets, furs, caviar, etc. |
| Additional Tax: Fireworks & Similar Items | 50% | CIF + Customs Duty | Applies to fireworks and other entertainment-type pyrotechnics (excluding industrial/agricultural/mining uses). |
| Additional Tax: Mineral Water / Beverages | 10% or 18% | CIF + Customs Duty | Mineral water, artificial beverages, syrups. Rate increases to 18% if sugar content is high (over 15g per 240 ml). |
| Additional Tax: Wine / Beer | 20.5% | CIF + Customs Duty | Applies to wine, champagne, cider, beer, and similar products. |
| Additional Tax: Spirits & Distilled Alcohol | 31.5% | CIF + Customs Duty | Applies to distilled beverages such as liquors, Pisco, whiskey, brandy, etc. |
Notes
- CIF stands for Cost + Insurance + Freight, used as the base value for most taxes.
- If goods originate from a country with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Chile, the 6% customs duty may be reduced or exempted with a valid Certificate of Origin.
- The 19% VAT is calculated on CIF + Customs Duty, and is required for all imports.
- only to specific product categories, not to general commercial goods.
Different Shipping services from China to Chile
Ocean Freight from China to Chile
Shipping goods from China to Chile by ocean freight is the most affordable choice. Chile has strong port facilities, important trade agreements, and a wide range of import needs. Main shipping routes link ports such as Shanghai and Shenzhen with major Chilean ports, including Puerto San Antonio, Valparaíso, Antofagasta, and Puerto San Vicente. Hongocean offers services such as document processing, customs clearance, and logistics to ensure your shipment arrives without issues. You can ship full 20- or 40-foot containers, or use our DDP ocean freight service for direct door-to-door delivery.
Air Freight from China to Chile
Air freight is the quickest way to move goods between Chile and China. Most shipments depart from airports in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou and arrive at airports such as Arturo Merino Benítez, Andrés Sabella, Carriel Sur, and El Tepual. It usually takes 5 to 7 days, so it works well for time-sensitive items like fresh fruit and seafood.
Shipping Times from China to Chile
| Shipping Mode | Starting point | Destination | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (LCL and FCL) | Shanghai | Santiago | 35-45 days |
| Air Freight | Shanghai | Santiago (SCL) | 5-7 days |
| Express Shipping | Shanghai | Santiago | 7-8 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 Chile
| Shipping Mode | Starting point | Destination | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight (1000+ kgs) | Shanghai | Santiago | $6-8/kg |
| LCL | Shanghai | Santiago | $100-300/CBM |
| FCL(20ft-40ft) | Shanghai | Santiago | $2,000-3,000 |
Cost of shipping 20ft & 40ft containers from China to Chile
| POL (Port of Loading) | POD (Port of Discharge) | CNTR Size | port to port price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Port of San Antonio | 20FT | $2,500 |
| Shanghai | Port of San Antonio | 40FT | $2,900 |
| Shanghai | Port of Valparaíso | 20FT | $2,500 |
| Shanghai | Port of Valparaíso | 40FT | $2,900 |
| Shanghai | Choosing the Right Port | 20FT | $2,700 |
| Shanghai | Choosing the Right Port | 40FT | $3,000 |
Please note: The above prices are for reference only. For the most up-to-date pricing information, please contact freight specialists.
Shipping cost trends from China to Chile in 2025:
Container Types for Sea Freight Shipping from China to Chile
- 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 Chile
Shipping goods from China to Chile 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 Chile Customs clearance process and compliance is critical for companies looking to streamline the import process and avoid unnecessary risk.
Key Customs Documents Required for Chile Imports
- Bill of Lading (BOL) or Air Waybill (AWB): This serves as the primary shipping document.
- Commercial Invoice: Must detail the nature of goods, their value, and the terms of sale.
- Packing List: Provides information on the contents of each package in the shipment.
- Certificate of Origin: Often required to take advantage of tariff benefits under Chile’s FTAs.
- Import Declaration: Submitted to Chilean Customs for clearance.
If the value of the merchandise exceeds US $3,000 FOB value, the importer must hire a customs broker. In cases where the customs clearance of the goods must be entrusted to this professional, the importer must provide them with the basic documents required to prepare the Declaration of Entry, which can be submitted to the Customs Service online.
Customs Clearance Process in Chile
Chile uses an electronic customs clearance system known as SICEX (Sistema Integrado de Comercio Exterior), which streamlines the import process. Shipments must be declared upon arrival, and customs officials may inspect goods to ensure compliance with import regulations.
How to Import from China to Chile: Step-by-step guide
Step 1: Partner with a freight forwarder
To ensure a smooth international shipping process, hire a reliable and experienced freight forwarder. They will handle logistics from your factory to the final destination, simplifying the complex shipping process.
Step 2: Choose the right shipping method
Select the most suitable shipping method based on the type, weight, and quantity of your goods. If you have any questions, consult an expert.
Step 3: Find reliable suppliers
Establish strong partnerships with Chinese suppliers who can provide the products you need. You can find reliable suppliers through various means, such as online B2B platforms, trade shows, and reputable freight forwarders or purchasing companies.
Step 4: Understand taxes
Goods exported from China to Chile can benefit from zero tariffs under the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA). If your goods don’t meet the criteria, Chile usually applies import duties ranging from 5% to 20% on most items, along with a Sales and Services Tax (SST) of 5% or 10%. To determine the exact tariffs and taxes, simply classify your product using the Harmonized System (HS) code and refer to the Chile Customs Tariff Schedule. Also, double-check that all your documents are accurate to help ensure a smooth customs clearance process and avoid any unexpected costs or delays.
Step 5: Define international trade terms
Familiarize yourself with the Incoterms (International Commercial Terms), which are internationally recognized rules governing the responsibilities and obligations of international trade. Clearly define the Incoterms applicable to your goods to clarify the responsibilities of both the buyer and seller.
Step 6: Handle Customs Clearance
Customs clearance is a critical step managed by the shipper or their authorized representative. This process involves data entry, document preparation, cargo assessment, obtaining permits, paying fees, warehousing, and final release.
Step 7: Arrange Final Delivery
After customs clearance, arrange the last-mile delivery to the final destination—whether it’s a company address, warehouse, or customer location. Your freight forwarder or local logistics provider can assist with this step.
Freight Forwarders from China to Chile
Freight forwarders are your helpful partners in international logistics, making the shipping process smoother by connecting shippers and transportation service providers. Here’s how they can support you when shipping from China to Chile:
- Help you find and hire the best transportation carriers for your cargo.
- Take care of coordinating the transportation of your cargo, including pickup and delivery.
- Prepare all the necessary documentation to ensure your cargo clears customs quickly and easily.
- Discover the optimal routes for delivering your goods quickly and efficiently.
- Spot and solve any issues along the way to prevent delays.
- Ensure that all regulatory matters are addressed to ensure your goods meet the necessary requirements.
- Handle the payment of duties, taxes, and fees for you.
- Keep you updated in real time on the status of your shipment.
By consolidating all these services, freight forwarders simplify and enhance the shipping process, enabling your international trade to run smoothly and with greater peace of mind.
