Shipping from China to Brazil

In the first half of 2025, China’s exports to Brazil totaled $35.69 billion, a 22.2% increase from the same period last year. The fastest-growing export categories include oil platforms and offshore engineering equipment, passenger vehicles, and telecommunications equipment and components.

Shipping from China to Brazil may seem challenging, especially if you are new to international trade. This guide breaks down the process into clear steps so you can move your products quickly and cost-effectively.

Our Freight Shipping Services From China To Brazil

Hongocean Freight is backed by a professional, experienced international logistics team dedicated to providing reliable, high-quality shipping services to Brazil at some of the most competitive rates.

We provide flexible air freight, ocean freight, and door-to-door transportation from any city in China, delivering straight to your destination in Brazil. Our process is simple, so you can ship without dealing with complicated paperwork or extra hassles.

With Hongocean, you can rely on fast, secure, and on-time delivery. We keep you informed with real-time updates on transit times, shipment status, and tracking at every stage of your cargo’s journey.

Whether you’re shipping large containers, smaller parcels, or time-sensitive goods, Hongocean Freight is your trusted partner for efficient and worry-free logistics from China to Brazil.

Shipping methods from China to Brazil

Currently, there are two primary methods for shipping goods to Brazil: air freight and sea freight. Although air freight is the fastest, it is also the most expensive: in fact, air freight costs 10 times more than sea freight. However, sea freight is the ideal choice for transporting heavy and oversized cargo internationally. Sea freight is more economical, but it is also much slower. Below, Hongocean provides a comparison table of these two methods:

Shipping Methods	Air Freight	Sea Freight
Time	Fast, 4-6 working days	Slowest, takes 4-5 weeks
Expense	Higher	Much lower
Type of Goods	Suitable for light, high-value goods	Suitable for heavy, bulky goods sent by container
Safe	High safety, low risk	Higher risk due to long shipping time, goods may be damaged
Procedure	Simple, fast	More complicated, more paperwork required

Shipping Times from China to Brazil

Hongocean is a top freight forwarder that focuses on shipping goods from China to Brazil. We promise to offer shipping services that are dependable, quick, and of high quality.

Several factors influence the duration of travel to Brazil, including the type of goods, the chosen service, the destination, and the mode of transportation. Each way of shipping has its own pros and cons when it comes to speed and cost.

Hongocean has compiled the following table to help you select the fastest, most efficient, and most cost-effective way to ship from China to Brazil. It shows the usual transit times for different shipping methods:

Shipping Mode	Transit Time
Sea Freight (LCL)	29 to 35 days depending on vessel schedules and sea conditions
Sea Freight (FCL)	29 to 35 days depending on vessel schedules and sea conditions
Air Freight	4 to 6 days
Express Shipping	7 to 10 days

Cost of Shipping from China to Brazil (September 2025 update)

Shipping from China to Brazil involves several factors that can affect the cost. These include factors such as fuel prices, cargo weight or volume, shipping distance, market demand, the time of year, and the urgency of your shipment.

Below is Hongocean’s price list for September 2025, showing typical shipping costs from China to Brazil. Please note that rates are subject to change. For an accurate and up-to-date quote, please contact us directly.

Shipping Mode	Description	Cost (July 2025)
LCL (Less than Container Load)	For shipments under full container size. Rates vary by cubic meter and route.	Typically $50 to $100 per cubic meter
FCL 40-foot Container to Santos	Full container load, main port of entry for São Paulo region.	$3,700
FCL 40-foot Container to Rio de Janeiro	Full container load, best for direct access to southeast Brazil.	$3,700
FCL 40-foot Container to Paranaguá	Full container load, serving south Brazil and agribusiness clusters.	$3,700
Air Freight to Guarulhos (GRU)	High-value, urgent, or temperature-sensitive goods.	$6.00 per kg

Overview of the cost of exporting from China to Brazil

Importing goods from China typically offers lower prices, a wide variety of products, flexible production, fast delivery, and reliable quality, helping businesses reduce costs and enhance market competitiveness. However, other costs must also be considered. Below are some important costs you need to be aware of:

Import Duty (II): Brazil imposes import duties on imported goods, typically ranging from 10% to 35%, depending on the commodity’s NCM classification. Duties are calculated based on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), which includes the cost of the goods, transportation, and insurance.
State Value-Added Tax (ICMS): ICMS is a state-level tax applied to the circulation of goods and certain services. Rates vary by state, generally ranging from 17% to 19%, and are calculated based on the CIF value plus import duties. Certain goods may qualify for reductions or exemptions.
Industrial Products Tax (IPI): IPI is a federal tax applied to industrially produced goods, including imports. Rates vary by product type and use, typically ranging from 0% to 15%, and are calculated based on the CIF value plus import duties and ICMS.
Federal Social Taxes (PIS and COFINS): PIS and COFINS are federal taxes levied on the sale of goods and services. For imports, the combined rate is 9.25%, applied to the CIF value plus import duties and ICMS.
Other Fees: Additional charges may include anti-dumping duties, port handling fees, and storage costs. Importers should consider all applicable taxes and fees to accurately estimate the total cost of importing goods into Brazil.

Brazilian law does not allow DDP imports. After the goods arrive at the port, only the importer or an authorized third party can clear them and pay the required taxes and duties.

From August 1, 2024, small cross-border parcels valued under $50 will face a 20% import tax and a 17% ICMS in each state. For parcels over $50, only the amount above $50 will be taxed at 60% plus a 17% ICMS. Parcels under $3,000 will also get a $20 tax exemption.

In addition to costs inflicted by customs authorities and ports, you’ll also have to consider transport expenses. Here are some common shipping costs that importers may encounter:

Freight Charges: Air freight is faster, but more expensive. Conversely, sea freight offers larger capacity at a lower cost. Transport by vessel also takes much longer.
Fuel Surcharges: These are applied by carriers to cover fluctuating fuel costs.
Container Fees: For sea shipping, container fees are charged based on the type and size of the container.
Insurance Costs: The cost is often a percentage of the declared value of the goods.
Terminal Handling Charges: These charges cover the cost of unloading cargo once it reaches the port.
Inland Transportation: Includes transporting the shipment to its final destination in Brazil.
Warehouse Storage: If goods need to be stored at the port or a warehouse before shipping or after arrival, storage fees will be applied.
Documentation Fees: Charges for processing necessary shipping documents, such as certificates of origin and bills of lading.

Air Freight from China to Brazil

Air freight is a fast and reliable shipping solution, best suited for perishable, high-value, or time-sensitive goods—especially smaller shipments weighing under 500 kilograms. Although more expensive than other methods, it ensures worldwide delivery within just a few days and provides easier access to inland destinations. For high-margin products or shipments with strict deadlines, air freight remains the smartest choice.

Criteria	Details
Speed	4–6 days
Cost per Kilogram	$6.00 per kg (1,000kg+ to Guarulhos – GRU)
Best Use	High-value, urgent, or temperature-sensitive shipments such as electronics, pharma, and fashion.
Key September Considerations	Rates are steady compared to August, but demand is shifting as many shippers pivot from costly ocean freight delays. Customs at GRU remain strict on valuation and HS codes.

Air Freight Costs from China to Brazil

Departure City	Destination Airport	Price Per KG ($USD)
Shanghai	Guarulhos (GRU)	5.3-10.5
Shanghai	Sao Paulo (VCP)	5.8-10.5
Shanghai	Guarulhos (GRU)	4.8-8.5
Shanghai	Sao Paulo (VCP)	5.2-9.5
Shanghai	Guarulhos (GRU)	4.3-6.5
Shanghai	Sao Paulo (VCP)	4.5-6.8
Guangzhou	Guarulhos (GRU)	5.9-10.5
Guangzhou	Guarulhos (GRU)	4.8-8.5
Guangzhou	Guarulhos (GRU)	4.4-6.5

Air freight time from China to Brazil

Departure City	Destination Airport	Estimated Transit Time (days)
Shanghai	Guarulhos (GRU)	3-8
Shanghai	Sao Paulo (VCP)	6
Shanghai	Guarulhos (GRU)	4-9
Shanghai	Sao Paulo (VCP)	8
Shanghai	Guarulhos (GRU)	5-10
Shanghai	Sao Paulo (VCP)	8
Guangzhou	Guarulhos (GRU)	5
Guangzhou	Guarulhos (GRU)	6
Guangzhou	Guarulhos (GRU)	7

Sea Freight from China to Brazil

Sea freight is a cost-effective, versatile, and environmentally friendly shipping option that can handle a wide range of cargo, from standard containers and refrigerated goods to heavy machinery and oversized equipment. Compared to air freight, it offers much lower costs, making it ideal for large-volume shipments that aren’t time-sensitive. It also generates far fewer carbon emissions, providing a more sustainable choice for businesses focused on environmental responsibility. While transit times are longer than air, sea freight remains a practical solution for companies prioritizing affordability and sustainability. Keep in mind that rates rise and space becomes limited during peak seasons like the Lunar New Year, so planning and booking early is essential.

Sea Freight Costs from China to Brazil

POL (Port of Loading)	POD (Port of Discharge)	20ft container (USD)	40ft container (USD)
Shanghai	Santos	3215	4015
Shanghai	Navegantes	3215	4115
Shanghai	Paranagua	3215	4115
Shenzhen	Santos	3400	4300
Shenzhen	Navegantes	3300	4300
Shenzhen	Paranagua	3400	4400
Ningbo	Santos	3600	4700
Ningbo	Navegantes	3500	4800
Ningbo	Paranagua	3600	4800

Sea Freight Times from China to Brazil

POL (port of loading)	POD (port of discharge)	Transit time
Port of Shanghai	Port of Santos	30 – 38 days
Port of Ningbo	Port of Rio de Janeiro	32 – 40 days
Port of Guangzhou	Port of Paranaguá	35 – 42 days
Port of Shenzhen	Port of Salvador	36 – 43 days
Port of Qingdao	Port of Rio Grande	33 – 48 days
Port of Tianjin	Port of Itajaí	38 – 45 days

Practical Tips for Choosing Between Air and Sea Freight

When deciding whether to ship by air or sea, keep these key factors in mind:

Delivery Urgency:If time is critical, air freight is the clear choice.
Value of Goods:For high-value or high-margin products, the higher cost of air freight may be justified.
Size and Weight:Large, heavy cargo is generally better suited for sea transport.
Type of Goods:Fragile, perishable, or temperature-sensitive shipments are often safer by air.
Sustainability Goals:Sea freight has a lower carbon footprint, making it the greener option.
Budget:When cost is a major concern, sea freight can deliver significant savings.

It’s also important to consider route-specific conditions, seasonal demand, and global market trends, as these can greatly affect both shipping costs and delivery times.

Door to Door Shipping from China to Brazil

Door-to-door shipping services from China to Brazil encompass the entire process, from booking air or sea freight to arranging inland transportation, managing cargo insurance, customs clearance procedures, and final delivery. This model saves importers time and effort by eliminating the need to coordinate multiple service providers. By entrusting freight forwarders, businesses can optimize supply chain management and avoid the complexity of dealing with numerous logistics suppliers.

Benefits of Door-to-Door Shipping from China to Brazil

Convenience and Time Savings: With door-to-door shipping, all logistics are handled by the shipping company—from collection in China to delivery in Brazil. This saves you the hassle of coordinating multiple shipments, arranging transportation, or handling paperwork, allowing you to focus on your business.
Cost Efficiency: By streamlining the entire shipping process, door-to-door services reduce the number of intermediaries, thereby lowering costs. Many providers also offer discounts for bulk or regular shipments, making it an economical choice for businesses.
Enhanced Security: Door-to-door shipping ensures your cargo is carefully managed throughout its journey. From secure packaging to reliable transportation and tracking systems, reputable providers prioritize the safety and integrity of your shipment.
Personalized Delivery Options: These services can accommodate specific needs, such as fragile items that require extra care or time-sensitive shipments that need expedited delivery. Door-to-door shipping offers flexibility and customization to meet your unique requirements.

Cost of door-to-door shipping from China to Brazil

Door-to-door sea freight services are a great option for shipping bulk items and goods that aren’t time-sensitive, making them a budget-friendly choice. To give you an idea, sending a 20-foot container from China to Brazil usually costs between $3,200 and $3,600. If you require a 40-foot container, the price typically ranges from $4,150 to $4,800. There are additional charges—such as port fees, customs clearance, and final delivery—that typically add around $300 to $500 per container. So, altogether, you can expect the total door-to-door cost for a 20-foot container to Brazil to fall in the range of about $3,500 to $4,100.

Guide to Customs Clearance in Brazil

Shipping goods from China to Brazil 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 Brazil Customs clearance process and compliance is critical for companies looking to streamline the import process and avoid unnecessary risk.

Key Customs Documents Required for Brazil Imports

Documents required for custom clearance as follows:

Commercial Invoice: Issued by the exporter, this document includes details such as product specifications, exporter and importer information, freight charges, insurance costs, and the total value of the shipment.
Packing List: Provides a detailed breakdown of the shipment, listing the contents of each carton, including item descriptions, specifications, quantities, and packaging materials.
Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB): Serves as proof of shipment and includes key details such as HS codes, quantity, weight, total value, and shipper/consignee information.
Certificate of Origin: Confirms the country where the goods were manufactured. This document may allow certain products to qualify for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements.
Import License: Required for specific regulated goods entering Brazil, such as food products, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and prohibited substances
Weapons and ammunition
Pornography and obscene materials
Dangerous goods and explosives
Protected animals and plants and their products
Counterfeit goods
Some foods and agricultural products
Certain electronic equipment
Specific types of medicines
Currency and price securities

Tips for Shipping Goods to Brazil

Conduct Thorough Market Research: Before entering the Brazil market, research product demand, target customers, and the competitive landscape. Understanding local market dynamics—especially amid shifting supply conditions and restrictive policies—helps you tailor logistics strategies effectively.
Partner with a Reliable Importer of Record (IOR): An IOR ensures your goods comply with Brazil customs regulations and facilitates smooth importation. Their expertise lets you focus on your core business while avoiding regulatory issues.
Optimize Documentation and Compliance: Accurate documentation is essential for hassle-free customs clearance. Ensure commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin meet Brazil customs requirements to prevent delays or penalties.
Choose a Trusted Freight Forwarder: Experienced freight forwarders like Hongocean handle transportation, customs clearance, and timely delivery. A reliable partner helps you navigate the Brazil market efficiently and ensures your goods arrive safely.
Secure Warehousing Solutions: Reliable warehousing is key for inventory management in Brazil. Look for secure facilities with efficient inventory systems and value-added services such as order fulfillment and distribution to maintain control and ensure prompt delivery.
Leverage Door-to-Door Services: Door-to-door logistics simplify operations by covering the entire supply chain—from pickup at the origin to final delivery in Brazil. Partnering with reputable forwarders like Hongocean ensures a seamless, end-to-end shipping experience.

Key Ports in China and Brazil for Shipping

Country	Port	Key Features	Strategic Importance
China	Shanghai	World’s busiest container port, advanced logistics technologies.	Ideal for high-volume international shipments.
China	Shenzhen	Specializes in electronic and high-tech exports, near Hong Kong.	Tailored logistics services for electronic industries.
China	Guangzhou	Critical hub for southern China, extensive international connections.	Connects southern China to numerous international routes.
Brazil	Santos	Largest port in Brazil, handles the majority of container traffic.	Central to Brazil’s import activities and distribution.
Brazil	Rio de Janeiro	Vital for the southeastern markets, robust infrastructure for heavy imports.	Streamlined customs processes for efficient imports.
Brazil	Itajaí	Efficient in handling perishables, serves southern Brazil.	Critical for food products and perishables shipments.

Major Ports in China

China boasts a vast network of ports, comprising over 2,000 minor ports and 34 major ones that facilitate international trade. Notable among them are:

Shanghai Port:The world’s largest container port by throughput, serving as a vital hub for China’s imports and exports.
Shenzhen Port:A key port for exporting high-tech products and electronics.
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port:Globally leading in cargo throughput, particularly excelling in bulk and container shipping.
Guangzhou Port:A vital integrated port connecting South China with international markets.
Qingdao Port:Primarily handles iron ore, grain, and container shipments.
Tianjin Port:The main port serving northern industrial zones, supporting Beijing and the surrounding regions.

Major Ports in Brazil

Port of Santos:Brazil’s largest and busiest port, handling diverse cargo such as coffee, sugar, and automobiles, with excellent infrastructure and connectivity.
Port of Paranaguá:A major agricultural export hub in Paraná, specializing in soybeans, corn, and poultry with efficient bulk-handling facilities.
Port of Rio de Janeiro:A versatile port near Rio’s metropolitan area, managing petroleum, chemicals, and consumer goods with specialized terminals.
Port of Itajaí:A rapidly growing container port in Santa Catarina with modern infrastructure and strong logistics connections for international trade.
Port of Suape:An industrial port in Pernambuco handling chemicals, electronics, and textiles, supported by deep-water facilities and integrated logistics.

Freight Forwarders from China to Brazil

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.

How to Ship from China to Brazil: 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–Brazil 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

Use the Brazil HS code to estimate applicable import duties and taxes. You can verify this information using the Brazil Customs Authority or third-party tariff lookup tools.

Step 6: Complete Brazil Customs Clearance

Goods must complete customs clearance before entering Brazil. This includes submitting all required documents, such as commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, and certificates of origin, and paying any applicable duties and taxes. Shipments containing food, pharmaceuticals, or hazardous materials may also require inspection or health certificates.

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.

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