Shipping from China to Argentina

Between January and June 2025, Argentina imported $8.3 billion worth of goods from China, representing approximately 79% more than during the same period last year. China remains Argentina’s second-largest trading partner, fostering strong economic ties and creating new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.

As trade grows, the variety of goods shipped between the two countries is expanding, including electrical and electronic equipment, machinery, organic chemicals, automobiles and parts, plastics, and more.

We know that shipping goods from China to Argentina can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to international trade. That’s why we’ve created a simple, step-by-step guide to help you move your products quickly and easily.

Trend analysis of Freight Shipping Costs from China to Argentina in September 2025:

In September 2025, freight costs from China to Argentina fell sharply, continuing the downward trend observed earlier this year. The decline in shipping rates was driven by several factors, including weaker demand, excess shipping capacity, and the absence of the traditional peak season.

Freight Rate Overview:

Full Container Load (FCL): Shipping a 20-foot container from Shanghai to Buenos Aires costs between $3,141 and $3,410, while a 40-foot container ranges from $3,759 to $4,082.
Less-than-Container Load (LCL): For smaller shipments, LCL rates for 5 cubic meters and 750 kilograms from Qingdao to Buenos Aires range from $1,249 to $1,610, depending on transit time and service provider.

Key Market Factors Influencing Rates:

Declining Demand: Shipment volumes surged in June and July due to pre-shipments anticipating potential tariff changes. By August, import demand had cooled.
Excess Capacity: A global surplus in shipping capacity has pushed freight rates lower, partly driven by geopolitical shifts and changes in trade routes.
Absent Peak Season: Unlike previous years, the usual peak shipping season did not materialize, keeping rates subdued.

With freight rates remaining low in September 2025, importers have an opportunity to reduce shipping costs. Businesses, however, should stay alert, as rates can shift quickly with changing market conditions. Monitoring trends and strategically planning shipments can help mitigate the impact of potential future cost increases.

Our Freight Shipping Services From China To Argentina

Hongocean Freight is backed by a professional, experienced international logistics team dedicated to providing reliable, high-quality shipping services to Argentina 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 Argentina. 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 Argentina.

Shipping methods from China to Argentina

Currently, there are two primary methods for shipping goods to Argentina: 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, 7-9 working days	Slowest, takes 5-6 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 Argentina

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

Several factors influence the duration of travel to Argentina, 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 Argentina. It shows the usual transit times for different shipping methods:

Shipping Mode	Typical Transit Time	Considerations
Sea Freight (LCL)	38 – 45 days	Cost-effective for non-urgent, bulk shipments.
Sea Freight (FCL)	35 – 42 days	Ideal for large shipments needing security.
Air Freight	7 – 9 days	Suitable for high-value or perishable items.
Express Shipping	3 – 5 days	Best for urgent, time-sensitive deliveries.

Shipping costs from China to Argentina

Shipping costs from China to Argentina vary depending on factors such as fuel prices, cargo weight or volume, distance, demand, season, and shipping speed.

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

Shipping Option	Cost	Transit Time
FCL (20-foot container) – Buenos Aires	$3,500	38–42 days
FCL (40-foot container) – Buenos Aires	$3,600	38–42 days
FCL (20-foot container) – Rosario	$4,800	38–42 days
FCL (40-foot container) – Rosario	$5,300	38–42 days

Overview of the cost of exporting from China to Argentina

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:

Customs Duty: Goods imported from China to Argentina are subject to customs duties, which vary by product type and HS code, typically ranging from 0% to 35%. Some items may qualify for preferential tariffs or free trade agreements (FTA).
Value Added Tax (VAT / IVA): Argentina charges VAT on imported goods at a standard rate of 21%, with certain products subject to 10.5% or 27%. VAT is calculated on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) plus applicable customs duties.
Excise / Import Tax: Tobacco, alcohol, automobiles, and luxury items may incur additional excise or import taxes. Rates vary by product and are intended to protect local industries.
Customs Processing Fees: Importers must also pay fees for customs services and documentation, typically 0.5%–1% of the shipment’s value. These cover administrative and logistics handling at customs.
Other Charges: Additional costs may include anti-dumping duties, port handling fees, and warehousing charges. Importers should account for all taxes and fees to accurately estimate total import costs.

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 Argentina.
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 Argentina

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	7–9 days
Cost per Kilogram	$7.30 per kg
Ideal For	High-value, urgent, or perishable cargo; September spot rate, slightly higher than August
Key Considerations	Air freight rates rose from $7.00/kg in August to $7.30/kg in September, reflecting rising Q4 demand. Customs checks are more rigorous, especially at Buenos Aires airport.

Air Freight Costs from China to Argentina

Origin	Destination	Air Cargo Cost (USD/kg)
Beijing	Buenos Aires	5.00 – 10.50
Shanghai	Buenos Aires	5.50 – 9.50
Guangzhou	Buenos Aires	6.00 – 12.50
Shenzhen	Buenos Aires	5.50 – 13.00
Hong Kong	Buenos Aires	5.50 – 13.50
Chengdu	Buenos Aires	5.50 – 13.00
Chongqing	Buenos Aires	6.00 – 14.50
Hangzhou	Buenos Aires	6.00 – 14.50
Tianjin	Buenos Aires	6.50 – 13.00

Air freight time from China to Argentina

Origin City	Destination City	Air Freight Transit Time (Days)
Beijing	Buenos Aires	3 – 5
Beijing	Cordoba	4 – 6
Beijing	Rosario	4 – 7
Shanghai	Buenos Aires	3 – 5
Shanghai	Cordoba	3 – 6
Shanghai	Rosario	4 – 8
Guangzhou	Buenos Aires	5 – 8
Guangzhou	Cordoba	3 – 6
Guangzhou	Rosario	4 – 7

Sea Freight from China to Argentina

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 Argentina

rigin City	Destination Port	Sea Freight Cost (USD/TEU)
Shanghai	Buenos Aires	2800-3800
Shanghai	La Plata	2500-3900
Shanghai	Rosario	2600-3850
Ningbo	Buenos Aires	2900-4050
Ningbo	La Plata	2600-3850
Ningbo	Rosario	2800-3800
Shenzhen	Buenos Aires	2600-3850
Shenzhen	La Plata	2700-3950
Shenzhen	Rosario	2650-3900

Sea freight time from China to Argentina

POL (port of loading)	POD (port of discharge)	Transit time
Qingdao	Buenos Aires	45 days
Shanghai	Buenos Aires	40 days
Shenzhen	Buenos Aires	35 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 Argentina

Door-to-door shipping services from China to Argentina 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 Argentina

Convenience and Time Savings:With door-to-door shipping, all logistics are handled by the shipping company—from collection in China to delivery in Argentina. 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 Argentina

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 Argentina usually costs between $3,000 and $3,500. If you require a 40-foot container, the price typically ranges from $3,500 to $4,500. 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 Argentina to fall in the range of about $3,500 to $4,000.

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

Documents required for custom clearance as follows:

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Certificate of Origin

Prohibited Items

Items compromising public, animal, and agricultural health
Organic products (soil, firewood, wood, animal parts, dried insects, etc.)
Narcotics or illegal drugs
Pornographic material of any kind
Dangerous, toxic or flammable items
Stolen or smuggled items
Currency (actual or counterfeit)
Food
Spare parts or parts of any vehicle
Items which contain an internal – combustion or outboard engines
Items that are not considered as part of a move for Argentine Customs

Tips for Shipping Goods to Argentina

Conduct Thorough Market Research:Before entering the Argentine 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 Argentine 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 Argentine 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 Argentine market efficiently and ensures your goods arrive safely.
Secure Warehousing Solutions:Reliable warehousing is key for inventory management in Argentina. 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 Argentina. Partnering with reputable forwarders like Hongocean ensures a seamless, end-to-end shipping experience.

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

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 of Argentina

Port of Buenos Aires:Argentina’s largest and busiest multipurpose port.
Port of Rosario:An inland port primarily handling grain and oilseed exports.
Port of Bahía Blanca:A deep-water port suited for bulk cargo exports.
Port of Mar del Plata:A port focused on fishery exports.
Port of La Plata:A key component of the Buenos Aires port complex, handling containers and bulk cargo.

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.

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

Goods must complete customs clearance before entering Argentina. 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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