Importing from China to the USA

Trusted China to USA shipping with transparent door-to-door quotes

The China-USA trade lane is the world's busiest shipping corridor and the cornerstone of American Global Freights' operations. With our own office in Foshan, Guangdong Province, we provide origin-side cargo management, quality control, and consolidation from our own team on the ground. Whether you're importing consumer electronics, furniture, textiles, or industrial materials, our team in China works directly with your suppliers to ensure cargo is properly packed, documented, and shipped on schedule.

Ready to book a shipment on this lane?China to USA freight forwarding

Last reviewed: October 2026

Offices and representative on this lane: USA flag

Glendale, USA China flag

Foshan, China

Services Available on This Route

AGF Advantage on This Lane

What sets AGF apart on the China-USA lane is our physical presence in China. Our Foshan office handles supplier coordination, factory pickups, container loading supervision, and all export documentation. This eliminates the communication gaps and delays that plague importers who rely solely on US-based forwarders. Combined with our FMC-licensed NVOCC status, we offer direct carrier contracts with major steamship lines, giving you access to competitive rates and consistent vessel schedules on the Trans-Pacific trade.

Key Ports & Airports

Origin (China)

Foshan
Guangzhou (Nansha)
Shenzhen (Yantian/Shekou)
Shanghai
Ningbo
Qingdao
Xiamen

Destination (USA)

Los Angeles / Long Beach
New York / New Jersey
Savannah
Seattle / Tacoma
Chicago (rail)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does ocean freight from China to the USA take?

Direct sailings from South China (Shenzhen/Guangzhou) to Los Angeles typically take 14-18 days, and that West Coast figure has been the stable one. East Coast transits via the Panama Canal have historically run 28-35 days, but the canal cuts draft on the Neopanamax locks and reduces daily transit slots when Gatun Lake water levels fall, which tightens space and makes schedules less reliable. For inland and East Coast destinations it is now worth pricing West Coast discharge plus rail (5-7 additional days) against an all-water routing rather than assuming the canal number. We quote both.

Do you handle US customs clearance for imports from China?

Yes. Import clearance is filed by our licensed customs brokers, including ISF filing, HTS classification, duty calculation, and coordination with CBP and other government agencies (FDA, USDA, CPSC, etc.). We proactively manage tariff classification to ensure compliance and optimize duty rates.

Can you pick up cargo directly from factories in China?

Absolutely. Our Foshan office coordinates factory pickups throughout Guangdong Province and beyond. We can arrange trucking from any factory in China to the nearest port, supervise container loading, and manage all export documentation.

What tariffs apply to imports from China?

Chinese goods pay the normal (MFN) duty for their HS line plus China-specific Section 301 tariffs on most products, at rates set list by list and higher on some strategic lines, and some products also carry antidumping or countervailing duties. Section 232 tariffs apply to certain goods from every origin, including steel, aluminum and copper content, autos and parts, and upholstered furniture and cabinets. Rates and exclusions change, so our licensed customs brokers confirm the total for your exact HS code before you order.