Shipping from Taiwan (China) to Brazil

Shipping from Taiwan (China) to Brazil connects one of Asia’s premier high-tech manufacturing hubs with Latin America’s largest economy. Whether you are importing electronics, machinery, auto parts, or plastics, navigating the logistics route between these two distinct markets requires precise planning.

This guide provides a comprehensive, professional analysis of shipping from Taiwan to Brazil, covering shipping methods, freight costs, transit times, customs complexities, and how Dantful.US International Logistics ensures your cargo arrives safely and efficiently.

Overview of shipping from Taiwan (China) to Brazil

Taiwan (China) is a global powerhouse in semiconductors, information technology, and precision machinery. Brazil, as a major developing economy, has a high demand for these industrial inputs and consumer electronics.

However, the logistics channel between Taiwan and Brazil is known for its challenges:

• Long geographical distance: Crossing the Pacific and often transiting through other hubs.

• Complex Brazilian Customs: Brazil has one of the world’s most bureaucratic customs environments.

• High “Custo Brasil”: The total cost of doing business, including taxes and logistics inefficiencies.

Successful importers do not just look for the lowest freight rate; they look for compliance and reliability. A mistake in documentation (like an incorrect NCM Code) can lead to heavy fines or shipments being stuck at Santos Port for weeks.

Shipping Methods from Taiwan (China) to Brazil

Choosing the right mode of transport is the first step in optimizing your supply chain.

Sea freight from Taiwan (China) to Brazil

Sea Freight is the dominant method for moving large volumes of goods due to its cost-effectiveness.

• FCL (Full Container Load): You rent the entire container (20′ or 40′). This is the safest and most economical option for shipments over 15 CBM. It prevents your goods from being handled multiple times.

• LCL (Less than Container Load): If you don’t have enough cargo to fill a container, you share space with other shippers. You pay only for the volume (CBM) you use.

Best suited for: Heavy machinery, bulk raw materials, large orders of electronics, and non-urgent inventory.

Expert Tip: For Brazil, ensure your Wooden Packaging is strictly ISPM 15 certified and stamped. Brazilian authorities are extremely strict on this, and non-compliance can result in the cargo being repatriated.

Air freight from Taiwan (China) to Brazil

Air Freight bridges the vast distance between Taiwan and Brazil in a matter of days rather than weeks.

• Standard Air Freight: Ideal for shipments between 100kg and 1000kg.

• Charter Services: Available for massive, oversized, or extremely urgent project cargo.

Best suited for: High-value electronics, semiconductor chips, urgent spare parts, and samples.

Express shipping from Taiwan (China) to Brazil

For small parcels (under 100kg) or documents, Express Shipping (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offers door-to-door speed and integrated customs handling (for low-value items).

Best suited for: Prototypes, legal documents, and small emergency replacements.

Shipping Cost from Taiwan (China) to Brazil

Freight rates fluctuate based on fuel prices (BAF), currency exchange rates, and seasonal demand. Below are estimated market ranges for Early 2026.

Estimated Shipping Rates (2026)

Shipping Mode	Origin	Destination	Estimated Cost Range	Key Factors
FCL 20′ Container	Kaohsiung/Keelung	Santos (SP)	$2,800 – $3,800	Bunker surges, Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)
FCL 40′ Container	Kaohsiung/Keelung	Santos (SP)	$3,500 – $5,200	Container availability, General Rate Increases (GRI)
LCL (Sea Freight)	Major Taiwan Ports	Brazil Ports	$90 – $130 per CBM	Consolidation fees, Minimum 1 CBM charge
Air Freight	TPE (Taoyuan)	GRU (Guarulhos)	$8.50 – $14.00 per kg	Density ratio (1:167), Oil prices, Urgent surcharges

Note: These values are strictly for freight reference. They do not include Brazilian local charges (Capatazia), Demurrage/Detention deposits, or the extensive list of Brazilian import taxes (II, IPI, PIS, COFINS, ICMS).

How to Control Your Landed Cost

1. Accurate NCM Classification: Using the wrong NCM code can trigger higher taxes or fines.

2. Incoterms Matter: Avoid DDP for Brazil unless you have a specialized partner. FOB (Free on Board) or CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) are standard, but the importer usually handles clearance to utilize their RADAR license.

3. Plan for Free Time: Negotiate for 14-21 days of Free Time (demurrage exemption) at the destination port, as clearance in Brazil can be slow.

Transit time from Taiwan (China) to Brazil

The distance between East Asia and South America is significant. Planning your inventory cycles around realistic transit times is crucial.

Method	Route	Estimated Time
Sea Freight	Taiwan to Santos/Paranaguá	35 – 50 days
Air Freight	TPE to GRU/VCP	4 – 7 days
Express	Door to Door	3 – 6 days

Why the variation?

• Transshipment: Most sea vessels from Taiwan to Brazil transship via Singapore, Europe, or sometimes the US. Direct vessels are rare.

• Port Congestion: Santos Port is the busiest in Latin America and frequently faces bottlenecks.

• Customs Red Channel: If your cargo gets selected for the “Red Channel” (physical inspection) in Brazil, add 5-10 days to the lead time.

Major Port & Shipping Routes from Taiwan (China) to Brazil

Major Ports in Taiwan (China)

• Kaohsiung Port: The largest harbor in Taiwan, handling the majority of container traffic. Best for shipments from Southern Taiwan.

• Keelung Port: Serves Northern Taiwan, including Taipei and the technology parks.

• Taichung Port: Ideally located for Central Taiwan’s machinery and bicycle industries.

Major Ports in Brazil

• Santos Port (SP): The main gateway. Handles ~40% of Brazil’s containers. Best for cargo destined for São Paulo and the industrial south.

• Paranaguá Port (PR): A strong alternative for Southern Brazil, often used for agricultural and bulk goods but efficient for containers too.

• Itajaí / Navegantes (SC): Critical for importers in Santa Catarina state.

• Rio de Janeiro Port (RJ): Serves the oil & gas and central regions.

Key Airports

• Origin: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).

• Destination: São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU) (Main hub) and Viracopos (VCP) (Key for freight and courier).

Shipping Process from Taiwan (China) to Brazil

1. Booking & Cargo Readiness: Confirm availability with the carrier.

2. Export Customs (Taiwan): Relatively straightforward. Requires Commercial Invoice and Packing List.

3. Ocean/Air Transit: The cargo moves across the globe.

4. Document Issuance: The Bill of Lading (BL) or Air Waybill (AWB) is issued.

   • Crucial: Brazil Customs typically requires the Original Bill of Lading for clearance (though rules are modernizing, physical presentation is often still needed).

5. Import License (LI): Some goods require an approved Import License before shipment departure. Check this rigorously.

6. Import Customs Clearance (Brazil): The cargo arrives. The importer (or broker) registers the declaration in Siscomex.

7. Tax Payment: Duties and taxes must be paid before release.

8. Delivery: Cargo is trucked to the final warehouse.

Customs Clearance & Duties

This is the most challenging part of shipping to Brazil.

Essential Documents

• Commercial Invoice: Must be signed in blue ink (traditional requirement) and contain detailed descriptions, HS codes, and freight breakdown.

• Packing List: Must match the invoice exactly.

• Bill of Lading (BL): Must show freight costs as per the invoice.

• Certificate of Origin: Often required to prove the goods are from Taiwan.

The Brazilian Tax Structure

Brazil imposes a cascade of taxes on imports:

1. II (Import Duty): Based on NCM code (0% – 35%).

2. IPI (Industrialized Product Tax): Varies by product essentiality.

3. PIS & COFINS: Federal social contributions.

4. ICMS: State sales tax (like VAT), varying by state (e.g., São Paulo is ~18%).

Warning: All importers in Brazil must have a RADAR license (registration with the Federal Revenue) to import goods. Ensure your Brazilian buyer is registered before shipping.

Choose a Freight Forwarder from Taiwan (China) to Brazil

Shipping to Brazil is not for amateurs. You need a forwarder who understands both the precision of Taiwan’s exports and the complexity of Brazil’s bureaucracy.

Why Choose Dantful.US International Logistics?

• Brazil Trade Lane Expertise: We know which documents prevent fines and which routes avoid congestion.

• Cost-Effective Solutions: We negotiate competitive rates for FCL and LCL through our volume contracts.

• End-to-End Visibility: Track your shipment from the factory in Taichung to the warehouse in São Paulo.

• Documentation Assistance: We double-check your Invoices, PL, and BL drafts to ensure they meet Siscomex standards.

• Flexible Options: From standard Ocean Freight to urgent Air Charter services.

FAQs

1. How long does shipping take from Taiwan to Brazil?

Sea freight typically takes 35 to 50 days, depending on whether the vessel is direct or transshipped. Air freight usually takes 4 to 7 days.

2. Can Dantful.US handle DDP shipments to Brazil?

Due to Brazil’s strict tax regulations requiring the importer (consignee) to pay taxes directly using their CNPJ, DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is extremely difficult and rare. We recommend DAP (Delivered at Place) or CIF, where we handle transport to the door or port, and you (or your broker) handle the tax payment.

3. What is the NCM code?

The NCM (Nomenclatura Comum do Mercosul) is the 8-digit code used in Brazil, similar to the HS Code. It determines the Import Duty rate. Using the correct NCM is mandatory to avoid fines.

4. Do I need an Import License (LI) for everything?

No, but many items (like medical devices, used goods, or specific electronics) require an Automatic or Non-Automatic Import License approved before shipment. Always verify with Dantful.US or your customs broker.

5. What is the cheapest way to ship from Taiwan to Brazil?

Ocean Freight is the most budget-friendly option for bulk goods. To reduce costs further, book shipments during off-peak periods. Be aware that rates rise during peak seasons (e.g., pre-Chinese New Year) due to General Rate Increases (GRI) and higher port surcharges.

Contact Dantful.US International Logistics today for a free, transparent quote and let us streamline your logistics from Taiwan to Brazil.