fluctuating freight rates, space constraints during peak seasons, and complex US customs regulations for high-value goods.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about shipping from Taiwan (China) to USA, including shipping methods, current cost estimates, transit times, major ports, and how Dantful.US International Logistics
Taiwan (China) is a global powerhouse in the semiconductor and electronics industries. Consequently, logistics from Taiwan often involve high-value, time-sensitive cargo that requires extra care and precision compared to general bulk commodities.
Common challenges on this route include:
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Handling of Sensitive Electronics: Requiring shock-proof handling and temperature control.
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Volatility in Air Freight Capacity: Driven by high demand for chip exports.
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US Customs Compliance: Strict scrutiny on technology products (FCC regulations) and anti-dumping duties on specific materials.
Optimizing your logistics strategy here means balancing speed vs. cost while ensuring zero damage
Ocean freight is the dominant mode for large volumes of machinery, auto parts, and consumer goods.
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FCL (Full Container Load): The standard for bulk shipments. You rent the entire container (20’GP, 40’GP, or 40’HQ). It offers the best security and transit time as the container is sealed from factory to destination.
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LCL (Less than Container Load): Ideal for smaller shipments (typically 1–15 CBM) that don’t fill a full container. You pay only for the space you use.
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OOG (Out of Gauge) & Breakbulk: Frequently used for Taiwan’s heavy industrial machinery exports that do not fit in standard containers.
Best suited for: Heavy machinery, plastic raw materials, auto parts, and large consolidated orders.
Air Freight from Taiwan (China) to USA
Taiwan has excellent air connectivity to the US. Air freight is the go-to solution for the semiconductor and electronics sectors.
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Standard Air Freight: Shipments move on commercial passenger or freighter aircraft.
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Charter Services: For massive or urgent project cargo.
Best suited for: Semiconductors, PCBs, urgent samples, and high-value consumer electronics.
Express Shipping from Taiwan (China) to USA
For packages under 100kg, couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS provide door-to-door speed.
Best suited for:
Freight rates fluctuate based on fuel surcharges (BAF), currency exchange rates, and seasonal demand. Below are estimated market rates for January 2026.
Estimated Shipping Rates (January 2026)
| Shipping Mode | Destination | Estimated Cost Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCL 20′ Container | US West Coast (LA/LB) | $1,600 – $2,300 | High demand pre-Lunar New Year |
| FCL 40′ Container | US West Coast (LA/LB) | $2,100 – $3,100 | Space tight on direct services |
| FCL 20′ Container | US East Coast (NY/NJ) | $2,900 – $3,900 | Panama Canal transit fees apply |
| FCL 40′ Container | US East Coast (NY/NJ) | $3,600 – $4,900 | Longer transit, higher fuel cost |
| LCL (Sea Freight) | All Major Ports | $55 – $95 per CBM | Consolidation fees may vary |
| Air Freight | Major Airports | $5.50 – $8.50 per kg | Driven by tech product launches |
Note: These are port-to-port estimates. Landed costs will include local port fees (THC), US customs duties, ISF filing fees, and inland trucking
Taiwan’s geographic location allows for relatively fast ocean transit to the US West Coast compared to Southeast Asian origins.
Typical Transit Time Ranges
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Sea Freight (West Coast): 13 – 18 days
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Sea Freight (East Coast): 25 – 35 days
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Air Freight: 2 – 5 days
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Express: 1 – 3 business days
Factors Affecting Transit Time
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Direct vs. Transshipment: Direct vessels from Kaohsiung to Los Angeles are significantly faster than routes stopping in Busan or Shanghai.
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US Port Congestion: LA/LB can experience delays during peak seasons.
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Inland Rail:
The largest harbor in Taiwan and a major global transshipment hub.
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Handles the majority of container traffic.
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Best for shipments originating in Southern Taiwan (Tainan, Kaohsiung).
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Offers the most frequent direct sailings to the USA.
Keelung Port
Located near Taipei, serving Northern Taiwan.
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Ideal for electronics and high-tech exporters based in the Taipei/Hsinchu Science Park areas.
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Smaller than Kaohsiung but highly efficient.
Taichung Port
Serves Central Taiwan.
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Key hub for precision machinery and bicycle manufacturing industries.
Major Airports in Taiwan (China)
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
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The primary gateway for air cargo.
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massive capacity for freighter aircraft.
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Home hub for China Airlines and EVA Air, offering extensive direct flights to LAX, SFO, JFK, and ORD.
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Los Angeles (LAX), Long Beach (LGB), Oakland (OAK), Seattle (SEA). Best for speed and cost.
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East Coast: New York (NY/NJ), Savannah (SAV), Norfolk (ORF). Best for direct access to the Eastern seaboard.
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Gulf Coast: Houston (HOU)
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Confirming when goods are ready at the factory.
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Booking & Pickup: Dantful.US arranges inland trucking to the port/airport.
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Export Customs (Taiwan): Submission of export declaration. Taiwan customs are efficient but strict on documentation.
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Ocean/Air Transit: Cargo moves across the Pacific.
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ISF Filing (10+2): Must be filed with US Customs 24 hours before loading at the origin port to avoid a $5,000 fine.
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Import Clearance (USA): Paying duties and releasing cargo.
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Final Delivery:
Importing from Taiwan requires attention to specific regulations:
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HTS Codes: Correct classification determines your duty rate.
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FCC Form 740: Mandatory for radio frequency devices (electronics, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
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FDA Registration: Required for medical devices, food, and food-contact items.
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Anti-Dumping Duties: Be aware of specific categories like steel, nails, or certain chemicals that may incur high penalty tariffs.
Dantful.US
We understand the nuances of the Taiwan–US trade lane. Whether you are shipping sensitive semiconductors or heavy machinery, Dantful.US International Logistics provides:
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Specialized Handling: Expertise in packaging and transporting high-value electronics and fragile machinery.
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Competitive Air Rates: Strong relationships with carriers like CI (China Airlines) and BR (EVA Air) for priority space.
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DDP Services: We handle everything from pickup in Taiwan to delivery at your door in the US, including duty payment.
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Amazon FBA Expertise: Direct appointments and labeling services for Amazon sellers.
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24/7 Tracking:
1. What is the fastest shipping from Taiwan (China) to the USA?
Air Freight or Express (DHL/FedEx) is the fastest, taking 1–4 days. For ocean freight, the fastest route is the Matson or express direct services from Kaohsiung/Keelung to Los Angeles, taking approx. 11–14 days.
2. Is shipping from Taiwan (China) cheaper than from mainland China?
Generally, ocean freight rates from Taiwan (China) are comparable to mainland China main ports, though local port charges in Taiwan (China) are transparent and regulated. Air freight rates can sometimes be higher due to the high density of high-value cargo competing for space.
3. Do I need a bond to import from Taiwan?
Yes. To clear US Customs for commercial shipments valued over $2,500, you need a Customs Surety Bond (Single Entry or Continuous Bond). Dantful.US can purchase this on your behalf.
4. Can you handle “Door to Door” shipping from Taiwan?
Absolutely. Our DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service handles pickup, export clearance, ocean/air freight, US customs, duties, and final truck delivery. You pay one all-inclusive price.
5. When is the peak season for shipping from Taiwan?
Peak seasons occur before the Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb) and the traditional holiday shopping rush (Aug–Oct). During these times, book at least 3 weeks in advance.
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