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🇨🇳Shipping from China to United States🇺🇸
Quick Answer
Cheapest option
ZTO International
$8.49/kg
1-3 days
Fastest option
YTO Express (Yuantong Express)
1-3 days
$15.91/kg
Duty-free under
$0
VAT / Sales Tax: 0%
↓ Scroll down for full carrier comparison
Data as of April 2026
Shipping Cost Examples
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$6.37
ZTO International
1-3 d
Clothing 2kg
$12.31
ZTO International
Box 5kg
$21.22
ZTO International
Heavy 10kg
$35.65
ZTO International
from $8.49/kgfrom 1 days25 carriersde minimis $0
kg
Billed at: 1 kg
Currency:
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Type:
25 results
ZTO International~ EstimatedCheapest3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$8.49
Tracking: Yes
Cainiao (AliExpress)✓ Verified4.3 ★regional
Cainiao Standard Shipping
★ 2.1(3.4K)Delivery Time
15–45 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
Cainiao (AliExpress)✓ Verified4.3 ★regional
Cainiao Express
★ 2.1(3.4K)Delivery Time
7–15 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
4PX Express✓ Verified3.4 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
4PX Express✓ Verified3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
10–20 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
4PX Express✓ Verified3.4 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
15–30 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
CNE Express (China Navigation Express)✓ Verified3.4 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
CNE Express (China Navigation Express)✓ Verified3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
10–20 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
CNE Express (China Navigation Express)✓ Verified3.4 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
15–35 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
Equick China~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
Equick China~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
10–20 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
Equick China~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
25–45 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
STO Express (Shentong Express)~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
YTO Express (Yuantong Express)~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
Sunyou (SunYou Post)~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
7–15 days
Estimated Price
$16.06
Tracking: Yes
Sunyou (SunYou Post)~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
15–25 days
Estimated Price
$16.06
Tracking: Yes
Sunyou (SunYou Post)~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
20–45 days
Estimated Price
$16.06
Tracking: Yes
ePacket (China Post / USPS)✓ Verified3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
7–14 days
Estimated Price
$18.74
Tracking: Yes
Yanwen Express✓ Verified3.9 ★regional
Yanwen Standard
★ 2.0(890)Delivery Time
10–25 days
Estimated Price
$22.99
Tracking: Yes
Yanwen Express✓ Verified3.9 ★regional
Yanwen Express
★ 2.0(890)Delivery Time
7–15 days
Estimated Price
$22.99
Tracking: Yes
China Post✓ Verified3.9 ★postal
China Post Air Mail Large Package
★ 2.2(450)Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$25.71
Tracking: Yes
China Post✓ Verified3.9 ★postal
China Post Registered Air Mail
★ 2.2(450)Delivery Time
10–25 days
Estimated Price
$25.71
Tracking: Yes
EMS✓ Verified4.7 ★postal
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$32.14
Tracking: Yes
SF Express✓ Verified4.7 ★regional
International Economy Express
★ 2.8(890)Delivery Time
5–12 days
Estimated Price
$44.56
Tracking: Yes
SF Express✓ Verified4.7 ★regional
International Standard Express
★ 2.8(890)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$62.38
Tracking: Yes
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Delivery Date Estimate
April 11, 2026
Estimated arrival
April 13, 2026 — June 12, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Import Duty Calculator
$
Shipping Insurance Comparison
$
Item value| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
Track Your Shipment
After shipping, use your tracking number on the carrier's website:
Price Changes (30 days)
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZTO InternationalStandard | $8.74 | $8.49 | -2.9% |
| Cainiao (AliExpress)Cainiao Standard Shipping | $15.75 | $15.91 | +1% |
| Cainiao (AliExpress)Cainiao Express | $15.75 | $15.91 | +1% |
| 4PX ExpressExpress | $17.18 | $15.91 | -7.4% |
| 4PX ExpressStandard | $17.18 | $15.91 | -7.4% |
| 4PX ExpressEconomy | $17.18 | $15.91 | -7.4% |
| CNE Express (China Navigation Express)Express | $17.18 | $15.91 | -7.4% |
| CNE Express (China Navigation Express)Standard | $17.18 | $15.91 | -7.4% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Import Duty Rates: United States
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 0% |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 12-32% |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 8-48% |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 0-25% |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0-3% |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 0-5% |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 0-6.5% |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Customs Clearance
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. Shipments under $800 are duty-free under Section 321. Commercial shipments require a customs broker or self-filing via ACE.
Processing time1-3 days
De minimisDe minimis threshold for US: $800. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties.
What to actually expect
Full customs guide for United States →Efficient automated system (ACE). Express shipments clear same day. USPS shipments may take 1-3 days at ISC facilities. Section 321 de minimis at $800 is the highest in the world, making most personal imports duty-free.
Required Documents
✓For export from CN: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading
✓customs declaration
✓certificate of origin
✓CCC mark certificate (for applicable products)
✓import license for restricted items
✓For import into US: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading/airway bill
✓Shipper's Export Declaration (for goods over $2
✓500)
✓EEI filing via AES for controlled items
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: Required for preferential tariff treatment under USMCA (ex-NAFTA) and other FTAs. Self-certification is accepted. No specific form required for general imports. Import licenses: Most goods do not require import licenses. Exceptions include firearms, alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain agricultural products regulated by USDA, FDA, ATF, and other agencies.
Trade: China & United States
$700B+ annual bilateral trade. Main goods: electronics, machinery, consumer products, agricultural goods. China is the largest US trading partner by total goods trade.
Key imports into US: Consumer electronics, vehicles, machinery, clothing, pharmaceuticals, toys, furniture, footwear. Key exports from CN: Electronics, machinery, textiles, clothing, furniture, toys, steel, chemical products, solar panels. The US has an $800 de minimis threshold, one of the highest in the world. Personal imports under this value are duty-free. USPS offers the most affordable international shipping for small parcels. FedEx and UPS provide fast express options with customs brokerage included.
Shipper Experience
Based on shipper reports, delivery from CN to US takes 7-21 days depending on the service. Express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer faster delivery in 3-7 days. Accurate customs declarations are recommended to speed up the process.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
⚠Prohibited for export from CN: Political materials critical of the government
⚠firearms
⚠narcotics
⚠used electronics without import permit
⚠pornography
⚠certain printed/audio-visual materials
⚠counterfeit currency
⚠Prohibited for import into US: Firearms without export license
⚠narcotics
⚠Cuban-origin goods
⚠certain agricultural products
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠hazardous materials
⚠obscene materials
Special Items Guide
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in device. Standalone prohibited by air carriers. |
| Alcohol | Restricted or prohibited. Import license typically required. |
| Food | Phytosanitary certificate may be required. Perishables: express only. |
| Medications | Up to 3-month supply with prescription. Commercial import needs license. |
| Art & antiques | Export permit may be needed. Insurance strongly recommended. |
| Electronics | Check voltage. Some countries require CE/FCC certification. |
Trade Agreements
CN and US are both members of the following trade agreements: WTO. These agreements may provide reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying goods. Be sure to obtain a certificate of origin to take advantage of preferential tariff rates.
VAT / GST
VAT/GST rate: 0% (no federal VAT). Applies to: No federal VAT/GST. State sales taxes (0-10.25%) may apply but are not collected at customs.
Trade Information
China is the largest source of US imports, with over $400 billion in goods shipped annually. Since 2018, additional tariffs of 7.5-25% apply on many Chinese goods under Section 301 actions, on top of standard MFN rates. The US de minimis threshold is $800, making small direct-to-consumer parcels duty-free.
Shipping Tips
For parcels under $800, the US de minimis exemption means no duties or taxes. China Post and Yanwen offer the cheapest economy options (15-30 days). SF Express and 4PX provide faster alternatives at 7-12 days. Always check if your item falls under Section 301 tariffs before shipping high-value goods.
User Reviews
“Ordered a package from Shenzhen via SF Express. Arrived in Los Angeles in 8 days with full tracking. Very impressed with the speed for the price.”
SF Express8 days
“Used China Post for a 0.5 kg item. Took 22 days but only cost $6. Good for non-urgent shipments. Tracking stopped updating after it left China but the package arrived fine.”
China Post22 days
Shipping from China to United States: Overview
We found 25 shipping options from China to United States. The cheapest option is ZTO International (Standard) starting from $8.49 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is ZTO International in 1–3 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
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Import rules for United States
Duty-free threshold
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
0%
Average duty rate
3.4%
Note: De minimis $800 exemption suspended since Aug 2025. All imports now subject to duties. No federal sales tax; state taxes may apply
Customs rates are approximate and may vary by product category. Check with local customs for exact rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to United States?
The most affordable option for shipping from China to United States is typically ZTO International (Standard), starting from approximately $8.49 for a 1 kg package. Postal services generally offer the lowest rates, while express couriers are faster but more expensive.
How long does shipping from China to United States take?
Delivery times from China to United States range from 1 to 45 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-7 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Can I track my package from China to United States?
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from China to United States. Express services provide real-time tracking updates, while economy postal services may have limited tracking.
Will I need to pay customs duties when shipping to United States?
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to United States. The duty-free threshold is $0. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (0%) and import duties (average 3.4%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
What items are prohibited when shipping to US?
Items prohibited for import into US include: Firearms without export license, narcotics, Cuban-origin goods, certain agricultural products, counterfeit goods, hazardous materials, obscene materials. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
What documents are needed to ship from CN to US?
To ship from CN to US you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, Shipper's Export Declaration (for goods over $2,500), EEI filing via AES for controlled items. Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Are there trade agreements between CN and US?
Yes, CN and US share the following trade agreements: WTO. These can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods when a proper certificate of origin is provided.
How does customs clearance work when shipping to US?
The US has an $800 de minimis threshold, one of the highest in the world. Personal imports under this value are duty-free. USPS offers the most affordable international shipping for small parcels. FedEx and UPS provide fast express options with customs brokerage included. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
What is the de minimis threshold for US?
The de minimis threshold for US is $800. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties, though VAT/GST may still apply.
What is the VAT/GST rate for imports into US?
VAT/GST rate: 0% (no federal VAT). No federal VAT/GST. State sales taxes (0-10.25%) may apply but are not collected at customs.
How does RateShips compare shipping rates?
We collect published rate data from 134+ carriers weekly and display them side by side so you can find the cheapest and fastest option for your specific route.
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