• China is Panama’s largest trading partner, largest export destination and third largest import source.
• China is also the largest supplier to the Colon Free Trade Zone and the second largest user of the Panama Canal.

For freight shipping from China to Panama, we’re the logical choice among importers who want personalized service, affordable shipping rates, and reliable, convenient logistics services.

Import into Panama

Panama has no quota or license restrictions on the import of general foreign goods. Foreign goods can be imported as long as they are imported through ports designated by the Panamanian government, have complete shipping documents, and pay import tariffs and other shipping costs in accordance with regulations.

Panama stipulates that imported goods must be cleared by a customs broker.

• The documents required for air imports include the import declaration form (provided by the customs broker), shipping receipt, restricted goods import permit (if necessary), packing list, commercial invoice, etc.
• The documents required for sea imports include the import declaration form (issued by the customs broker), restricted goods import permit (if necessary), commercial invoice, bill of lading (B/L), etc.

In some cases, more documents are required: Certificate of Free Sale. Most food and edible products require a Phyto-Zoo-Sanitary Certificate and a Certificate of Origin.

Panama adopts a unified classification system (12-digit customs code) to compile import commodity tariffs and imposes ad valorem taxes on imported goods based on CIF prices.

The average import tariff rate in Panama is about 12%. All imported goods are subject to 7% VAT (ITBMS).

Sea Freight from China to Panama

Panama is located at the junction of Central America and South America, and the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, known as the “bridge of the world”. Panama is a maritime power with a coastline of 2,988 kilometers. About 5% of the world’s trade goods pass through the Panama Canal.

We can connect you in Panama with timely and efficient FCL and LCL container freight forwarding, covering all your transportation needs including ocean freight to all major Panamanian ports and road freight to keep your goods moving smoothly from door to door.

Top Container Ports in Panama

The Port of Manzanillo, the Port of Cristobal and the Port of Balboa operated by Hong Kong Hutchison Whampoa Group, the Colon Container Terminal operated by Taiwan Evergreen Corporation, and the PSA International Terminals of the Port of Singapore Authority are the main ports in Panama.

The Colon Free Trade Zone is the world’s second largest duty-free trade port after Hong Kong and the largest free trade zone in the Western Hemisphere. It has become a hub for China’s re-export trade to Central America and even the entire Latin America.

Sea Freight Cost from China to Panama

To determine the overall price to ship a container to Panama, you will need to provide specific information as details as possible.

Information required will include the size of the container (20-foot or 40-foot) that you want to ship, the ports of loading and discharge, details of the goods to be shipped, your service requirements, i.e. Door to door, port to port, or other, and any requirements you have for special equipment such as refrigeration.

Any quote you receive will also take into account factors such as the price of fuel, the route to be used by the carrier, and the season effect – prices are higher during peak seasonal periods.

For example, the port-to-port container rate from Shanghai China to Panama City Panama is $2,000 for 1x20ft container, $2,500 for 1x40ft container.

Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Panama

Average transit time for shipping a container to Panama is around 30-35 days.

Air Freight from China to Panama

CFC can provide professional and efficient air shipping services from China to Panama for Panama trading companies and Panama e-commerce companies. It cost more to transport your goods via air freight compared with other shipping, but it will guarantee that your cargo arrives safely and in good time.

Top Airports in Panama

Panama is one of the air transport centers in Latin America, with nearly 250 airports and aprons of all sizes. Tocumen International Airport (formerly known as Omar Torrijos Airport) is the largest international airport in Panama. It has opened routes to 39 countries (regions) and 89 cities in Latin America, Europe and Asia, becoming an important air transit station connecting South, Central and North America.

Air Freight Cost from China to Panama

Air freight rate is based on actual weight or dimensional weight, whichever is greater.

Most shipping companies charge a premium for air freight but not CFC. You can save more on air freight shipping to Panama with us, with clearing costs included. There are never any hidden fees when shipping with CFC. If you can find a better price, let us know, and we’ll meet or beat their price.

Air Freight Transit Time from China to Panama

There are no direct flights between China and Panama, and flights need to transit through the United States or European countries such as France and the Netherlands.

Normally you are able to get your goods under five days.

Working with CFC

Meet your air and sea freight shipping deadlines with dependable CFC’s unprecedented cargo handling, great international freight shipping rates and industry-leading customer service.

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