One of the most common questions we receive is: how much will it cost me to import from China? The answer depends on many variables, but here we provide the real, up-to-date costs so you can build your budget with concrete information.
The components of total cost
The total cost of an import from China to Mexico is not just the product price. It includes at least these components:
- Cost of goods (price negotiated with the supplier)
- International ocean freight
- Cargo insurance
- Import tariff (IGI)
- Customs Processing Fee (DTA)
- VAT (IVA)
- Customs broker fees
- Port charges and handling
- Inland transportation to final destination
- Regulatory compliance (NOM, if applicable)
Let’s go through each one.
Ocean freight: China to Mexico
Ocean freight rates fluctuate constantly based on season, demand, and available capacity. Here are the reference ranges for 2026:
| Container | Typical range |
|---|---|
| 20-foot (20GP) | $1,700 – $4,000 USD |
| 40-foot (40GP) | $1,800 – $6,400 USD |
These ranges cover freight from Chinese ports (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo) to Mexican Pacific ports like Manzanillo.
Important: Freight rates are extremely volatile. They can double or triple during peak season or supply chain disruptions. The lower end of the range represents low season; the higher end, demand peaks.
Transit time: Approximately 20 to 32 days depending on route and carrier.
Import tariff (IGI)
The General Import Tax depends on your product’s tariff classification. Mexico has no free trade agreement with China, so there is no preferential rate.
As of January 2026, Mexico increased tariffs on 1,463 product categories from China, with rates ranging from 5% to 50%:
- Vehicles: up to 50%
- Textiles, steel, footwear, furniture: 15% to 35%
- Plastics, toys, aluminum, glass: 15% to 35%
- Other manufactured goods: 5% to 25%
The IGI is calculated on the customs value of the goods (generally the CIF value: cost + insurance + freight).
DTA (Customs Processing Fee)
For definitive imports, the DTA is 0.8% of the customs value, with a minimum of approximately $408 MXN (2025 rate; may be updated).
VAT (IVA)
The VAT rate for imports is 16%, but note: it’s not calculated only on the merchandise value. The VAT base is:
VAT = 16% x (Customs value + IGI + DTA)
This means VAT is charged on the value already taxed with the tariff, which significantly increases the total amount.
Pedimento pre-validation
Each pedimento has a pre-validation cost of approximately $330 to $350 MXN.
Customs broker fees
Fees vary by broker and operation. A common structure is to charge around 0.45% of the customs value, although many brokers have fixed minimum fees. For small and medium importers, costs can range between $10,000 and $25,000 MXN per operation depending on complexity.
Port charges and handling
Destination charges include terminal handling, storage (if applicable), and local handling:
- Port handling: Approximately $3,000 to $4,200 MXN per container
- Total destination charges: $200 to $450 USD
NOM compliance
If your product requires NOM certification, laboratory testing and certification costs can range from $20,000 to $60,000+ MXN depending on the product and applicable NOM. This is a one-time cost (or per batch, depending on the standard), not per import.
Simplified calculation example
Let’s say you import a 40-foot container with goods valued at $30,000 USD on FOB terms, with a 20% tariff:
| Item | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Goods (FOB) | $30,000 USD |
| Ocean freight | $3,000 USD |
| Insurance (0.5%) | $165 USD |
| Customs value (CIF) | $33,165 USD |
| IGI (20%) | $6,633 USD |
| DTA (0.8%) | $265 USD |
| VAT base | $40,063 USD |
| VAT (16%) | $6,410 USD |
| Customs broker | ~$500 USD |
| Port handling and charges | ~$400 USD |
| Inland transport (Manzanillo to Mexico City) | ~$1,500 USD |
| Total approximate cost | ~$48,873 USD |
In this example, the total import cost represents a 63% markup over the cost of goods. VAT is recoverable if your company credits it, but you need the cash flow to pay it at the time of clearance.
Hidden costs you should consider
- Storage due to customs delays: $150 to $300 USD daily per container in Manzanillo
- Re-labeling at destination: If labeling doesn’t comply with the NOM, you’ll pay to fix it in Mexico — much more expensive than doing it at origin
- Delays from incomplete documentation: Every extra day at port is money lost
- Exchange rate: Your costs are in dollars but you sell in pesos — the exchange rate affects your margin
Conclusion
Importing from China to Mexico can be very profitable, but only if you calculate all costs from the start. Your supplier’s FOB price is just the starting point. Between freight, tariffs, VAT, and operating expenses, the real cost of your goods in Mexico can be 40% to 70% higher than the purchase price.
Need help budgeting your next import or verifying your goods before shipment? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.