If you run a business that imports goods from China, you've probably asked yourself this question more than once in the past few months: Can I still ship from China to the USA without losing my mind-or my profit margin?
The short answer is yes. China is absolutely still shipping to the United States, and ocean freight remains the backbone of trans-Pacific trade. But the longer answer is more complicated-and that's where having the right partner makes all the difference.
The Current State of Play
Let's start with the good news. In July 2026, the U.S. and China reached an agreement to suspend tit-for-tat port fees for one year, following bilateral discussions between President Trump and President Xi. The deal eliminated port charges that had been estimated to cost around $3.2 billion annually for Chinese-built vessels calling at American ports. For shippers, this means fewer unpredictable surcharges eating into your bottom line-at least for now.
That said, the trade truce hasn't exactly stabilized the market. Tariffs on Chinese exports to the U.S. remain significantly higher than on goods from other countries, with about two-thirds of all Chinese exports to America still facing tariffs of up to roughly 25%. And the shipping industry is still digesting the whiplash from earlier this year, when tariff uncertainty triggered a massive frontloading rush.
What About Costs?
If you've been watching freight rates lately, you know things have been anything but stable. Spot rates from China to the U.S. West Coast have seen wild swings-peaking early in the month around $6,000 per 40-foot container before settling closer to $2,500. East Coast rates have been running higher, in the $7,600 to $9,150 range per FEU.
What does this mean for you? It means Ocean Freight China To Usa is still very much alive and moving, but the cost picture is more volatile than it was a year ago. Some shippers are locking in long-term contracts to hedge against further spikes. Others are playing the spot market, betting that rates will continue to soften as carrier capacity increases.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The right strategy depends on your cargo volume, your timeline, and your risk tolerance.
How Long Does It Take?
Timing is another moving target. On average, ocean freight from China to the U.S. West Coast takes about 15 to 20 days from Shanghai to ports like Los Angeles or Long Beach. East Coast destinations like New York run longer-typically 25 to 35 days, factoring in Panama Canal transit.
But those are just the sailing times. Real-world door-to-door delivery often stretches to 22 to 30 days for the West Coast and 32 to 42 days for the East Coast, thanks to port congestion, customs clearance, and inland trucking. The key is building buffer into your supply chain and working with a partner who can give you accurate, real-time visibility.
Where XMAE Logistics Comes In
This is exactly the kind of environment where experience pays off. At XMAE Logistics, we've been moving cargo by sea, air, and rail since 2018, with IATA, FIATA, FMC, and NVOCC approvals that make us a government-licensed freight forwarder you can actually trust. Our network spans over 100 overseas agents worldwide, which means when one trade lane gets congested or rates spike on a particular route, we can find you alternatives that others can't.
Our approach to Ocean Freight China To Usa isn't just about booking space on a ship. It's about understanding your business, your products, and your deadlines. We handle everything from pickup at your factory in Shenzhen, Shanghai, or Ningbo to customs clearance on both ends, all the way through to final delivery. And we do it with transparent, all-inclusive quotes-no hidden fees, no unpleasant surprises.
What really sets us apart is our local expertise. Operating out of Xiamen-one of China's most efficient gateway ports-we have deep relationships with major carriers and a front-row seat to the market shifts that affect your shipments. When shipping lines adjust schedules or capacity tightens, we secure space and offer flexible routing options that many standard forwarders simply can't access.
The Bottom Line
So, can China ship to the USA right now? Absolutely. Thousands of containers are crossing the Pacific every single day. The real question is: are you shipping smart?
In a market where rates fluctuate weekly, tariffs remain high, and port congestion is never far away, Ocean Freight China To Usa demands more than just a booking agent. It demands a strategic partner who can navigate the complexity, control costs, and keep your supply chain moving.
That's exactly what XMAE Logistics delivers. Whether you're shipping full container loads, LCL consolidation, or Amazon FBA inventory, we tailor solutions that align with your timeline and your budget.
Ready to take the guesswork out of your next shipment? Get a quote or speak with one of our logistics experts today. We'll show you what it looks like when ocean freight actually works for your business.
