Singapore has long served as Southeast Asia’s trading hub, with its world-class PSA Port and Changi Airport making it a natural gateway for imports from China. From electronics and textiles to food products and furniture, Chinese goods dominate shelves in Singapore.
Yet for SMEs and e-commerce sellers, the challenge is not sourcing products—it’s securing the cheapest shipping from China to Singapore without suffering from hidden fees, delivery delays, or high last-mile costs.
At Top China Forwarder, we simplify shipping with transparent pricing, efficient customs handling, and flexible options.
👉 Request a free quote and learn how much you can save on your next shipment.
Why Singapore Imports Are Unique
Importing into Singapore is simpler compared to many other countries, but certain local conditions shape shipping strategies:
- High trade volume – Singapore is the busiest transshipment hub in Asia, which can lead to congestion during peak seasons.
- E-commerce surge – Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop sellers demand fast and cheap small-parcel solutions.
- GST (Goods & Services Tax) – Since 2023, low-value goods below SGD 400 are subject to GST, impacting small shipments.
- Warehousing demand – Singapore’s role as a regional hub means many traders need Warehouse and distribution services.
Main Shipping Options from China to Singapore
1. Sea Freight
Sea freight is the cheapest shipping from China to Singapore for bulk cargo.
- FCL (Full Container Load): Ideal for large shipments such as furniture, building materials, or electronics.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Popular with SMEs consolidating goods from multiple Chinese suppliers.
Learn more about Sea Freight.
2. Air Freight
Air freight takes 2–5 days, making it a preferred choice for electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fashion goods. Although more expensive than sea freight, it helps e-commerce sellers maintain speed and reliability. See Air Freight.
3. Express Courier
DHL, FedEx, and UPS deliver parcels in 2–4 days. Many online sellers in Singapore use express courier for Shopee and Lazada orders. However, per-kilogram rates are higher, suitable mainly for samples or small parcels.
4. Door-to-Door Shipping
Door-to-door shipping is highly popular for SMEs, especially those lacking customs experience. The forwarder handles pickup, export, customs, and final delivery in Singapore. Explore Door-to-Door.
Average Costs & Transit Times
| Shipping Method | Avg Cost (USD) | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20ft FCL) | $850–$1,200 | 7–10 days | Heavy, bulky cargo |
| Sea Freight (LCL per CBM) | $60–$90 | 8–12 days | SMEs, smaller loads |
| Air Freight (per kg) | $4.8–$7.2 | 2–5 days | Urgent shipments |
| Express Courier (per kg) | $8–$14 | 2–4 days | Samples, e-commerce |
| Door-to-Door (per CBM) | $70–$110 | 8–12 days | SMEs, simplified logistics |
👉 Don’t overpay for your next shipment. Send Inquiry today for a personalized quote.
Insider Tips to Reduce Costs
- Choose LCL for SMEs – Instead of paying for full containers, consolidate shipments.
- Book in Advance – Avoid peak-season surcharges around Chinese New Year and Singles’ Day sales.
- Use Alternative Ports – Some importers route via Johor (Malaysia) and truck to Singapore to reduce congestion.
- Bundle Services – Combine Cargo Insurance and customs clearance for better rates.
- Consider Door-to-Door – One invoice and simplified handling reduce administrative overhead.
Case Study: Singapore E-Commerce Seller
A Shopee seller importing phone accessories from Shenzhen was struggling with high courier costs. By switching to LCL sea freight and Door-to-Door:
- Saved $1,200 per month on logistics
- Delivery times improved by 3 days with direct Singapore clearance
- Reduced customer complaints from late deliveries by 40%
This proves that smart strategies unlock the cheapest shipping from China to Singapore without compromising speed.
Conclusion:
The cheapest shipping from China to Singapore in 2025 is not only about choosing the lowest rate—it’s about selecting the right method, planning ahead, and working with a reliable partner. By consolidating cargo, leveraging LCL, and using professional forwarders, Singapore importers can save big while keeping deliveries on time.
Ask For a Quote
High freight costs and unpredictable GST charges shouldn’t slow down your business. At Top China Forwarder, we provide:
- Transparent all-in pricing with no hidden fees
- Fast clearance through Singapore customs
- Flexible solutions: Sea Freight, Air Freight, and Door-to-Door
- Tailored support for SMEs and e-commerce sellers
Your competitors are already cutting logistics costs with us—don’t fall behind.
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FAQs
1. What is the cheapest way to ship from China to Singapore?
Sea freight (LCL) is usually the most cost-effective for SMEs.
2. How long does it take to ship from China to Singapore?
Sea freight takes 7–12 days, while air freight delivers in 2–5 days.
3. Can I ship small parcels from China to Singapore?
Yes, express couriers deliver in 2–4 days, ideal for samples or e-commerce parcels.
4. How do I avoid hidden costs when importing to Singapore?
Request all-in quotes and use Door-to-Door for simplified billing.
5. Do I need cargo insurance for Singapore shipments?
Yes, Cargo Insurance protects goods against loss or damage.