Import from Taiwan to the US
Quick Overview
Import from Taiwan to the US using FCL, LCL or air freight, with optional collection, customs clearance and final delivery. Major origins include Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung and Kaohsiung. Costs and transit times depend on cargo details, route, service level and carrier capacity.
Quick Overview
Import from Taiwan to the US using FCL shipping, LCL shipping or air freight. Major gateways include Kaohsiung, Keelung and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Costs and transit times depend on the route, cargo details and carrier capacity.
Freight Shipping from Taiwan to the United States
Taiwan is an important US trading partner and a major manufacturing center for semiconductors, electronic components, computers, machinery, bicycles, automotive parts, metal products and industrial equipment.
US goods imports from Taiwan totaled approximately $201.4 billion in 2025. The volume and value of this trade support regular ocean and air connections between Taiwanese manufacturing centers and US markets.
Available international freight services include:
- Full Container Load shipping
- Less than Container Load shipping
- Air freight
- Air express services
- Port-to-port transportation
- Door-to-port transportation
- Door-to-door transportation
- Customs clearance
- Inland delivery within the United States
The right shipping method depends on cargo volume, product value, dimensions, delivery deadline and final destination.
Choose the Right Shipping Method
| Shipping Method | Best For | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| FCL ocean freight | Large or regular shipments | Exclusive use of a container |
| LCL ocean freight | Smaller commercial shipments | Pay for the space used |
| Air freight | Urgent or valuable cargo | Faster international transportation |
| Air express | Samples and small urgent shipments | Rapid door-to-door delivery |
| Door-to-door shipping | Coordinated international delivery | One plan from supplier to destination |
FCL Shipping from Taiwan
Full Container Load shipping is generally suitable when an importer has enough cargo to use most or all of a container. The container is assigned to one shipper, reducing cargo handling compared with consolidated shipping.
Common equipment options include:
- 20-foot dry containers
- 40-foot dry containers
- 40-foot high-cube containers
- Refrigerated containers
- Open-top containers
- Flat-rack containers
FCL can be arranged from Taiwanese factories and warehouses to US ports, distribution centers, warehouses and commercial addresses.
It may also be suitable for sensitive machinery, electronics or high-value goods that benefit from reduced contact with other shipments.
LCL Shipping from Taiwan
Less than Container Load shipping allows multiple importers to share container capacity. Each importer pays for the space occupied by their cargo.
LCL is commonly used for:
- Commercial shipments that do not fill a container
- Product samples and initial orders
- Replacement parts
- Regular low-volume inventory
- Palletized industrial products
- Mixed product orders
LCL pricing is usually based on cargo volume, weight, route and local handling requirements. Importers should compare origin, consolidation, destination and delivery charges in addition to the base ocean freight rate.
Cargo must be properly packed and labeled because it will be consolidated with other shipments.
Air Freight from Taiwan
Air freight is commonly used for semiconductors, electronic components, computer equipment, medical devices, replacement parts and other urgent or valuable cargo.
Available service levels may include:
- Airport-to-airport
- Door-to-airport
- Airport-to-door
- Door-to-door
- Priority air freight
- Consolidated air freight
Air freight pricing is generally based on chargeable weight. The carrier compares the shipment’s actual weight with its dimensional weight and normally charges whichever is higher.
Products containing lithium batteries, chemicals, magnets or other regulated materials must be declared accurately and may require special packaging, labels and documentation.
Air Express from Taiwan
Air express shipping can be suitable for samples, documents, prototypes, small components and time-critical shipments.
Express services usually combine air transportation with customs processing and last-mile delivery. Importers should confirm whether the quote includes:
- Supplier collection
- Export handling
- Air transportation
- Customs brokerage
- Duties and taxes
- Final delivery
- Remote-area charges
Air express can be convenient for small shipments, but the cost can increase significantly as weight and dimensions rise.
Main Shipping Origins in Taiwan
Cargo can be collected from industrial and commercial areas throughout Taiwan, including:
- Taipei
- New Taipei
- Taoyuan
- Hsinchu
- Taichung
- Changhua
- Tainan
- Kaohsiung
- Keelung
Taipei, New Taipei and Taoyuan are important commercial and logistics centers. Hsinchu is closely associated with Taiwan’s semiconductor and technology industries.
Taichung supports machinery, bicycle, automotive and precision-manufacturing supply chains, while Tainan and Kaohsiung serve major industrial areas in southern Taiwan.
The best departure point depends on the supplier’s location, cargo type, available capacity and final destination in the United States.
Main Ocean Freight Ports in Taiwan
Port of Kaohsiung
The Port of Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s principal container gateway. It serves manufacturers throughout southern and central Taiwan and offers connections to major US ports.
Common exports include electronics, machinery, metal products, plastics, chemicals and manufactured goods.
Port of Keelung
The Port of Keelung serves Taipei, New Taipei and manufacturing areas in northern Taiwan. It handles containerized goods, machinery, electronics and general commercial cargo.
Its location can reduce inland transportation for suppliers and manufacturers in northern Taiwan.
Port of Taipei
The Port of Taipei provides another option for cargo originating in northern Taiwan. It can be convenient for suppliers in New Taipei, Taoyuan and surrounding industrial areas.
The choice between Taipei and Keelung should consider the carrier schedule, equipment availability, terminal requirements and inland pickup cost.
Port of Taichung
The Port of Taichung serves manufacturing centers in central Taiwan. It handles machinery, automotive components, bicycles, metal goods, chemicals and general containerized cargo.
It may be a practical departure point for suppliers in Taichung, Changhua and other central manufacturing regions.
Main Air Freight Airports in Taiwan
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
Air freight through Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport provides access to Taiwan’s primary international air cargo gateway. Its proximity to Taipei, Taoyuan and Hsinchu makes it especially important for semiconductor, electronics and technology shipments.
The airport supports standard air freight, express cargo, high-value shipments and temperature-sensitive goods where accepted.
Kaohsiung International Airport
Kaohsiung International Airport can support cargo originating in southern Taiwan. Service availability and connections depend on the destination, commodity and required delivery time.
Some shipments may move through other Asian air cargo hubs when direct capacity is unavailable or connecting services provide better schedules or pricing.
US Destination Ports and Delivery Areas
Ocean freight from Taiwan can arrive through major US gateways such as:
- Los Angeles
- Long Beach
- Oakland
- Seattle
- Tacoma
- New York and New Jersey
- Savannah
- Charleston
- Houston
- Norfolk
West Coast ports are frequently used for cargo destined for California and western US markets. East Coast and Gulf Coast services may reduce inland transportation for cargo destined for those regions.
After arrival, containers and consolidated freight can move inland by truck, rail or intermodal transportation.
Major US air cargo destinations include:
- Los Angeles International Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
The best gateway depends on flight availability, customs facilities and proximity to the final delivery address.
How Long Does Shipping from Taiwan Take?
Transit time depends on the departure gateway, US destination, carrier, route, service level and customs process.
| Shipping Method | Typical Planning Range |
|---|---|
| Express air service | Approximately 2–5 days |
| Standard air freight | Approximately 3–8 days |
| Ocean freight to the US West Coast | Approximately 14–25 days port to port |
| Ocean freight to the US East Coast | Approximately 28–45 days port to port |
| Door-to-door ocean freight | Often 25–55 days or more |
These are planning estimates rather than guaranteed delivery times. Supplier readiness, transshipment, sailing schedules, port congestion, customs examinations and inland delivery can affect the final timeline.
Use the transit time calculator to review estimates for a specific origin and destination.
How Much Does It Cost to Import from Taiwan?
Shipping costs are calculated for each shipment and can change based on capacity, fuel costs, seasonal demand and market conditions.
The main pricing factors include:
- Shipping method
- Cargo weight and dimensions
- Number and type of containers
- Supplier pickup location
- Port or airport of departure
- US destination
- Commodity and HS classification
- Origin handling charges
- Destination handling charges
- Customs clearance
- Duties, taxes and fees
- Inland transportation
- Storage or examination charges
- Cargo insurance
- Incoterm agreed with the supplier
Importers can use the ocean freight calculator to compare available FCL and LCL routes.
The complete transportation and import cost should be evaluated instead of the base freight rate alone.
Information Needed for a Freight Quote
Accurate information reduces the risk of rate adjustments and operational delays.
Descriptions such as “parts,” “electronics” or “samples” may not provide enough information for classification, quoting or compliance review.
How the Import Process Works
- Confirm the product, Taiwanese supplier and purchase terms.
- Determine the product’s HS classification.
- Check US duties and product-specific requirements.
- Select an Incoterm with the supplier.
- Compare FCL, LCL and air freight services.
- Request a quote using accurate cargo details.
- Book transportation and arrange supplier collection or delivery.
- Prepare the commercial and shipping documents.
- File the Importer Security Filing for applicable ocean shipments.
- Transport the cargo to the United States.
- Complete customs clearance and pay applicable duties.
- Arrange cargo recovery and final delivery.
Documents Needed to Import from Taiwan
Most commercial imports require:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Arrival notice
- Customs entry documentation
- Importer of Record information
- Customs bond
- Importer Security Filing for applicable ocean shipments
- Country-of-origin information
- Product-specific certificates or permits
The commercial invoice should clearly state the buyer, seller, product description, quantity, price, currency, country of origin and Incoterm.
Additional documents may be required for electronics, batteries, food, cosmetics, chemicals, medical devices, vehicles, textiles and regulated industrial products.
Importers can review the iContainers shipping documents guides for information about invoices, packing lists, bills of lading and other freight documentation.
US Customs Clearance
Goods imported from Taiwan must be declared to US Customs and Border Protection. The Importer of Record is responsible for using reasonable care when reporting the product’s classification, customs value and country of origin.
Customs clearance may include:
- Reviewing commercial documents
- Confirming the HTS classification
- Determining customs value
- Identifying applicable duties
- Filing the customs entry
- Coordinating with government agencies
- Responding to document requests
- Managing customs inspections
- Paying duties, taxes and fees
- Obtaining cargo release
A customs broker can prepare and transmit the entry, but the importer remains responsible for the accuracy of the information supplied.
The iContainers guide to customs clearance explains the general process, documents and common causes of delays.
Importer Security Filing
An Importer Security Filing is generally required for cargo entering the United States by ocean vessel. Required information must be submitted according to CBP deadlines before the goods are loaded.
Importers should provide shipment and supplier information to their broker or freight forwarder early enough to complete the filing. Late, missing or inaccurate filings may result in penalties, inspections or delays.
ISF requirements generally do not apply to standard air freight shipments. The ISF filing guide provides additional information about the required data and filing timeline.
Duties and Tariffs for Imports from Taiwan
There is no single duty rate for all products imported from Taiwan. The applicable amount depends on factors including:
- HTS classification
- Customs value
- Country of origin
- Current tariff measures
- Product-specific treatment
- Antidumping or countervailing duty orders
- Merchandise processing fees
- Harbor maintenance fees for applicable ocean cargo
Tariff policies can change. Importers should verify the current Harmonized Tariff Schedule and applicable Chapter 99 provisions before ordering or shipping goods.
Taiwan-origin goods should not automatically be treated as goods of Chinese origin. Country of origin is determined by where the product was manufactured or substantially transformed, not simply by the supplier’s address or port of departure.
Antidumping and Countervailing Duties
Certain Taiwanese products may be covered by antidumping or countervailing duty proceedings or orders. These duties are separate from ordinary customs tariffs and may be significantly higher.
Applicability depends on the precise merchandise and scope of the relevant order. Importers should check potential exposure before purchasing specific:
- Metal products
- Chemicals
- Industrial materials
- Manufactured components
- Specialty products covered by trade-remedy cases
The supplier’s proposed tariff code alone may not determine whether an order applies.
Country-of-Origin Marking
Most imported products must be marked with their country of origin unless a legal exception applies. Goods originating in Taiwan are commonly marked “Made in Taiwan” or “Product of Taiwan.”
Marking must generally be legible, conspicuous and sufficiently permanent for the product. Requirements can vary based on the merchandise, packaging and intended purchaser.
Shipping cargo through another country or logistics hub does not automatically change its legal country of origin.
Product Compliance Requirements
Customs clearance does not establish that a product meets every US safety or regulatory requirement. Depending on the commodity, compliance may involve agencies such as:
- Food and Drug Administration
- Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Federal Communications Commission
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Department of Transportation
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Department of Agriculture
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Importers should confirm applicable testing, labeling, certification, registration and permit requirements before production or shipment.
Importing Semiconductors and Electronics from Taiwan
Taiwan is a major source of semiconductors, integrated circuits, servers, computer components and other electronic products.
Before shipping, importers should confirm:
- Accurate product descriptions
- Correct HTS classifications
- Manufacturer and country-of-origin details
- FCC requirements for radio-frequency devices
- Battery specifications and transport documents
- Export-control implications where relevant
- Protection against moisture and static electricity
- Cargo insurance based on commercial value
High-value electronics may benefit from air transportation, secure handling, shipment tracking and additional insurance coverage.
Incoterms for Imports from Taiwan
Incoterms determine how transportation costs, responsibilities and risks are divided between the buyer and seller.
EXW
Under Ex Works, the buyer assumes responsibility from the supplier’s premises. The importer may need to arrange pickup, export handling and transportation within Taiwan.
EXW can provide the buyer with greater transportation control but requires careful coordination of services at origin.
FOB
Under Free on Board, the supplier generally handles the cargo until it is loaded aboard the vessel at the named Taiwanese port. The buyer arranges the principal ocean freight and destination services.
Importers should confirm which origin charges are included in the supplier’s FOB price.
FCA
Free Carrier can be used when the supplier delivers the goods to a named carrier or facility. It is commonly suitable for air freight and containerized shipments.
The agreed location should be stated clearly in the purchase contract.
CIF
Under Cost, Insurance and Freight, the supplier arranges ocean transportation and insurance to the named destination port.
The buyer usually remains responsible for destination charges, customs clearance and final delivery. Importers should request a breakdown of destination charges before accepting a CIF offer.
DDP
Delivered Duty Paid places extensive responsibility on the seller. The US buyer should verify who will act as Importer of Record and how classification, valuation, duties and regulatory compliance will be managed.
Common Cargo Imported from Taiwan
Common imports include:
- Semiconductors and integrated circuits
- Computers, servers and components
- Electronic equipment
- Telecommunications products
- Machinery and industrial equipment
- Bicycle parts and complete bicycles
- Automotive components
- Fasteners and metal products
- Plastics and plastic products
- Medical and laboratory equipment
- Optical products
- Tools and hardware
- Chemicals and industrial materials
- Consumer goods
Cargo containing batteries, chemicals, liquids, magnets or other restricted materials must be declared accurately and may require special handling.
Cargo Insurance
Carrier liability is limited and may not cover the full commercial value of lost or damaged goods. Cargo insurance can provide broader protection during ocean, air and inland transportation.
Insurance is particularly relevant for semiconductors, electronics, precision machinery, medical equipment and other valuable or sensitive goods.
Importers should review the insured value, covered risks, exclusions and claims process before shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Confirm the supplier and product, determine the correct HTS classification, review duties and product requirements, choose an Incoterm, book freight, prepare the required documents and complete US customs clearance.
The cost depends on the shipping method, cargo dimensions, weight, origin, destination and current carrier capacity. Customs clearance, duties, handling and delivery charges should also be included.
Air freight normally takes several days, while ocean freight takes several weeks. The complete door-to-door timeline also includes cargo preparation, export handling, customs clearance and inland delivery.
Not automatically. Customs treatment is based on the product’s legally determined country of origin. Goods manufactured or substantially transformed in Taiwan should be evaluated as Taiwan-origin merchandise.
Yes. Importers should confirm the correct classification, origin, value, packaging and any applicable technical or export-control requirements. High-value shipments may also require secure handling and insurance.
Yes, but some electronic products require FCC authorization, safety testing, energy-efficiency compliance or battery documentation.
