Port of Kaohsiung
The Port of Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s largest and most important commercial seaport, serving as a major container gateway for Southern Taiwan, East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and global trade lanes. Located in Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan, the port connects Taiwanese manufacturers, exporters, importers, industrial zones, logistics centers, and regional supply chains with markets across Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Kaohsiung is especially important for containerized freight, electronics, machinery, petrochemicals, plastics, steel products, automotive parts, consumer goods, refrigerated cargo, food products, textiles, industrial inputs, eCommerce inventory, and general commercial freight.
The port’s UN/LOCODE is TWKHH. Shippers should confirm the exact port code, terminal, carrier service, and booking details before arranging cargo.
Port of Kaohsiung Overview
| Port Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Port name | Port of Kaohsiung |
| Country / market | Taiwan |
| City | Kaohsiung |
| Region | Southern Taiwan / East Asia / Asia-Pacific |
| UN/LOCODE | TWKHH |
| Port type | Seaport / deep-water port / container port / industrial port / international trade gateway |
| Main port authority | Taiwan International Ports Corporation, Port of Kaohsiung |
| Main terminal areas | Kaohsiung container terminals, Pier areas, Intercontinental Container Terminal, general cargo areas, bulk cargo areas, logistics and warehousing zones |
| Main cargo focus | Containers, electronics, machinery, petrochemicals, plastics, steel products, consumer goods, refrigerated cargo, food products, industrial goods |
| Main terminal types | Container terminals, bulk terminals, general cargo facilities, reefer facilities, logistics and warehousing facilities |
| Cargo types | Containers, electronics, machinery, chemicals, plastics, steel products, automotive parts, food products, refrigerated cargo, consumer goods, textiles, industrial inputs |
| Suitable for | Importers, exporters, freight forwarders, manufacturers, electronics shippers, industrial companies, retailers, eCommerce businesses, distributors, logistics providers |
Why Ship Through the Port of Kaohsiung?
Kaohsiung is strategically located in southern Taiwan, close to Taiwan’s industrial base and major Asia-Pacific shipping lanes. This makes it a practical gateway for cargo moving between Taiwan and key markets in East Asia, Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East.
For importers, Kaohsiung provides access to Kaohsiung City, Tainan, Pingtung, Chiayi, Taichung, central and southern Taiwan, industrial parks, logistics zones, manufacturing centers, retail networks, and inland distribution points. For exporters, the port supports cargo moving from Taiwanese electronics manufacturers, machinery producers, chemical companies, plastics manufacturers, steel producers, food processors, textile companies, automotive suppliers, and general commercial businesses to global markets.
The port is especially relevant for businesses shipping containers, electronics, machinery, components, petrochemicals, plastics, steel products, automotive parts, food products, refrigerated goods, consumer goods, textiles, eCommerce inventory, and industrial cargo.
Container Shipping Through Kaohsiung
The Port of Kaohsiung is a major container gateway for Taiwan and supports import containers, export containers, feeder cargo, regional cargo, and long-haul international shipments. Its location in southern Taiwan makes it useful for businesses connected to Taiwan’s manufacturing, electronics, industrial, retail, and export supply chains.
Businesses use Kaohsiung for:
- Import containers into Taiwan
- Export containers from Taiwan
- Full container load shipments
- Less than container load shipments
- Regional feeder cargo across East Asia and Southeast Asia
- Factory export cargo from Taiwan’s manufacturing zones
- Electronics, machinery, components, spare parts, plastics, chemicals, steel products, and consumer goods
- Refrigerated cargo moving in reefer containers
- Food products, seafood, agricultural goods, and temperature-sensitive products
- eCommerce inventory and retail stock
- Cargo moving to or from Kaohsiung, Tainan, Pingtung, Chiayi, Taichung, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and wider Taiwan
- Shipments connected to China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and Latin America
- Cargo connecting through ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Qingdao, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Yantian, Nansha, Hong Kong, Busan, Tokyo, Yokohama, Singapore, Port Klang, Tanjung Pelepas, Colombo, Jebel Ali, Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, and Valencia
For larger shipments, FCL shipping is usually suitable when cargo can fill a 20ft or 40ft container. For smaller shipments, LCL shipping allows businesses to move partial container loads without paying for a full container.
Kaohsiung Freight Rates
Freight Shipping Cost from & to Kaohsiung for a 20-foot Container
Port Capacity and Terminal Infrastructure
The Port of Kaohsiung has container, bulk, general cargo, reefer, logistics, warehousing, gate, customs, inspection, trucking, and inland distribution infrastructure. It supports containerized imports and exports, industrial cargo, bulk cargo, refrigerated cargo, and cargo moving through Taiwan’s manufacturing and distribution networks.
The port’s infrastructure supports:
- Container handling
- Import and export container flows
- FCL and LCL cargo
- Large container vessel calls
- Regional feeder services
- Reefer container operations
- General cargo handling
- Bulk cargo handling
- Industrial cargo
- Electronics and machinery cargo
- Petrochemical and plastics cargo
- Steel products and metal cargo
- Food products and temperature-sensitive cargo
- Consumer goods and retail inventory
- Textiles and apparel cargo
- Automotive parts and components
- Yard and gate operations
- Customs and inspection procedures
- Warehousing and logistics activity
- Trucking and inland delivery
- Cargo connections with Southern Taiwan, Central Taiwan, and wider Taiwanese industrial corridors
This infrastructure makes Kaohsiung suitable for containerized freight, Taiwan manufacturing exports, import distribution, industrial supply chains, electronics cargo, refrigerated cargo, consumer goods, and international commercial shipments connected to East Asia and global trade lanes.
Main Cargo Handled Through Kaohsiung
The Port of Kaohsiung handles a broad mix of containerized cargo, electronics, machinery, chemicals, plastics, steel products, automotive parts, food products, refrigerated cargo, consumer goods, textiles, industrial inputs, and general commercial freight.
| Cargo Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Containerized imports | Consumer goods, machinery, components, food products, raw materials, industrial inputs, retail inventory |
| Containerized exports | Electronics, machinery, plastics, chemicals, steel products, automotive parts, food products, consumer goods |
| Electronics cargo | Semiconductors, electronic components, devices, electrical parts, industrial electronics, consumer electronics |
| Machinery cargo | Industrial equipment, machine tools, spare parts, production machinery, factory equipment |
| Chemical and plastic cargo | Petrochemicals, plastic products, resin, industrial chemicals, packaged chemicals where permitted |
| Steel and metal cargo | Steel products, metal parts, components, industrial materials, manufactured metal goods |
| Food and beverage cargo | Packaged food, beverages, seafood, agricultural products, frozen and chilled products |
| Refrigerated cargo | Seafood, frozen goods, chilled goods, fruit, vegetables, temperature-sensitive cargo |
| Automotive cargo | Automotive parts, components, accessories, replacement parts, industrial vehicle parts |
| Textile and apparel cargo | Fabrics, garments, footwear, accessories, retail clothing, textile inputs |
| Retail and eCommerce cargo | Consumer goods, marketplace inventory, home goods, replenishment stock, commercial parcels consolidated into freight |
| General commercial freight | Cartons, pallets, mixed cargo, samples, finished goods, consolidated shipments |
Kaohsiung is especially relevant for shippers that need access to Taiwan’s electronics, machinery, petrochemical, plastics, steel, food, and consumer goods supply chains.
Shipping to Kaohsiung Taiwan
Importers ship cargo to Kaohsiung from East Asia, Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, Latin America, and other global trade regions.
Common imports to Kaohsiung and Taiwan include:
- Machinery and spare parts
- Industrial equipment
- Raw materials and manufacturing inputs
- Electronics and components
- Chemicals and plastic materials
- Food products and beverages
- Seafood and refrigerated goods
- Agricultural products
- Consumer goods
- Packaging materials
- Construction materials
- Retail inventory
- Automotive parts
- eCommerce inventory
- General cargo
- Commercial freight
When shipping to Kaohsiung, importers should compare total landed cost rather than only the ocean freight rate. Total landed cost may include origin charges, sea freight, destination charges, customs duty, value-added tax, terminal handling, customs declaration fees, documentation fees, storage, demurrage, detention, trucking, inspection fees, inland delivery, and cargo insurance.
Use the iContainers ocean freight calculator to estimate shipping costs and compare available freight options.
Shipping From Kaohsiung Taiwan
Exporters use Kaohsiung for cargo moving from Taiwanese factories, industrial zones, warehouses, electronics manufacturers, machinery producers, plastics companies, chemical manufacturers, food processors, and commercial suppliers to East Asia, Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, Latin America, and other global markets.
Common export cargo from Kaohsiung includes:
- Electronics and components
- Semiconductors and related equipment
- Machinery and machine tools
- Industrial products
- Plastics and resin products
- Chemicals and petrochemical products where permitted
- Steel products and metal goods
- Automotive parts and components
- Consumer goods
- Food products
- Seafood and refrigerated cargo
- Textiles and apparel
- Packaging materials
- Retail merchandise
- eCommerce inventory
- General containerized freight
For exporters, the best shipping option depends on cargo volume, commodity type, destination, Incoterm, carrier service, terminal cut-off, equipment availability, export documentation, inland pickup location, inspection requirements, and required transit time.
FCL is usually more efficient for larger commercial volumes, while LCL can work well for smaller shipments, samples, cartons, pallets, and partial container loads.
FCL vs LCL Shipping Through Kaohsiung Taiwan
| Shipping Option | Best For | Main Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCL shipping | Full 20ft or 40ft container loads | Dedicated container and fewer cargo touchpoints | Best when shipment volume justifies a full container |
| LCL shipping | Smaller shipments, cartons, pallets, samples, partial loads | Pay only for the space used | May involve consolidation or deconsolidation through Kaohsiung, Taipei/Keelung, Hong Kong, Singapore, Busan, or another hub |
| Reefer container | Seafood, food products, frozen goods, chilled goods, agricultural cargo | Maintains controlled temperature during transit | Requires reefer equipment, plug capacity, temperature settings, and correct documentation |
| General cargo shipping | Consumer goods, machinery, electronics, textiles, retail goods, packaged cargo | Flexible for standard commercial freight | Requires accurate packing, labeling, documentation, and cargo details |
| Electronics cargo | Components, devices, semiconductors, machinery, high-value industrial goods | Strong fit for Taiwan’s electronics and technology supply chains | Requires careful packing, product classification, security, and documentation |
| Industrial cargo | Machinery, steel products, plastics, chemicals, factory inputs | Suitable for manufacturing and export supply chains | Requires correct classification, permits when applicable, and handling compatibility |
| Refrigerated cargo | Seafood, frozen food, chilled food, temperature-sensitive goods | Supports cold chain shipments | Requires temperature-control planning and product-specific compliance |
| eCommerce inventory | Marketplace sellers, retail replenishment, consumer product stock | Supports bulk movement into or out of Taiwan | Requires clear product descriptions and destination customs planning |
| Regional feeder cargo | Cargo connecting within East Asia and Southeast Asia | Useful for regional supply chains and routing flexibility | Requires schedule coordination and connection planning |
For shippers comparing route options, iContainers’ transit time calculator can help estimate shipping times before booking.
Customs Clearance at Kaohsiung and Taiwan
Cargo imported or exported through Kaohsiung must comply with Taiwan customs requirements. Importers, exporters, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers should prepare accurate shipment data before cargo arrival or departure, including product descriptions, HS codes, customs value, country of origin, shipper details, consignee details, importer information, exporter information, permits where applicable, and supporting documentation.
Commercial shipments through Taiwan may require documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or sea waybill, customs declaration, certificate of origin, import permit or export permit when applicable, insurance certificate, and product-specific certificates or inspection documents.
Regulated goods such as food products, agricultural goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, electronics, batteries, hazardous cargo, timber products, plants, animals, textiles, petroleum products, dual-use goods, and restricted items may require additional permits, inspection, testing, certification, product registration, safety documentation, or agency authorization under Taiwan rules.
For more general guidance, read iContainers’ guide to customs clearance.
Documents Needed for Shipping Through Kaohsiung Taiwan
Most commercial ocean freight shipments to or from Kaohsiung require:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or sea waybill
- Customs declaration
- HS code or product classification
- Importer details, when importing into Taiwan
- Exporter details, when exporting from Taiwan
- Consignee and shipper details
- Certificate of origin, when required
- Preferential origin certificate, when claiming preferential tariff treatment
- Import permit or export permit, when applicable
- Delivery order or cargo release documents
- Insurance certificate, when applicable
- Inspection certificate, when applicable
- Food safety documents, when applicable
- Health certificate, when applicable
- Phytosanitary certificate, when applicable
- Veterinary certificate, when applicable
- Product conformity documents, when applicable
- Dangerous goods declaration, when applicable
- Safety data sheet, for chemicals or hazardous cargo
- Battery documentation, when applicable
- Customs broker authorization, when using a customs broker
- Inland transport documents, when cargo moves by truck, warehouse transfer, factory pickup, inland delivery, or logistics-zone transfer
Documentation should be complete and consistent before cargo arrival or departure. Incorrect HS codes, incomplete product descriptions, missing permits, inaccurate invoices, inconsistent consignee details, late customs filings, missing inspection documents, or unclear cargo values can delay customs clearance and increase costs.
Common Shipping Routes for Kaohsiung Taiwan
Kaohsiung connects Taiwan with East Asia, Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, Latin America, and other international trade regions through direct services, feeder services, trucking, inland logistics, and transshipment networks.
| Trade Lane | Common Cargo |
|---|---|
| East Asia to Kaohsiung | Electronics, machinery, components, chemicals, consumer goods, industrial inputs |
| Southeast Asia to Kaohsiung | Consumer goods, food products, machinery, raw materials, packaging, industrial cargo |
| North America to Kaohsiung | Machinery, food products, components, chemicals, industrial inputs, consumer goods |
| Europe to Kaohsiung | Machinery, technology products, industrial goods, food products, chemicals, automotive parts |
| Oceania to Kaohsiung | Food products, beverages, agricultural goods, refrigerated cargo, machinery, consumer goods |
| Kaohsiung to East Asia | Electronics, machinery, components, industrial goods, plastics, consumer goods |
| Kaohsiung to Southeast Asia | Electronics, machinery, plastics, chemicals, consumer goods, food products |
| Kaohsiung to North America | Electronics, machinery, components, plastics, consumer goods, retail inventory |
| Kaohsiung to Europe | Machinery, electronics, industrial goods, plastics, steel products, consumer goods |
| Kaohsiung to the Middle East | Machinery, plastics, industrial goods, electronics, consumer goods, commercial freight |
| Kaohsiung to Latin America | Machinery, electronics, consumer goods, plastics, industrial cargo, commercial freight |
| Kaohsiung regional routes | Containers moving through East Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific feeder networks |
Routing may involve direct ocean services, feeder services, trucking, inland delivery, or transshipment through Kaohsiung, Keelung, Taipei, Taichung, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Qingdao, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Yantian, Nansha, Busan, Tokyo, Yokohama, Singapore, Port Klang, Tanjung Pelepas, Colombo, Jebel Ali, Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, Valencia, and other hubs depending on carrier schedule, cargo type, and final destination.
When Should You Use Kaohsiung Instead of Another Taiwan Port?
Kaohsiung can be suitable when:
- The cargo origin or destination is in Kaohsiung, Tainan, Pingtung, Chiayi, southern Taiwan, or nearby industrial zones
- The shipment is connected to Taiwan manufacturing, electronics, machinery, petrochemicals, plastics, steel, food products, or industrial supply chains
- The cargo is containerized and suitable for FCL or LCL shipping
- The shipment involves consumer goods, machinery, electronics, components, refrigerated cargo, textiles, eCommerce inventory, or industrial inputs
- Inland pickup or delivery is more efficient through Kaohsiung than through Keelung, Taipei, Taichung, or another Taiwan port
- Carrier schedule, equipment availability, terminal cut-off, and landed cost are better through Kaohsiung
Another Taiwan port may be more suitable when cargo is closer to a different inland origin or destination. Keelung or Taipei may be practical for northern Taiwan cargo. Taichung may be better for central Taiwan cargo. The right port choice should be based on total landed cost, cargo origin, inland distance, sailing schedule, equipment availability, cargo type, customs requirements, service frequency, and required delivery date.
How to Get an Ocean Freight Quote for Kaohsiung Taiwan
To get a freight quote to or from Kaohsiung, prepare the following details:
- Origin and destination
- Port-to-port, door-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-door requirement
- Cargo weight and dimensions
- Number of pallets, cartons, boxes, or containers
- FCL, LCL, reefer, general cargo, hazardous cargo, electronics cargo, industrial cargo, refrigerated cargo, eCommerce inventory, or regional feeder cargo preference
- Commodity description and HS code, if available
- Cargo ready date
- Incoterm
- Supplier, warehouse, or factory pickup address, if exporting
- Final delivery address, if importing or arranging door delivery
- Customs clearance requirements
- Import permit or export permit requirements, if applicable
- Product inspection or certification requirements, if applicable
- Special handling requirements, such as reefer cargo, hazardous cargo, chemicals, lithium batteries, electronics, food products, temperature control, customs inspection, product testing, or high-value cargo
- Preferred carrier, terminal, trucking provider, customs broker, warehouse, logistics zone, or transshipment hub, if already specified
With iContainers, businesses can compare ocean freight options online, review available rates, and manage international shipments through a digital booking process.
FAQ About the Port of Kaohsiung
The Port of Kaohsiung is located in Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan.
The UN/LOCODE for Kaohsiung is TWKHH.
Common cargo includes electronics, machinery, chemicals, plastics, steel products, automotive parts, food products, refrigerated cargo, consumer goods, textiles, industrial inputs, eCommerce inventory, and general commercial freight.
Kaohsiung serves southern Taiwan, central Taiwan, Taiwanese industrial zones, East Asia, Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Kaohsiung may be more suitable when cargo is connected to southern Taiwan, central-southern industrial zones, manufacturing exports, or carrier services using Kaohsiung terminals. Keelung may be more suitable for cargo connected to northern Taiwan and the Taipei area.
Kaohsiung may be better for southern Taiwan cargo and certain international container services. Taichung may be more suitable for central Taiwan cargo depending on inland distance, carrier schedule, and total landed cost.