How to Ship Goods From China to Chile｜Full Logistics Breakdown 2026
Sea Freight FCL/LCL · Air Cargo to Santiago · International Express — Goodhope Freight (China) Limited
How to Ship Goods From China to Chile — this complete logistics breakdown covers everything you need to know for 2026. Stretching along South America's Pacific coastline for over 4,000 kilometers, Chile is one of the region's most stable and open economies, with a population of approximately 20 million. As a key player in global mining, agriculture, and seafood industries, Chile relies heavily on its robust port and airport infrastructure to connect with international markets — with China serving as its largest trading partner for over a decade[reference:10].
Goodhope Freight (China) Limited is a professional freight forwarder based in China, dedicated to providing efficient and transparent logistics solutions for Chilean importers, businesses, and individuals. Chile's primary maritime gateway is San Antonio Port, the country's largest container port, handling approximately 65% of the nation's containerized cargo[reference:11]. The port is currently undergoing a historic $4.45 billion expansion approved in 2026, which will triple its capacity to 6 million TEUs annually[reference:12][reference:13]. Air freight arrives at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, Chile's primary international aviation hub. Our sea and air services terminate at these gateways, while express courier offers true door‑to‑door delivery.
🇨🇱 Chile Logistics Snapshot 2026
- San Antonio Port – Chile's largest port, handling 65% of national containerized cargo[reference:14]. In 2025, it became the first Chilean port to reach 2 million TEUs transferred in an annual period[reference:15]. A $4.45 billion expansion project (Puerto Exterior) was approved in May 2026[reference:16], featuring a nearly 4 km breakwater, two semi-automated terminals (1,730 m each), and capacity for eight 400 m vessels simultaneously[reference:17]. Annual capacity will triple to 6 million TEUs[reference:18].
- Valparaiso Port – Chile's second-largest port, undergoing modernization as a national priority[reference:19]. The Valparaiso region's ports handled 4.15 million tonnes of cargo in March 2026, up 6.5% year-on-year[reference:20].
- Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL) – Santiago's primary international airport, handling 409,824 tonnes of cargo in 2024, up 14% from 2019[reference:21]. A major expansion is in the works to triple capacity[reference:22].
- China-Chile Trade – Bilateral trade reached $66.91 billion in 2025[reference:23]. China is Chile's largest trading partner and largest export destination (36.4% of total exports)[reference:24]. Top Chilean exports to China include copper, lithium, cherries, salmon, and wine[reference:25].
- 2026 Air Cargo Update – LATAM Cargo launched a weekly Frankfurt–Antofagasta freighter route in May 2026, adding 25 tonnes of dedicated capacity to northern Chile's mining region[reference:26]. Emirates will add Santiago to its network starting July 5, 2026[reference:27].
- Port Competition – Peru's China-backed Chancay Port has intensified regional competition, accelerating Chile's port modernization efforts[reference:28][reference:29].
Sea Freight – FCL (Full Container Load) to San Antonio / Valparaiso
Full Container Load
We offer full container shipping from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao) to Chile's primary gateways: San Antonio Port — the country's largest container port handling 65% of national cargo[reference:30] — and Valparaiso Port, the second-largest port undergoing modernization[reference:31]. Direct fast vessel services from Shenzhen to San Antonio take approximately 28 days[reference:32].
Key Routing Options:
- Direct Route: China (Shenzhen) → San Antonio — approximately 28 days[reference:33]
- Transshipment Route: via regional hubs — approximately 35-45 days
- Container types: 20GP / 40GP / 40HQ, with regular weekly sailings
- Included: Export customs clearance in China, ocean freight, and destination THC
- Service end: San Antonio or Valparaiso Port. Consignee arranges clearance and final delivery
- Best for: Bulk cargo, mining equipment, agricultural machinery, consumer goods, industrial equipment
FCL Pricing
- 20GP: Approximately $2,800 – $4,800
- 40GP / 40HQ: Approximately $4,500 – $7,500
- Rates vary by port of origin, shipping line, and seasonal demand.
Sea Freight – LCL (Less than Container Load) to Chile
Less than Container Load
For shipments below a full container, LCL consolidation is cost‑effective. Cargo is consolidated in our China warehouse, shipped to San Antonio or Valparaiso, and deconsolidated. The consignee arranges clearance and final delivery.
- Pricing: $100 – $250 per cubic meter (CBM)
- Service end: San Antonio or Valparaiso Port warehouse
- Advantage: Ideal for 2‑15 CBM shipments, shared costs
- Transit time: Typically 35‑50 days
LCL Shipping Notes
LCL shipments to Chile typically consolidate through major transshipment hubs before reaching Chilean ports.
Air Freight – to Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL), Santiago
Air Freight to Santiago
Time‑sensitive cargo moves via air freight to Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago — Chile's primary international aviation hub. The airport handled 409,824 tonnes of cargo in 2024, up 14% from 2019[reference:40]. A major expansion is in the works to triple capacity[reference:41].
Key Airlines & Routes:
- LATAM Cargo: Weekly Frankfurt–Antofagasta route (May 2026), adding 25 tonnes of dedicated capacity to northern Chile[reference:42]
- Emirates: Adding Santiago to its network starting July 5, 2026, with up to 15 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight[reference:43]
- Cargolux: Weekly Luxembourg–Viracopos–Santiago–Quito–Bogota–Aguadilla route[reference:44]
- Qatar Airways Cargo: Boeing 777 freighters serving South America[reference:45]
- Transit time: 5‑10 business days
- Service end: SCL Airport. Consignee handles customs clearance and pickup
- Acceptable cargo: Electronics, machinery parts, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, perishables (cherries, salmon), high‑value goods
- Optional: Door‑to‑door with local customs clearance available upon request
Air Freight Pricing
- Cost: Approximately $4 – $10 per kg
- Key routing: China → Miami (MIA) / Los Angeles (LAX) / Frankfurt (FRA) → SCL
- No direct cargo flights from China — all air freight requires transshipment through North American or European hubs.
International Express – DHL / FedEx / UPS / EMS
Express Courier
For small parcels, documents, samples, or personal effects, we offer integrated express courier services with true door‑to‑door delivery across Chile — including Santiago, Valparaiso, Concepcion, Antofagasta, and all major cities.
- Carriers: DHL Express, FedEx Priority, UPS Worldwide, EMS
- Transit time: 3‑7 days door‑to‑door, with full online tracking
- Features: All‑inclusive rates, optional DDP, simplified customs
- Best for: Documents, samples, e‑commerce parcels, urgent small shipments
Pricing & DDP
Express courier rates are calculated based on volumetric weight. We provide all‑inclusive pricing with no hidden fees.
Chile Customs & Trade Guide
Understanding customs procedures is essential for any How to Ship Goods From China to Chile guide. Chile has a robust trade relationship with China, underpinned by the China-Chile Free Trade Agreement — one of the first such agreements China signed with a Latin American country[reference:48].
Key Customs Regulations
- China-Chile FTA: Preferential duty rates apply to thousands of products. China is Chile's largest trading partner[reference:49].
- Import Duties: Rates vary by HS code classification under Chile's tariff schedule
- VAT: 19% standard rate applies to most imports
- Customs Processing: San Antonio Port is the primary entry point — 874,339 tons of imports in February 2026 alone[reference:50]
- Documentation: Commercial invoice, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin (for FTA benefits)
- Processing Time: Typically 2‑5 days with complete documentation
Required Documents
- Commercial Invoice — With complete description, value, and HS code
- Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
- Packing List — Contents, weight, and dimensions
- Certificate of Origin — For China-Chile FTA preferential rates
- Import License — For regulated goods (pharmaceuticals, firearms, etc.)
- Sanitary/Phytosanitary Certificates — For food and agricultural products
2026 Trade & Infrastructure Updates
- San Antonio Port Expansion – $4.45 billion Puerto Exterior project approved (May 2026)[reference:51]. Will triple capacity to 6 million TEUs[reference:52]. Construction begins 2027[reference:53].
- Record China-Chile Trade – 2025 bilateral trade: $66.91 billion[reference:54]. China accounts for 36.4% of Chile's exports[reference:55].
- LATAM Cargo New Route – Frankfurt–Antofagasta weekly freighter service (started May 23, 2026), adding 25 tonnes of capacity[reference:56].
- Emirates to Santiago – Starting July 5, 2026, with 15 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight[reference:57].
- Port Competition – Peru's China-backed Chancay Port has accelerated Chile's port modernization[reference:58][reference:59].
- Valparaiso Modernization – Designated a national priority with single concessionaire model planned post-2030[reference:60].
Why Choose Goodhope Freight for Shipping From China to Chile?
- Chile Route Expertise — Years of experience via San Antonio, Valparaiso, and Santiago
- Transparent Pricing — All costs quoted upfront, including destination charges
- Flexible Logistics Mix — Sea, air, express — we advise the best solution
- Stable Capacity — Strong carrier partnerships ensure space availability
- 24/7 Support — English, Spanish, and Chinese account managers
- Value‑added Services — Insurance, warehousing, consolidation, clearance assistance