If you are importing goods into Antigua, understanding how shipping from China works can save you thousands of dollars per year.
Whether you are a small retailer, contractor, online seller, or first-time importer, this guide explains everything you need to know about shipping from China to Antigua — including costs, timelines, customs clearance, and how LCL shipping works.
Why Most Goods in Antigua Come from China
China is the world’s largest manufacturing hub. From furniture and tiles to electronics and clothing, many of the products sold in Antigua are manufactured in major industrial cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Yiwu.
The real question for Antigua businesses is not where to buy — it’s how to ship efficiently and affordably.
Because Antigua is a smaller market, most businesses do not import full containers regularly. That is why understanding LCL (Less Than Container Load) shipping is critical.
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Shipping Options from China to Antigua
There are three main shipping methods when importing from China to Antigua:
1️⃣ Air Freight
•Fast (5–10 days)
•Expensive
•Best for urgent or very small shipments
Air freight works for samples or time-sensitive goods, but it is rarely cost-effective for bulk inventory.
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2️⃣ Full Container Load (FCL)
•You rent the entire container
•Best for 20+ CBM
•Higher upfront cost
FCL works well for large construction projects or high-volume retailers. However, most small and medium businesses in Antigua do not need an entire container.
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3️⃣ Less Than Container Load (LCL)
•You pay per cubic meter (CBM)
•Ideal for small and medium shipments
•Most cost-effective option for Antigua businesses
With LCL shipping, your cargo shares space inside a container with other shipments. You only pay for the space you use.
For many Antigua importers, LCL shipping is the smartest and most affordable option.
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What Is CBM?
CBM stands for Cubic Meter.
It is how ocean freight is calculated for LCL shipments.
How to Calculate CBM:
Length (meters) × Width (meters) × Height (meters) = CBM
Example:
1.2m × 1m × 0.8m = 0.96 CBM
When shipping LCL from China to Antigua, your total cost is based on the total CBM your cargo occupies inside the container.
Accurate CBM measurement is critical to avoiding unexpected charges.
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How Long Does Shipping from China to Antigua Take?
Shipping from China to Antigua is not fast — but it is cost-effective when planned properly.
Typical Timeline:
•Warehouse consolidation in China: 7–21 days
•Ocean freight transit: 50–70 days
•Port clearance in Antigua: 3–7 days
Total Average Transit Time:
65–75 days
Shipping times may increase during:
•Chinese New Year
•Golden Week
•Peak global shipping seasons
Planning ahead is essential to avoid stock shortages.
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How Much Does It Cost to Ship from China to Antigua?
Shipping costs depend on:
•Total CBM
•Type of goods
•Port and handling charges
•Customs duties and taxes
What Is Included in Your Shipping Cost?
•Ocean freight (charged per CBM)
•Origin handling and consolidation in China
Upon arrival in Antigua and Barbuda, you can work with:
•Your own freight broker, or our recommended freight broker
Your broker will assist you in clearing customs and paying any relevant duties and taxes.
Important:
Duties and applicable taxes are paid to customs via your freight broker or directly during the customs clearance process. ( Our shipping fee’s do not include import duties and taxes )
Shipping rates vary depending on shipment size, so pricing is typically calculated based on your total volume.
Customs Clearance in Antigua
When your shipment arrives in Antigua, you will need the following documents:
•Bill of Lading
•Commercial Invoice (received when you purchased the goods)
•Packing List (a detailed list of all items in your shipment)
Duties vary depending on product category.
Your freight broker can assist you in determining the duty rate applicable to your specific products and handling the clearance process.
Proper documentation prevents delays at the port.
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Why LCL Shipping Is Popular in Antigua
Because Antigua is a smaller economy, most businesses do not import large container volumes regularly.
LCL shipping allows businesses to:
•Lower upfront costs
•Share container space
•Reduce financial risk
•Import more frequently in smaller quantities
•Improve inventory management
This flexibility makes LCL ideal for:
•Retail stores
•Contractors
•Homebuilders
•Online sellers
•Entrepreneurs testing new products
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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping from China to Antigua
•Incorrect CBM calculations
•Forgetting about port and clearance charges
•Ignoring Chinese holiday production shutdowns
•Choosing freight based only on the lowest quote
•Not planning 2–3 months ahead
Smart planning prevents unnecessary delays and added costs.
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Who Should Use LCL Shipping?
LCL shipping is ideal for:
•Small retail stores
•Construction suppliers
•Online sellers
•Personal importers
•Entrepreneurs testing new product lines
If your shipment is under 15–20 CBM, LCL is often the most practical and affordable solution.
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Final Thoughts
Shipping from China to Antigua does not have to be complicated.
With the right freight partner and proper planning, you can:
•Reduce costs
•Improve inventory flow
•Avoid customs delays
•Grow your business confidently
If you are planning to import goods from China to Antigua, understanding LCL shipping and CBM pricing is the first step toward smarter logistics.
