China to Acajutla, El Salvador: A Comprehensive Shipping Guide
China to Acajutla, El Salvador: A Comprehensive Shipping Guide
Planning to ship goods from China to Acajutla, El Salvador’s largest port city on the Pacific coast? This guide outlines sea and air freight options, logistics services, and key considerations for efficient transportation to this Central American hub, supporting trade, manufacturing, and regional distribution.
Sea Freight Services
Acajutla’s Port of Acajutla is the primary gateway for sea cargo to El Salvador. Most shipments from China require transshipment through major hubs like Los Angeles (USA), Colon (Panama), or Manzanillo (Mexico). Below are key routes and carriers:
| Port of Origin | Carriers & Transit Time | Transshipment Hubs | Final Transit to Acajutla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | CMA CGM (35–40 days) | Los Angeles, Colon | Direct sea freight to Acajutla |
| Qingdao | ONE (38–45 days) | Manzanillo, Colon | Reliable port-to-port service |
| Ningbo | MSC (36–42 days) | Long Beach, Colon | Coordinated transshipment |
| Xiamen | ZIM (34–40 days) | Los Angeles, Manzanillo | Expert management of West Coast hubs |
| Shanghai | Yang Ming (30–35 days, fastest) | Los Angeles, Colon | Direct routes via the Pacific |
Service Highlights:
- FCL/LCL Options: Full-container loads (FCL) for bulk shipments; less-than-container (LCL) with consolidation in Chinese ports.
- Transshipment Efficiency: Most carriers offer weekly sailings, with transit times optimized for Central American delivery.
Air Freight Services
For urgent or high-value cargo, air freight to Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) in San Salvador (1.5 hours from Acajutla) offers speed, with transfers via hubs like Miami or Houston:
- Transit Time: 5–7 days (door-to-door, including customs and final delivery).
- Carriers: American Airlines, DHL, and UPS for expedited services.
- Last-Mile Delivery: Dedicated ground transport from SAL to Acajutla’s commercial zones.
Logistics Services for Acajutla
San Logistics Limited provides end-to-end solutions, including:
-
Customs Clearance
- Guidance on El Salvadoran import regulations, including:
- Required documents (commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin).
- Tariffs and VAT (13% on most goods; duty exemptions under CAFTA-DR for eligible items).
- Special handling for electronics, machinery, and agricultural products.
- Guidance on El Salvadoran import regulations, including:
-
Inland Transportation
- Secure trucking from Acajutla Port or SAL Airport to final destinations, with options for:
- High-value goods (e.g., electronics, medical equipment).
- Oversized cargo (e.g., construction machinery) via coastal highways.
- Secure trucking from Acajutla Port or SAL Airport to final destinations, with options for:
-
Cargo Insurance
- Full coverage for sea, air, and ground transit, including:
- All-risk policies for theft, damage, or delays due to weather or strikes.
- Coverage for perishable goods and time-sensitive shipments.
- Full coverage for sea, air, and ground transit, including:
-
Warehousing & Distribution
- Short-term storage in Acajutla or San Salvador for consolidated shipments.
- E-commerce fulfillment services, including pick-and-pack for local retailers.
Key Considerations for Shipping to El Salvador
- Regulatory Compliance:
- Electronics must meet NOM (Mexico) or local ANDE standards; agricultural products require phytosanitary certificates.
- Strict rules for labeling in Spanish, especially for consumer goods.
- Port Operations:
- Acajutla Port handles most commercial cargo, but larger vessels may require anchorage; plan ahead for FCL shipments.
- Security:
- High-value goods should use tamper-proof packaging and GPS tracking for inland transit.
- Currency & Payments:
- USD is the official currency; letters of credit (L/C) are recommended for large transactions.
Industries Served in Acajutla
- Manufacturing:
- Industrial components, textiles, and machinery for El Salvador’s maquiladoras (export processing zones).
- Retail & Wholesale:
- Consumer goods, electronics, and household items for regional markets.
- Construction:
- Building materials, heavy equipment, and tools for infrastructure projects.
- Agriculture & Fishing:
- Farm machinery, fishing equipment, and packaging materials for local producers.
- Energy & Logistics:
- Parts for energy infrastructure and logistics hubs in Acajutla.
Get a Quote for Acajutla
Contact San Logistics Limited at info@sangrupo.com with:
- Cargo details (type, weight, dimensions)
- Port of origin in China
- Delivery address in Acajutla or nearby regions
- Preferred shipping method (sea/air) and timeline
Visit the links below for port-specific guides:
- Shenzhen to Acajutla Shipping Guide
- Qingdao to Acajutla Shipping Guide
- Ningbo to Acajutla Shipping Guide
- Xiamen to Acajutla Shipping Guide
- Shanghai to Acajutla Shipping Guide
Simplify your Central American logistics with expert support for shipping to Acajutla, El Salvador.