China to Panama: A Comprehensive Shipping Guide

Ocean Freight (Sea Shipping)

1. Major Chinese Ports of Departure:
   • Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, and Guangzhou offer frequent direct and transshipment services to Panama, leveraging the Panama Canal for efficiency.
2. Key Panamanian Ports:
   • Colon Free Zone: The world’s second-largest free trade zone, specializing in duty-free imports/exports. Cargo here is often re-exported to Central and South America.
   • Cristobal (Port of Balboa): Located on the Atlantic side, handling containerized cargo and serving as a major transshipment hub.
   • Manzanillo (Port of Manzanillo): A Pacific-side port near Panama City, ideal for cargo destined for Panama’s capital and western regions.
   • Panama City (Amador Container Terminal): Handles domestic and regional cargo, with connections to Costa Rica and Colombia.
3. Transit Times:
   • Direct routes from China to Cristobal/Manzanillo: 25–35 days (via the Pacific Ocean or Panama Canal).
   • Transshipment via Los Angeles or Miami: 35–45 days (rare, as direct services are common).
4. Cargo Types:
   • Ideal for electronics, machinery, textiles, automotive parts, and consumer goods (due to the Colon Free Zone’s retail focus).
   • Container options: Standard 20ft/40ft, reefer (for perishables), and flat-rack (for oversized items like machinery).
5. Customs & Documentation:
   • Colon Free Zone: Cargo entering the free zone is duty-free but requires a Special Customs Declaration for re-exports.
   • Panama City/Cristobal: Standard documents include Bill of Lading (B/L), commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin. Tariffs may apply for goods entering Panama’s domestic market.

Air Freight

1. Major Chinese Airports:
   • Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), and Hong Kong (HKG) offer flights to Panama via hubs like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Bogotá.
2. Panamanian Airports:
   • Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City is the primary cargo hub, handling electronics, pharmaceuticals, and high-value goods.
   • Colon Airport (ONX): A smaller facility near the free zone, used for limited commercial cargo and charter flights.
3. Transit Times:
   • Direct cargo flights from China to PTY (via stopovers): 24–36 hours (e.g., China → Los Angeles → PTY).
   • Commercial passenger flights with cargo holds: 3–5 days (common for smaller shipments).
4. Cargo Types:
   • Best for electronics (e.g., semiconductors, laptops), medical devices, perishables (e.g., cut flowers, seafood), and time-sensitive components for manufacturing.
5. Documentation & Logistics:
   • Required documents: Air Waybill (AWB), commercial invoice, packing list, and import permits (for restricted items like pharmaceuticals).
   • Customs clearance at PTY is efficient, typically taking 1–2 days; expedited services are available for priority cargo.

Freight Forwarders & Logistics Tips

• Colon Free Zone Expertise: Partner with San Logistics Limited (contact: info@sangrupo.com) to navigate duty-free procedures, cargo consolidation, and re-export logistics in the zone.
• Inland Transport:
  • Road: Reliable highways connect Panama City to Colon (1.5 hours) and Cristobal (2 hours). For remote areas like Rodman, local trucking is essential.
  • Rail: Limited freight service between Panama City and Colon; primarily used for bulk goods.
• Trade Agreements: Panama has a free trade agreement with China, reducing tariffs on goods like machinery, electronics, and textiles.
• Security: Use bonded warehouses in the Colon Free Zone for high-value cargo to minimize risks during storage and transshipment.