Ocean Freight (Sea Shipping)

1. Chinese Ports of Departure:
   • Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, and Guangzhou offer container services to South American hubs like Buenos Aires (Argentina), Santos (Brazil), or Montevideo (Uruguay).
2. Key Transit Ports:
   • Buenos Aires (Argentina): The closest major seaport to Paraguay, handling most containerized cargo. From here, goods are transported via road or river to Asuncion.
   • Santos (Brazil): A larger port with frequent China connections, ideal for cargo destined for eastern Paraguay (e.g., Pilar).
3. Transit Times:
   • China to Buenos Aires: 30–40 days (direct or via Panama Canal).
   • Inland transport from Buenos Aires to Asuncion: 3–5 days by road or 5–7 days by river (via the Parana River).
4. Cargo Types:
   • Suitable for bulk goods (e.g., machinery, construction materials, electronics), vehicles, and agricultural equipment.
   • Container options: Standard 20ft/40ft containers; LCL (Less-than-Container Load) services are available for smaller shipments.
5. Customs & Documentation:
   • Brazil/Argentina Transit: Cargo must clear customs in the transit country before entering Paraguay. Required documents: Bill of Lading (B/L), commercial invoice, packing list, and a Carnet de Passage for temporary imports.
   • Paraguay Customs: Upon arrival, goods must comply with Paraguay’s Dirección General de Aduanas regulations. Tariffs may apply, and certain items (e.g., electronics, vehicles) require additional permits.

Air Freight

1. Chinese Airports:
   • Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), and Guangzhou (CAN) offer flights to South America via hubs like Miami, Santiago (Chile), or Sao Paulo (Brazil).
2. Paraguayan Airport:
   • Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) in Asuncion is the primary hub for international cargo, handling electronics, pharmaceuticals, and time-sensitive goods.
3. Transit Times:
   • No direct flights from China; typical routing: China → Miami/Sao Paulo → Asuncion. Total transit time: 4–8 days.
4. Cargo Types:
   • Best for electronics, medical supplies, luxury items, automotive parts, and perishables (e.g., gourmet foods, flowers).
   • Note: Weight limits apply (e.g., maximum cargo per flight may vary by airline); charter services can accommodate oversized items.
5. Documentation & Logistics:
   • Required documents: Air Waybill (AWB), commercial invoice, packing list, and import permits (e.g., for restricted items like firearms or 动植物 products).
   • Customs clearance in Asuncion takes 1–3 days; expedited services are available for urgent shipments.

Inland Transport in Paraguay

1. Road:
   • Primary routes connect Asuncion to Cacupe, Pilar, and Asuncion Mita. Highways are generally reliable, but rural areas (e.g., Cacupe) may require smaller vehicles.
2. River:
   • The Parana and Paraguay Rivers are used for bulk cargo (e.g., grains, minerals) to ports like Puerto Seguro Fluvial. Barge services take 5–10 days from Buenos Aires to Paraguay’s river ports.
3. Local Logistics Providers:
   • Partner with a freight forwarder like San Logistics Limited (contact: info@sangrupo.com) to coordinate cross-border transport, customs, and last-mile delivery to remote locations like Pilar or Asuncion Mita.

Freight Forwarders & Tips

• Key Challenges: Paraguay’s landlocked status increases transit complexity and costs. Plan ahead for potential delays at border crossings (e.g., between Argentina/Brazil and Paraguay).
• Tariffs & Trade Agreements: Paraguay is a member of MERCOSUR, but China has a separate trade agreement with the country. Verify eligibility for duty reductions on goods like machinery or textiles.
• Security: Ensure cargo is properly insured, especially for high-value items, as road transport in remote areas may pose risks.