Asia is the #1 origin of Mexican imports by value (after the US). Knowing real transit times is key to planning inventory, giving credible delivery dates to clients, and choosing between ocean and air when there’s urgency.
This article gathers the typical ranges we see in operation during 2026 — they are approximate and vary by season, exact route, port congestion and customs reviews.
Ocean from Asia to Mexico
Main Asian origins to Mexican Pacific ports (Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas):
| Origin | Destination | Transit time (port to port) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Manzanillo | 22–28 days |
| Shanghai | Lázaro Cárdenas | 24–30 days |
| Ningbo | Manzanillo | 23–28 days |
| Shenzhen / Yantian | Manzanillo | 24–30 days |
| Qingdao | Manzanillo | 26–32 days |
| Busan (Korea) | Manzanillo | 18–24 days |
| Yokohama (Japan) | Manzanillo | 16–22 days |
| Kaohsiung (Taiwan) | Manzanillo | 22–28 days |
| Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) | Manzanillo | 28–35 days |
Add to those times:
- 3–7 days of customs clearance at destination (more if there is physical inspection or NOMs).
- 2–5 days of ground transport from port to final destination (depends on how far inland you go — Bajío, Monterrey, northern border).
- 5–10 days at origin between when the container leaves your supplier and when the ship sails (cutoff, consolidation if LCL).
Realistic door-to-door total from central China to SLP: 35 to 50 days.
Air from Asia to Mexico
When freight cost justifies speed (high value-per-kg cargo, urgent shipments, perishables):
| Origin | Air destination | Time airport to airport |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (PVG) | MEX / GDL / MTY | 2–4 days |
| Hong Kong | MEX | 2–3 days |
| Seoul (ICN) | MEX | 2–3 days |
| Tokyo (NRT) | MEX | 3–5 days |
| Singapore | MEX | 3–5 days |
Add to those times:
- 1–2 days of airport handling and customs clearance at destination.
- 1–2 days of final delivery.
Realistic door-to-door total by air: 5 to 9 days.
Air cost vs ocean: typically 6 to 12 times more expensive per kg, but only double or triple per unit if your product has high value density. That’s why air freight is reserved for samples, urgent replacements, premium electronics and perishables.
International hand carrier
For critical shipments where even air isn’t enough. A courier travels with the cargo as accompanied baggage.
- 24–48 hours Asia → Mexico with connection.
- No consolidation risk, no third-party handling.
- High cost per shipment, but valid for very high-value goods or critical documents.
Factors that most affect timing
- Chinese New Year (January–February): operations halt 2–3 weeks at origin, demand piles up and prices rise before and after.
- Peak season (August–October): retail cargo stockpiled before Christmas saturates ports. Prices and times worse.
- Port congestion: Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas can have 2–7 extra days waiting for berth at peak.
- Customs regime: temporary imports (IMMEX) usually clear faster than permanent with permits.
- Customs review: the “red light” at customs (~1 in 10 entries) adds 2–5 days.
- NOMs and prior permits: if your cargo requires certificates, the bottleneck stops being the ship and becomes the prior procedure.
How we handle it in a well-planned operation
For a company importing monthly from Asia, we recommend:
- Inventory buffer of 2 weeks above the average transit time.
- Booking 4–6 weeks in advance during high seasons.
- Combine regular ocean + air for urgencies: 90% of volume goes by ship, 10% critical is covered by air when needed.
- Work with a forwarder that has real-time visibility of the ship, not just the booking.
At TradeWay
We run regular Asia–Mexico routes by ocean and air. We always quote with the real transit time for the season, not the catalog “ideal.” If you’re going to import from Asia, request a quote — we respond in under 24 business hours with real times for your route.
