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Shipping from USA to Philippines: Strategies for Smarter Delivery
11/12/2025
Guided by the 1989 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), the USA and the Philippines have a longstanding relationship when it comes to international trade. For instance, in 2024 US exports to the Philippines equated to $9.3 billion, while imports from the Philippines to the USA were worth $14.2 billion.
This import/export connection between the two nations takes place across numerous industries, including wholesale and ecommerce products. In fact, cross-border purchasing makes up a significant portion of the Philippine’s ecommerce volume, with 50% of consumers buying goods from China, the United States, and South Korea.
Ideal for businesses looking to expand into the growing Southeast Asia market, some of the top export categories include electrical and electronic equipment, oil seeds and grains, cereals, machinery, and aircraft cargo.
Driven by strong consumer demand, the Philippines has emerged as a robust ecommerce hub that is ideal for companies which want to ensure fast, reliable delivery and strengthen their brand reputation.
Get a quote and ship with MSC today.
Ideal for businesses looking to expand into the growing Southeast Asia market, some of the top export categories include electrical and electronic equipment, oil seeds and grains, cereals, machinery, and aircraft cargo.
Driven by strong consumer demand, the Philippines has emerged as a robust ecommerce hub that is ideal for companies which want to ensure fast, reliable delivery and strengthen their brand reputation.
Get a quote and ship with MSC today.
Common Hurdles When Shipping from The USA to The Philippines
To successfully tap into the Philippines’ ecommerce and wholesale market, as a business looking to export cargo from the USA, there are some common challenges you should be aware of.
Tariffs and Duties
Businesses can face higher import fees for certain goods, particularly agricultural products, automobiles, and electronics. For example, in 2024, the average MFN tariff for agricultural produce was 6%.
Tariffs and duties on certain cargo may be higher than in other countries but knowing the costs before shipping your cargo can help you plan your operations more effectively and avoid unexpected fees.
Geography and Infrastructure
Another challenge for businesses shipping from the USA to the Philippines is the country’s archipelagic layout. Comprising over 7,000 islands, the range of locations can make organizing your logistics approach quite daunting.
There are also areas where the infrastructure may not be ideal for cargo transportation, which impacts last-mile delivery and can lead to longer shipping times and increased costs. Being aware of this, enables you to prepare your supply chain, accordingly, find the best shipping option, and inform your customers as soon as possible. This proactive approach not only aids your overall supply chain management but also helps provide a better customer experience and improve customer loyalty.
Customs and Regulations
The Philippines’ customs procedures can be quite intricate, as the Bureau of Customs has specific regulations, such as de minimis thresholds. This is a value of customs duty and tax rates applied to imported goods and may appear intimidating if you’re less familiar with these types of processes.
Any inaccuracy in documentation or failure to pay your import tax correctly can result in costly delays, penalties, or the potential seizure of goods. In these cases, your supply chain could be affected, impacting your profitability and customer relationships.
Powering Progress: Strategies for Seamless USA to Philippines Shipping
But how best to overcome the potential hurdles that come with shipping from the USA to the Philippines you may ask?
Working with an Experienced Logistics Partner
One invaluable strategy you can adopt when shipping freight to the Philippines is working with an experienced logistics partner.
Using a company with a local team not only gives you support with managing local customs regulations and procedures, but their knowledge can help you optimize your shipping strategy.
By enhancing your logistics approach using local insights, you’ll be able to deliver your cargo more efficiently, enabling you to build a positive brand reputation.
Working with an Experienced Logistics Partner
One invaluable strategy you can adopt when shipping freight to the Philippines is working with an experienced logistics partner.
Using a company with a local team not only gives you support with managing local customs regulations and procedures, but their knowledge can help you optimize your shipping strategy.
By enhancing your logistics approach using local insights, you’ll be able to deliver your cargo more efficiently, enabling you to build a positive brand reputation.
Last-Mile Delivery
Equally, working with a shipping company with a local team and a range of solutions can also help you organize your last-mile delivery strategy effectively.
As a business exporting ecommerce and wholesale cargo, being able to deliver high-quality goods to your customers on time is invaluable and can help you stand out from your competition. Whether it’s connecting you with local partners or supporting you through packaging and labelling, understanding how to maximize delivery efficiency is crucial for success.
Last-Mile Delivery
Equally, working with a shipping company with a local team and a range of solutions can also help you organize your last-mile delivery strategy effectively.
As a business exporting ecommerce and wholesale cargo, being able to deliver high-quality goods to your customers on time is invaluable and can help you stand out from your competition. Whether it’s connecting you with local partners or supporting you through packaging and labelling, understanding how to maximize delivery efficiency is crucial for success.
Technology
While there can be some hurdles with internet access, there are still other forms of technology you can use to enhance your approach to cross border shipping. From smart containers to online quotation platforms which help with preparation and management, finding ways to streamline your operations can save you both time and money.
Equally, leveraging analytics data from your previous orders offers invaluable insight that can help with future planning and improving your overall operational efficiency.
Technology
While there can be some hurdles with internet access, there are still other forms of technology you can use to enhance your approach to cross border shipping. From smart containers to online quotation platforms which help with preparation and management, finding ways to streamline your operations can save you both time and money.
Equally, leveraging analytics data from your previous orders offers invaluable insight that can help with future planning and improving your overall operational efficiency.
Top Tips for Cross Border Ecommerce and Wholesale
When it comes to cross border ecommerce and wholesale shipping, there are a few top tips that can make a world of difference to your business.
Ask MSC
If you’re looking to ship from the USA to the Philippines or expand into additional global markets, speak to a member of our team. Our decades of experience in international cargo transportation and wealth of knowledge supporting businesses in the ecommerce and wholesale sectors are at your disposal. Leverage on our range of solutions like integrated intermodal services, which are designed to aid successful last mile delivery anywhere in the world.
Contact us today to find out more.
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