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FOB CIF EXW Trade Terms for Shipping from Guangzhou

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FOB, CIF, EXW: Trade Terms for Shipping from Guangzhou to Global Destinations

When exporting goods from Guangzhou to global markets, understanding trade terms like FOB, CIF, and EXW is critical to defining responsibilities, costs, and risk transfer between buyers and suppliers. BETTERluck Shipping, with 16+ years of experience shipping to 190+ countries, breaks down these terms to help you choose the right option for destinations worldwide—from major hubs like Rotterdam and Los Angeles to emerging markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

1. EXW Guangzhou (Ex Works)

Definition: The supplier makes goods available at their Guangzhou facility (factory, warehouse, or wholesale market). The buyer assumes full control and responsibility from the moment of pickup.

Global Responsibilities:

  • Supplier: Prepares goods for collection, including basic packaging, and provides commercial invoices.

  • Buyer: Arranges all logistics from Guangzhou to the final destination, including:

    • Local pickup (from factories, markets, or hotels) and transport to Guangzhou ports/airports.

    • Export customs clearance (including HS code classification and document submission via China’s Single Window).

    • Booking freight (sea/air) to global ports/airports (e.g., Hamburg, Dubai, São Paulo).

    • Insurance, import clearance, duties, and last-mile delivery in the destination country.

Costs Covered by Buyer:

All expenses, from local transport in Guangzhou to final delivery—ideal for buyers seeking full control over their supply chain.

Best For:

  • Experienced importers with established logistics networks in China.

  • Shipments to complex destinations (e.g., remote areas in Africa or South America) where buyers prefer managing local partners.

  • High-value or regulated goods (e.g., electronics, machinery) requiring strict quality control during transit.

2. FOB Guangzhou (Free On Board)

Definition: The supplier delivers goods to a Guangzhou port (Nansha, Huangpu) or airport (Baiyun International) and clears them for export. Risk transfers to the buyer once cargo is loaded onto the vessel/aircraft.

Global Responsibilities:

  • Supplier: Delivers goods to the agreed Guangzhou port/airport, handles export clearance, and loads cargo onto the carrier.

  • Buyer: Arranges freight (sea/air) from Guangzhou to the destination, including:

    • Booking with carriers (e.g., Maersk for sea, Air China for air) to ports like Los Angeles or airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle.

    • Insurance (marine/air cargo) to cover loss or damage during transit.

    • Import clearance, duties, and delivery in the destination country (e.g., customs in Lagos, Nigeria, or Toronto, Canada).

Costs Covered by Buyer:

Freight, insurance, import duties, and local delivery abroad—with export costs (clearance, terminal fees) handled by the supplier.

Best For:

  • Buyers who want to negotiate competitive freight rates directly with carriers.

  • Shipments to major global hubs (e.g., Rotterdam, Singapore) where freight options are abundant.

  • Businesses balancing control (over freight) and convenience (letting suppliers manage exports).

3. CIF [Destination Port] (Cost, Insurance, Freight)

Definition: The supplier covers costs, insurance, and freight to a named destination port (e.g., CIF Rotterdam, CIF Jeddah). Risk transfers to the buyer when cargo arrives at the destination port.

Global Responsibilities:

  • Supplier: Manages export clearance, books freight to the destination port, and provides basic marine insurance (minimum coverage: 110% of cargo value).

  • Buyer: Handles import clearance, pays duties/VAT, and arranges inland transport from the destination port to the final address (e.g., from Shanghai Port to a warehouse in Berlin, or Jebel Ali Port to a store in Riyadh).

Costs Covered by Buyer:

Import duties (varies by country: 0%–30%), local taxes (e.g., 20% VAT in EU, 15% in UAE), and inland transport from the destination port.

Best For:

  • First-time importers or those new to a market (e.g., shipping to Kenya or Chile for the first time).

  • Shipments to countries with complex import procedures (e.g., Brazil, India) where suppliers’ expertise in freight/insurance simplifies logistics.

  • Businesses prioritizing predictability—CIF locks in freight and insurance costs upfront.

Global Comparison Table

Aspect
EXW Guangzhou
FOB Guangzhou
CIF [Destination Port]
Export Clearance
Buyer’s responsibility
Supplier’s responsibility
Supplier’s responsibility
Freight (China to Abroad)
Buyer’s cost
Buyer’s cost
Supplier’s cost
Insurance
Buyer’s cost (optional)
Buyer’s cost (optional)
Supplier’s cost (mandatory)
Import Duties
Buyer’s cost
Buyer’s cost
Buyer’s cost
Risk Transfer
At supplier’s Guangzhou location
At Guangzhou port/airport loading
At destination port arrival

How BETTERluck Supports Global Shipments

  • EXW: We coordinate pickup from any Guangzhou location, consolidate goods, and manage end-to-end logistics—from export clearance to door delivery in 190+ countries.

  • FOB: We leverage our carrier partnerships (Maersk, Air France-KLM) to secure competitive freight rates, track cargo globally, and handle import clearance abroad.

  • CIF: We work with your supplier to ensure on-time delivery to destination ports, then coordinate inland transport (e.g., from Hamburg to Munich, or Durban to Johannesburg).

All options include access to XTransfer (15+ currencies) and Ping An Insurance for enhanced coverage, with 24/7 support in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic.

Get a Customized Quote

Contact our global trade specialist Ms. Lisa Wang to tailor these terms to your destination:

  • WeChat/WhatsApp: +86-18898403007

Whether shipping to Europe, the Americas, Africa, or Asia, BETTERluck ensures seamless logistics under EXW, FOB, or CIF.
#FOB #CIF #EXW #GuangzhouExport #GlobalShipping #BETTERluck