High-volume shippers land sealed 20', 40' & 40'HC boxes directly at Kwai Tsing Container Terminals (Terminals 1–9)—ideal for electronics, fashion, industrial machinery and perishable reefer traffic. (en.wikipedia.org)
SMEs, sourcing agents and e-commerce brands move < 15 m³ in weekly LCL consolidations that devan in bonded depots inside the free-port, saving up to 60 % versus unused FCL space.
Popular mode: FCL remains dominant for re-exports to South China; LCL is booming for Amazon, Shopify and small-batch fashion drops.
Primary port / airport: Kwai Tsing Container Terminals (KTCT) for ocean; urgent cargo via HKIA (HKG).
Typical cargo: Consumer electronics, garments, watches & jewelry, machinery spares.
Transit-time snapshots:
Local tip: Port throughput hit a 28-year low in 2024, freeing berth capacity—late bookings stand a better chance of securing space. (seatrade-maritime.com)
Alternative option: Air freight trims door-to-door to 3–5 days via HKIA’s new three-runway system, designed for up to 10 million t of cargo annually. (thesun.co.uk)
Container shipping rates to Hong Kong
Air freight door-to-door: 3–5 days via HKIA.
Trans-Pacific services (LA/Long Beach ↔ Hong Kong) and Asia-Europe loops (Rotterdam ↔ Hong Kong) call Kwai Tsing weekly. Cross-border trucks and barges link Hong Kong to Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Dongguan free-trade zones in ≤ 24 h.
Common commodities
Restricted / Dutiable goods
Alcohol, tobacco, hydrocarbon oils, methyl-alcohol (fixed duty rates); strategic commodities require import license.
No—Hong Kong does not levy VAT/GST; only a handful of excise-dutiable goods incur duty. (customs.gov.hk)
Yes—below 15 m³ you avoid paying for unused FCL space, typically saving 40–60 %.
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended—add door-to-door cover at checkout.
Secure FCL or LCL space 6–8 weeks ahead of the late-January surge to avoid roll-overs and rate spikes.