The Americas · Sourcing guide
Sourcing chairs from China to Peru
For a Peru-based buyer, the question is rarely whether a Chinese factory can make the chair — it is what the chair costs once it clears Callao. This page walks the freight, duty and timing numbers for the lane.
Callao has handled most of Peru's import volume for decades, but Chancay — opened in late 2024 — is now the more relevant port for China-origin cargo: it was built specifically for this trade lane and shaves days off the Callao transit. The Peru–China FTA eliminates duty on most seating subheadings, so your cost conversation with buyers is really about freight, IGV and inland distribution rather than tariff. The market is price-driven and informal retail channels are still large, so wholesale margins tend to be thin — know your sell-in price before you enter.
The market, briefly
Chancay's 2024 opening gave Peru the fastest Asia connection on South America's Pacific coast and is reshaping regional routing. The domestic market is mid-sized and price-driven, with informal retail still significant. The China FTA keeps landed costs among the region's lowest.
Landed cost: how to run the numbers
The full bill for Peru stacks up as FOB + ocean freight and surcharges + duty + VAT/GST + port/clearance fees + the final inland leg. Buyers who budget only FOB and headline freight get caught the same way every time: on budget seating the remainder typically adds another 20–40% to the invoice.
A worked example (estimate)
Say you load a 40HC with 300 KD task chairs at $30 FOB — a $9,000 order. Using the midpoint of the 2026-H1 spot band ($4,300), ocean freight alone adds about $14 per chair before duty, VAT/GST, port fees and inland haulage. Run the same math at the top of the band before you budget: rate swings of this size are normal, not exceptional. Figures are illustrative — get live quotes.
For the underlying method, start with sea-freight budgeting, then Incoterms for chair buyers — and use container math when you plan the load.
Frequently asked
How long does shipping take from China to Peru?
Typical liner schedules into Callao/Chancay run 23–35 days port-to-port. Callao on WCSA loops; the new COSCO-built Chancay port offers direct Shanghai services (~23 days). Add booking lead time, origin handling and customs clearance on both ends.
What does a 40ft container of chairs cost to ship to Peru?
As of 2026-H1, published spot ranges for the lane sit roughly between $2,500 and $6,000 for a 40ft/40HC — an estimate from public rate indices, not a quote. Surcharges, peak-season fees and inland legs come on top.
What import duty applies to chairs in Peru?
Peru's tariff on most furniture is 6% or less, falling to 0% for Chinese origin under the Peru–China FTA; 18% IGV applies at import. Verify the specific subheading's FTA schedule. 18% IGV.
Which port should I route chairs through for Peru?
Callao, Chancay are the usual gateways. Your forwarder's local coverage matters more than the port itself.
All freight, transit, duty and tax figures are generic planning estimates compiled by the editorial desk, marked as-of 2026-H1. Tariffs and VAT change frequently; always verify current rates with your freight forwarder and a licensed customs broker before quoting or committing. Rates as of 2026-H1.