Mexico receives most of its sea cargo through a handful of ports, each with its own customs office. The right port depends on where your goods come from and where you need them. This guide summarises the main ones and how to choose.
Manzanillo: the gateway from Asia
Manzanillo, in Colima, is the Pacific port where most cargo from China and the rest of Asia enters Mexico.
From China to Manzanillo, a vessel on a direct sailing takes 20 to 22 days. With transshipment, 34 to 38 days. Customs release comes on top. Route details are in China to Manzanillo by sea and in the guide how to import from China to Mexico.
Veracruz and Altamira: the gateway from Europe
On the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz and Altamira receive much of the cargo that arrives from Europe. Veracruz is closer to central Mexico and Altamira, in Tamaulipas, closer to the north.
From Europe to Veracruz, a vessel on a direct sailing takes 20 to 24 days. Details are in Europe to Veracruz by sea.
Lázaro Cárdenas and other ports
Lázaro Cárdenas, in Michoacán, is the other large Pacific port and also receives cargo from Asia. Beyond the seaports, a lot of cargo enters through the northern border and the airports, such as Mexico City and AIFA.
For urgent cargo from Europe, air freight to Mexico City takes 1 day direct and 2 to 4 days with transshipment. See Europe to Mexico City by air.
How to choose the port for your cargo
The port closest to your warehouse is not always the best one. When choosing, compare:
- The origin of the goods. Asia usually arrives on the Pacific and Europe on the Gulf.
- The total time, which adds the sea transit, customs release and the road leg to your warehouse.
- The direct sailings available, because a transshipment can add two weeks.
- The local charges of the port and the shipping line.
In an ALL IN quote those charges are already included, so you can compare ports on total cost rather than on freight alone.
Whatever the port, we hand the cargo to the customs broker 24 to 48 hours before arrival, so clearance starts as soon as the ship arrives and no storage charges build up.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main port for importing from China into Mexico? Manzanillo, on the Pacific. A vessel on a direct sailing takes 20 to 22 days from China.
Which port does cargo from Europe arrive at? The Gulf ports, such as Veracruz and Altamira. From Europe to Veracruz, a direct sailing takes 20 to 24 days.
Can I choose the port of arrival? Yes, depending on the routes the shipping lines offer. We send the quote with the route options and what each one includes.