Far East transit times
| Country | Main ports | Via Suez Canal | Via Cape of Good Hope |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Xiamen | 25–37 days | 37–49 days |
| Hong Kong | Kwai Tsing | 25–31 days | 37–43 days |
| South Korea | Busan, Incheon | 30–36 days | 42–48 days |
| Japan | Tokyo/Yokohama, Kobe, Nagoya | 33–40 days | 45–52 days |
| Taiwan | Kaohsiung, Keelung, Taichung | 28–34 days | 40–46 days |
Indicative ranges. Carriers have been returning Asia–Europe services to the Suez Canal during 2026, with a full return expected around early 2027, so the routing of your service makes a big difference.
Trade agreements and duty
Duty on Far East imports depends on where the goods originate, not just where they're shipped from:
- China and Hong Kong: no UK trade agreement, so standard UK tariff rates apply, plus anti-dumping duties on some products
- Japan: the UK–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement gives reduced or zero duty on many goods with valid proof of origin, and Japan is also a CPTPP partner
- South Korea: the UK–Korea trade agreement gives preferential rates on qualifying goods
- Taiwan: no UK trade agreement, so standard rates apply
Read how UK import duty is calculated for worked examples.
Seasonal dates to plan around
Chinese New Year, in January or February, closes most factories in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan for one to three weeks, with a rush for space beforehand. Golden Week in early October slows China again, and Korea and Japan have their own holiday weeks. Peak season for Christmas stock runs from July to October, when space is tight and surcharges are common.
Exports to the Far East
UK exports to the region include machinery, vehicles and parts, food and drink, chemicals and luxury goods. Japan and Korea have strict product rules for food and cosmetics, so check the destination requirements and labelling before you ship. Backhaul rates from the UK to Asia are often lower than import rates, which can make exporting good value.