EXW vs. FOB for Shipping from China: What a US Buyer Needs to Arrange
A supplier’s EXW or FOB price describes a different handover point and allocation of tasks. It does not, by itself, tell you the full cost to your US address. Before comparing prices, confirm the named place or port, who arranges export clearance, and which charges are outside the supplier’s price.
What EXW usually means
Under EXW (Ex Works), the seller makes the goods available at the named place, commonly the seller’s premises. The buyer generally arranges collection and the onward transport. Confirm who will load the vehicle, provide export documents and complete export formalities in the real transaction; practical export-clearance arrangements can be difficult if the buyer is outside China. Ask the supplier and forwarder to state the exact pickup address and responsibility in writing.
What FOB usually means
FOB (Free On Board) is a sea and inland-waterway rule. The seller delivers when the goods are loaded on board the vessel at the named port of shipment, and the buyer arranges the main carriage from there. A port name alone can leave important details unclear: identify the exact port and confirm which origin handling and documentation charges are included in the commercial offer.
Check whether FCA fits container cargo
For containerized or multimodal shipments, ICC guidance points buyers to consider FCA, where delivery can occur to the buyer’s carrier at the seller’s premises or a transport terminal and export clearance remains with the seller. The right rule depends on the contract and shipment. Do not change an agreed Incoterm without the seller’s agreement.
Compare the same shipment scope
Ask for packed pieces, dimensions, gross weight, cargo-ready date, pickup address, destination ZIP code and requested mode. Then list supplier price, origin pickup, export handling, international freight, destination charges, customs broker, duties/taxes and final delivery separately. This avoids comparing an EXW goods price with a FOB goods price as if they covered the same work.
Request a route review
Share the agreed Incoterm and named place with your quote request. ANELGO can review a route based on shipment details; confirm in writing which services are available and included before booking.
Related guides
Official references
For a route-specific logistics review, provide the product, origin, destination, packed dimensions, weight and ready date.
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