With India facing a massive 50% US tariff hike on key exports like apparel, accessories, and promotional goods, American importers are under pressure to shift quickly. Suddenly, routes that seemed cheaper or safer are now high-risk zones.
China’s well-established air and ocean freight networks are proving to be the most reliable and tariff-safe alternatives—offering predictable shipping timelines and all-inclusive DDP options for US buyers.
At GeeseCargo, we’ve seen a surge in requests from India-dependent clients seeking to stabilize their logistics through China. Here’s why—and how—you can benefit from making that move right now.
Why Are US Importers Turning Away from India?
Importers love predictability—and India’s new tariff conditions are the opposite. A 50% increase in duties means even routine shipments are suddenly unprofitable. For many apparel, gift, and accessories brands, this is an emergency.
The only practical response is to shift production and logistics to a more stable trade partner—like China.
What Makes India Risky Now?
- Tariff shock: $2–4/unit extra on key SKUs like t-shirts, gift boxes, and belts
- Inspection backlogs: Major ports like Nhava Sheva are overwhelmed
- Uncertainty in compliance: New classifications and document rejections rising
You can track real-time policy changes via USTR trade policy updates.
Why Is China a Better Fit Immediately?
Unlike India, China offers:
- Zero new US tariff exposure on most textile and accessory products
- Massive port throughput and customs efficiency
- Proven air and sea lanes with DDP availability
Clients switching from Indian to Chinese production can get goods into the US warehouse within 18–25 days via ocean, or 4–7 days via air—with total landed cost protection.
How Does China DDP Help You Avoid Hidden Costs?
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping from China has become the top solution for US importers needing certainty.
You pay one fixed price—including duties, delivery, and customs clearance—and we take care of the rest.
What’s Included in GeeseCargo’s China DDP Service?
- Pickup from factory or warehouse
- Export declaration and documentation
- Ocean or air freight from 10+ major Chinese ports
- US customs clearance (handled by our team)
- Final delivery to your US warehouse or Amazon FBA
This all-in-one approach ensures there are no unexpected port charges, no customs rejections, and no multi-party delays.
See Easyship’s explanation of DDP for ecommerce.
How Does DDP Compare to Traditional CIF or FOB?
| Shipping Term | Duties Included? | US Customs Covered? | Final Delivery? | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIF | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | High |
| FOB | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | High |
| DDP | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Low |
When tariffs shift suddenly—like with India—DDP’s flat-rate clarity keeps you protected.
Which Freight Mode Fits Best: Air vs. Ocean?
Choosing between air and ocean freight depends on your product category, urgency, and margin tolerance.
Both modes from China are currently performing better than India-to-US routes—even with increased demand.
When to Choose Air Freight?
Use air for:
- Seasonal launches (fall, holiday lines)
- Lightweight accessories (headbands, belts, hats)
- Short lead times (4–7 days door-to-door)
We ship from Guangzhou, Xiamen, and Shanghai daily with priority customs clearance.
See The Loadstar’s China air cargo capacity report.
When to Choose Ocean Freight?
Use sea freight for:
- Full container loads (FCL)
- Mixed orders or bulky goods
- MOQ-based garment lines
With daily departures from Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Qingdao, we offer pre-booked space and priority customs filing.
Check Freightos Baltic Index for China-US sea rate trends.
How to Quickly Transition Your Supply Chain from India to China?
Transitioning your supply chain doesn't need to take months. We’ve helped clients reroute entire logistics pipelines in under 10 days.
With the right partner, you can avoid peak season chaos and tariff exposure.
What’s the Fast-Action Checklist?
- Identify top India SKUs under tariff risk
- Find Chinese supplier matches (we assist if needed)
- Book freight under DDP to lock rates
- Get real-time tracking and customs monitoring
- Deliver to warehouse or Amazon FBA without issues
We’ve already executed this model successfully for more than 30 clients since July 2025.
Explore our China-US freight switch guide.
Why Choose GeeseCargo?
We’re a China-based forwarder with:
- 15+ years in ocean and air freight to the US
- Strong partnerships at Chinese and American ports
- Real-time updates and customs integration
- Dedicated DDP team for fashion and gift brands
You’ll get fast answers, honest quotes, and scalable service.
Conclusion
The US tariff hike on India is here, and it’s hurting brands that can’t adapt fast. But China’s freight infrastructure—across air and sea—is ready to offer a stable, cost-effective, and DDP-secure solution.
Now’s the time to shift your sourcing and logistics to a dependable partner.
Contact Ben Zhu at benzhu@geesecargo.com today and let GeeseCargo show you how to protect your business with our China-US freight expertise.
