Importing Cotton t-shirt: Ocean vs Air in 2026
Example on a $5,000 shipment from China · updated 2026-10-01
| Ocean (sea) | Air freight | |
|---|---|---|
| Duty rate | 54% | 54% |
| Customs duty | $2,700.00 | $2,700.00 |
| MPF | $34.58 | $34.58 |
| HMF (0.1%, ocean only) | $6.25 | — |
| Landed (duty+MPF+HMF) | $7,740.83 | $7,734.58 |
The duty rate is identical by mode. Air avoids the $6.25 HMF, but air freight itself normally costs far more, so ocean is usually cheaper overall for non-urgent, bulky cotton t-shirt. Freight and broker fees are not in the table.
Frequently asked questions
Does shipping by air instead of ocean change the duty on cotton t-shirt?
No. The ad-valorem duty rate (54% here) is the same; only the Harbor Maintenance Fee changes.
What fee differs between ocean and air?
HMF of 0.1% is charged on ocean cargo only. On a $5,000 shipment that is $6.25 — air freight pays no HMF. MPF applies to both.
Does this include freight cost?
No. These figures cover duty, MPF and HMF only; actual air freight is usually far more expensive than ocean, which usually outweighs the HMF saving.
Get the data via API or MCP
These rates are maintained and delivered as a source-linked API (REST + MCP for AI agents). Plug live 2026 duty rates, MPF, HMF and landed cost into your app, ERP or agent without maintaining the data yourself.