Importing Excavators via Alibaba comparison with local purchase

.  Computation

     Unit                        Kubota                                        Sany                                       Komatsu

     $                             5,000                                         3,500                                       $8,000

    Php                    300,000                                     210,000                                     480,000

+     Shipping

 Low                        150,000                                      150,000                                       150,000

Cost                         450,000                                       360,000                                       630,000

High  shipping       200,000                                         200,000                                       200,000

                               500,000                                         410,000                                       680,000

Price at Lubao        700,000                                        xxxxxxx                                       800,000 with breaker

Their margin       200,000                                       xxxxxx                                           120,000

Is it worth the risk to get the dealers margin?

On Wed, Dec 31, 2025 at 5:22 PM Jorge Saguinsin <jorge@holygardens.ph> wrote:

It could be that we can save more.  The latest Kubota, that are compatible with our needs and we know Kubota to be reliable could only cost  say $5,000 x 60 =   P300,000

1   Excavator cost at Alibaba

       KubotA U 40 $5000

      Sany 3.5 tons $3,500

 

      Komatsu PC 30 - $8,000

 

2.  Shipping cost

For a 3.5-ton excavator shipping from 

China

 to the 

Philippines

 in 2025, the total shipping fee typically ranges from ₱80,000 to ₱230,000 ($1,400 to $4,000 USD), depending on the service level and whether customs duties are included. 

Estimated Shipping Costs (Sea Freight)

Costs vary significantly based on whether you choose a door-to-door (DDP) service or standard freight:

• All-In / DDP (Recommended for individuals): Many forwarders offer "All-In" rates that include customs duties, taxes, and documentation.
  • By Weight: For overweight cargo exceeding 400-410 kg/CBM, rates are roughly ₱22.50 to ₱25.00 per kg. For a 3,500 kg (3.5 ton) excavator, this calculates to approximately ₱78,750 to ₱87,500.
  • By Volume (CBM): If charged by volume, rates start at ₱8,000 to ₱10,000 per cubic meter.
• Full Container Load (FCL): If you rent a private 20ft container:
  • Port-to-Port Freight: Approximately $436 to $1,200 (₱25,500 to ₱70,000) for the ocean freight alone.
  • DDP FCL: A 20ft container with all taxes and duties prepaid ranges from $2,500 to $3,500 (₱145,000 to ₱205,000). 

Additional Estimated Fees

If your shipping quote is "Port-to-Port" only, you must account for these separate costs:

• Customs & Brokerage: $150 – $600 per shipment.
• Port Handling: $300 – $600 per container.
• Insurance: Generally 1% to 2% of the equipment's value.
• Packing/Crating: $300 – $800 to secure the machine for transport. 

Actionable Links for Quotes

To get a precise quote for 2025, use these tools and providers:

• CargoBoss Rate Calculator – For all-inclusive CBM or weight-based sea freight from China.
• Sino Shipping Guide – For updated monthly container and LCL rates.
• Boxed Up Logistics (FB) – Popular for machinery and bulk imports to the Philippines.