The cheapest FOB quote is not always the cheapest steel. Landed cost — what a ton actually costs in your warehouse — is the only number that matters. Here is the full calculation.
The Landed Cost Stack
| Layer | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FOB Tianjin price | quoted per ton | Compare same spec: BMT, coating, paint |
| Ocean freight | varies by lane | Divide container freight by actual tons loaded |
| Insurance | ~0.2-0.4% | CIF quotes include it |
| Import duty + taxes | 0-35%+ | Check your HS code (typically 7210.xx) and any anti-dumping measures |
| Port + clearance | fixed fees | Spread over tonnage — favors full containers |
| Inland transport | varies | Road weight limits may cap container loading |
Worked Example (Illustrative)
25 t of 0.40mm PPGI at 950 USD/t FOB = 23,750. Freight 1,800/container = 72/t. Insurance ~3/t. Duty 10% on CIF ≈ 102/t. Port + clearance 15/t. Inland 25/t. Landed ≈ 1,167 USD/t — 23% above FOB. A quote 20 USD/t cheaper with Z60 instead of Z100 zinc is not cheaper; it is a different product.
Two Levers Importers Underuse
- Load to the real limit: moving from 22 t to 25 t per 20GP cuts freight and fixed fees ~12% per ton. See our container loading guide.
- Check trade agreements: some markets grant duty preferences with the right certificate of origin — ask before shipment, not after.
FAQ
Does anti-dumping apply to PPGI?
Related Products from ChinaCNU Steel
It depends on your country and the product scope. Check current measures for your HS code before ordering — see our anti-dumping compliance guide.