AliExpress Shipping to US: Delivery Times, Costs & Customs (2026)

AliExpress ships to the United States through multiple delivery methods, with arrival times ranging from 7 days to 30 days depending on the shipping option you select. AliExpress Standard Shipping and AliExpress Choice are the most popular methods for US buyers, typically delivering in 7–20 days. Economy options can take up to 30 days or more.

The United States has a generous de minimis threshold of $800 — meaning most AliExpress orders arrive duty-free. This makes AliExpress one of the most cost-effective ways to buy directly from manufacturers for US shoppers. See our complete AliExpress shipping guide for more details.

This guide covers every shipping method available to the US, realistic delivery timeframes, import duty rules, step-by-step tracking instructions, and tips to get the best experience from every order. See our compare AliExpress shipping methods for more details.

How Long Does AliExpress Take to Ship to the US?

Delivery times depend on the shipping method and the seller's warehouse location. Here are the realistic timeframes for US buyers: See our track your AliExpress order for more details.

Important: Delivery times are estimates. Actual times vary by seller warehouse location, customs processing, and seasonal demand. During 11.11 (Singles Day, November) and Chinese New Year (January–February), add 5–10 days to all estimates.

AliExpress Shipping Methods to the US Compared

AliExpress Standard Shipping

The default and most common option. Parcels are typically routed through Cainiao logistics and handed off to USPS for last-mile delivery. Expect 10–20 days in normal conditions. Full tracking is included from dispatch to your door.

Best for: Most everyday purchases where you can wait 2–3 weeks.

AliExpress Choice Shipping

AliExpress Choice is a premium tier available on products with the orange "Choice" badge. These items ship from AliExpress-vetted warehouses with faster delivery and added buyer protections.

• 7–15 day delivery to most US addresses
• Free shipping on eligible items
• Free returns within the return window
• Products are quality-checked before dispatch

Best for: Buyers who want faster delivery and free returns without paying for express shipping.

ePacket

One of the most popular methods for US buyers due to its combination of affordable cost and reliable 10–20 day delivery. ePacket parcels are handed off to USPS domestically, making tracking straightforward. Availability depends on the seller.

Best for: Small, lightweight items from Chinese sellers.

Cainiao Super Economy

The slowest and cheapest option, typically free but taking 20–35 days. Tracking updates are limited until the parcel enters the US. This method works for low-value, non-urgent items.

Best for: Budget purchases where delivery speed is not a priority.

Express Couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS)

The fastest option at 3–7 days, but significantly more expensive. Express couriers include customs brokerage in their service, which speeds up clearance but may result in additional duties being collected for high-value orders. Well suited for urgent or high-value purchases.

Best for: Urgent orders or high-value items where speed justifies the cost.

US Customs and Import Duties on AliExpress Orders

The $800 De Minimis Rule

The United States has one of the most buyer-friendly import thresholds in the world. The de minimis threshold is $800 per shipment. This means:

• Orders valued under $800: No import duty, no formal customs entry required
• Orders valued at $800 or above: May attract import duties (rates vary by product category, typically 0–25%)
• Most AliExpress orders for individual buyers fall well under $800

Sales Tax (Import VAT)

Unlike Australia and EU countries, the United States does not collect a federal sales tax on imports at the border for de minimis shipments. State sales tax on imports varies by state. For most standard AliExpress orders under $800, you will not pay any import fees at all.

High-Value Orders ($800+)

If your order value exceeds $800, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may require a formal entry and assess import duties. Electronics, apparel, and manufactured goods have different duty rates. For large orders, consider consulting the CBP Harmonized Tariff Schedule or splitting the order across multiple shipments (though deliberately splitting to avoid duties may attract scrutiny).

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Certain product categories are subject to US import restrictions:

• Counterfeit goods (illegal under US trademark law)
• Certain electronics (must meet FCC certification requirements)
• Products with certain batteries (lithium, dangerous goods rules)
• Food and agricultural products (FDA and USDA regulations)
• Items subject to trade sanctions

Always verify whether a product category has US import restrictions before ordering.

Step 1: Find Your AliExpress Tracking Number

Go to My Orders on AliExpress (website or app). Open the order you want to track. The tracking number appears under "Track Order" once the seller has dispatched the item. It may take 1–3 business days after the seller marks the order as shipped for the tracking number to show activity.

Step 2: Track via AliExpress

Click "Track" on your order page. AliExpress displays carrier updates including: dispatch from seller/warehouse, arrival at origin sorting hub, departure from China, arrival in the US (usually at Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago gateway), customs clearance, handoff to USPS or UPS, out for delivery, delivered.

Step 3: Track via USPS

Once your parcel enters the United States, it is typically handed off to USPS for final delivery. Track it directly at usps.com using the same tracking number. USPS provides more granular delivery updates than AliExpress once the parcel is in domestic transit.

Step 4: Track via 17TRACK (for multiple carriers)

For Cainiao, ePacket, or other carrier shipments, 17track.net aggregates tracking across dozens of carriers in a single view. It often shows updates before AliExpress updates its own interface. Useful when AliExpress tracking appears stuck.

Step 5: What to Do if Tracking Stops

If tracking has not updated for 7+ days:

1. Check if the parcel is in US customs (tracking may pause during clearance — normal, especially for standard shipping)
2. Contact the seller via AliExpress messaging to request a status update
3. If your AliExpress buyer protection period is approaching expiry, open a dispute immediately — you can close it when the parcel arrives

Tips for Faster and Safer AliExpress Shipping to the US

1. Choose AliExpress Choice items — Faster delivery, free returns, and quality-checked products make Choice the best default option for US buyers
2. Check for US warehouse inventory — Some AliExpress sellers have US-based warehouses. Items shipping from the US arrive in 3–7 days with no customs delay
3. Use ePacket when available — Reliable 10–20 day delivery with USPS tracking is a strong option for small items
4. Avoid peak sale periods — 11.11 (November 11), Black Friday, and Chinese New Year (January–February) cause significant delays across all shipping methods
5. Use AliShopping Tools before buying — Check price history to confirm you are paying a genuine sale price, not an inflated "deal"
6. Always choose tracked shipping — Untracked shipping has no recourse if lost. The small cost savings are not worth the risk
7. Know your buyer protection deadline — AliExpress buyer protection has a time limit. If your order has not arrived as the timer approaches, open a dispute before it expires

Shop smarter on AliExpress. AliShopping Tools tracks prices, shows price history on every product page, and helps you spot real deals. Free to install — works directly on AliExpress.

Also see: shipping to Canada.

Also see: current AliExpress promo codes.