When shopping on AliExpress, one of the biggest questions buyers have is: how long is AliExpress delivery time? Whether you’re buying a single gadget or sourcing bulk products for your business, understanding AliExpress shipping time can help you plan better and avoid unnecessary delays.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know — from processing time to delivery estimates by country, and how you can get faster, more reliable shipping through sourcing services like iHome.
1. What Is AliExpress and How Does Its Shipping Work in 2025?
AliExpress is one of the largest global online marketplaces owned by Alibaba Group, connecting millions of Chinese sellers with buyers from over 200 countries. It’s known for its affordable prices, huge product range, and worldwide delivery options, making it a go-to platform for both casual shoppers and small business owners.
When you buy from AliExpress, your order doesn’t come from a single warehouse — it’s shipped directly by the individual seller you purchased from. This is why AliExpress shipping time can vary so much between products, even if they’re ordered on the same day.
In 2025, AliExpress continues to improve its international logistics network through Cainiao, Alibaba’s global delivery partner. Cainiao collaborates with local postal services and major couriers like DHL, FedEx, and Singapore Post to handle international shipping more efficiently. Many sellers also use overseas warehouses in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East to shorten delivery times.
Here’s how the AliExpress shipping process typically works in 2025:
- Order Placement – You confirm your order and payment.
- Processing Period – The seller packs and ships the item (usually within 1–5 business days).
- International Shipping – The parcel travels from China (or an overseas warehouse) to your destination country.
- Customs Clearance – Packages go through import inspection, which may add a few extra days.
- Final Delivery – Local couriers or postal services complete the delivery to your address.
Thanks to upgraded logistics systems and better regional coordination, most AliExpress delivery times are now faster and more predictable than a few years ago. Still, your exact waiting time will depend on your country, the chosen shipping method, and the efficiency of your local postal network.
2. How Long Does AliExpress Take to Process an Order?
Before an order is shipped, the seller needs time to prepare and confirm it.
In most cases, AliExpress processing time ranges from 1 to 5 business days.
Some products with “Fast Shipping” or “Ships from Local Warehouse” labels can be processed in just 24 hours, while customized or out-of-stock products may take longer. Keep in mind that weekends, holidays, and sales events like 11.11 or Black Friday can also extend this stage.
3. How Long Does AliExpress Take to Ship by Country?
AliExpress ships to more than 200 countries, but the shipping time varies greatly depending on where you live. Factors like distance from China, customs efficiency, and available local carriers can all affect AliExpress delivery time.
Below is a detailed breakdown by region to help you understand what to expect in 2025.
AliExpress Shipping Time to the United States
For U.S. buyers, AliExpress shipping time has improved significantly thanks to Cainiao’s dedicated logistics routes and partnerships with USPS and UPS.
- Standard Shipping: usually takes 10–20 business days.
- Premium Shipping: about 7–12 business days with faster tracking updates.
- Saver or Free Shipping: can stretch to 25–35 business days depending on the seller.
Most small packages are processed through Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York customs, and deliveries are handled by USPS. During peak seasons like Black Friday or 11.11 Global Shopping Festival, slight delays are common.
💡 Tip: Look for listings marked “Ships from U.S. warehouse” — these often arrive in just 3–7 days.
AliExpress Shipping Time to the United Kingdom
In the UK, AliExpress orders usually arrive within 12–22 business days under standard shipping.
The logistics system has become more reliable since AliExpress expanded its Cainiao Warehouse in Europe and started collaborating with Royal Mail for last-mile delivery.
- AliExpress Standard Shipping: 12–22 business days
- AliExpress Premium Shipping: 8–15 business days
- Saver Shipping (economy): 25–40 business days
Customs checks after Brexit can sometimes cause extra delays, especially for packages valued above £135 that require import VAT.
💡 Tip: Choose sellers offering VAT-included prices or UK warehouse shipping to avoid customs surprises.
AliExpress Shipping Time to Europe (Germany, France, Spain, etc.)
Europe is one of AliExpress’s largest markets. Thanks to the EU logistics hubs in Spain, Poland, and Belgium, buyers in Western and Central Europe enjoy relatively consistent delivery times.
- AliExpress Standard Shipping: 15–30 business days
- Premium Shipping (DHL, FedEx, etc.): 10–18 business days
- Local Warehouse Shipping (Spain, Poland): as fast as 3–7 days
For EU buyers, customs clearance is smoother under the IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) system, which allows VAT to be prepaid during checkout. However, rural regions may still face a few days of delay.
💡 Tip: Sellers marked “Ships from Europe” usually deliver faster and are exempt from additional customs duties.
AliExpress Shipping Time to Australia and New Zealand
For Oceania buyers, AliExpress delivery time typically ranges between 15–25 business days under standard shipping. Packages are often delivered by Australia Post or New Zealand Post after customs clearance in Sydney or Auckland.
- Standard Shipping: 15–25 business days
- Premium Shipping: 8–16 business days
- Saver Shipping: 25–40 business days
Weather conditions (especially during Australia’s rainy season) and distance from China can sometimes slow down air cargo routes. However, express couriers like DHL and UPS provide reliable alternatives for urgent packages.
💡 Tip: If you’re ordering fragile or electronics items, consider AliExpress Premium Shipping for better handling and insurance coverage.
🌏 AliExpress Shipping Time to Asia (Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, etc.)
Asian countries generally enjoy the fastest AliExpress delivery times due to geographic proximity to China.
- Standard Shipping: 7–15 business days
- Premium Shipping: 5–10 business days
- Saver Shipping: 15–25 business days
Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia benefit from efficient customs and frequent air routes, while Japan and South Korea also maintain quick clearance processes.
Buyers in Southeast Asia using AliExpress Standard Shipping often receive tracking updates within just a few days.
💡 Tip: During major Chinese holidays (like Lunar New Year), expect short delays as factories and warehouses temporarily close.
✈️ Summary: Average AliExpress Delivery Times by Region
| Region / Country | Standard Shipping | Premium / Express Shipping | Average Delivery Range |
| United States | 10–20 days | 7–12 days | 2–3 weeks |
| United Kingdom | 12–22 days | 8–15 days | 2–4 weeks |
| Europe | 15–30 days | 10–18 days | 3–4 weeks |
| Australia & New Zealand | 15–25 days | 8–16 days | 2–4 weeks |
| Asia | 7–15 days | 5–10 days | 1–2 weeks |
As you can see, AliExpress shipping time differs across regions but has become much more predictable in 2025. If you need faster, bulk, or business-oriented shipping, platforms like iHome can consolidate and ship directly from Chinese suppliers with shorter lead times.
4. What’s the Difference Between AliExpress Standard, Saver, and Premium Shipping?
AliExpress provides several delivery options. Here’s how they compare:
- AliExpress Standard Shipping:
The most popular method, balancing cost and delivery speed. It offers tracking and reliable performance, usually taking 10–25 business days.
- AliExpress Saver Shipping:
A cheaper but slower option for low-value items, usually 20–40 business days, sometimes without tracking.
- AliExpress Premium Shipping:
Handled by global couriers like DHL or FedEx, this service delivers in 7–12 business days and is ideal for high-value or urgent orders.
In short: if you prioritize cost, choose Standard; if you prioritize speed, choose Premium.
5. How Can You Track Your AliExpress Order Effectively?
AliExpress makes tracking quite simple. Once shipped, you’ll receive a tracking number that can be checked via:
- The AliExpress “My Orders” section
- The Cainiao tracking platform (official AliExpress logistics partner)
- Third-party tracking websites like 17Track.net
If your order shows “Awaiting Delivery” for a long period, contact the seller for clarification or open a dispute before the buyer protection period expires.
6. What Should You Do If Your AliExpress Package Is Delayed or Lost?
Even with improved logistics in 2025, delays can still happen on AliExpress. Packages may take longer to arrive due to customs inspections, weather issues, or local courier backlogs. Understanding how to handle delays or lost parcels can help you protect your money and avoid unnecessary stress.
Step 1: Check the Tracking Information
Always start by checking the tracking updates in your AliExpress account. Most orders include real-time tracking once they leave the seller’s warehouse. If the tracking hasn’t updated for more than 10 days, it may mean the parcel is stuck in customs or waiting for local dispatch.
AliExpress standard shipping and Cainiao often share updates like “Arrived at destination country” or “Out for delivery”. If you see no movement for an extended time, it’s a good idea to contact the seller directly through the AliExpress message system.
Step 2: Communicate with the Seller
Many sellers can quickly check your parcel’s logistics status and even open an internal inquiry with the shipping company.
Be polite and specific — include your order ID, date of purchase, and a screenshot of the latest tracking update. Most responsible sellers will either extend the buyer protection period or offer a replacement if the item seems lost.
Step 3: Open a Dispute Before Buyer Protection Ends
AliExpress offers a buyer protection system that guarantees refunds if your item doesn’t arrive within a certain time frame (usually 75 days for international orders).
If your AliExpress delivery time exceeds this limit, and the seller can’t provide a valid update, you can open a dispute. In most cases, AliExpress will refund your payment within a few days after verifying the delay.
Step 4: Use Local Postal Support or Customs Inquiry
In some cases, your package may already be in your country but held by customs or a local postal depot. You can contact your national postal service using the tracking number (for example, USPS in the US or Royal Mail in the UK). They can confirm if any additional import duties or verification are needed.
Step 5: Avoid Future Shipping Problems
To reduce the chance of delays next time:
Choose AliExpress Standard Shipping or Cainiao Expedited rather than untracked economy methods.
Buy from sellers with warehouses in your region (AliExpress will usually display “Ships from US/EU”).
Double-check your shipping address and contact details before placing an order.
While occasional delays are unavoidable, AliExpress has made its logistics more reliable over the years. Understanding how to act when issues occur ensures your shopping experience stays smooth — and your money protected.
7. Partnering with Reliable Chinese Suppliers Like AliExpress Does
AliExpress succeeds globally because it connects international buyers with verified Chinese suppliers through a transparent and secure system. Behind its smooth logistics and affordable prices lies one key strength — efficient sourcing and supplier management.
If you’re running a small business or managing wholesale imports, you can achieve similar advantages by partnering with a professional China sourcing agent like iHome. Instead of spending weeks comparing suppliers on your own, iHome helps you find the right factories, negotiate better prices, and inspect product quality before shipment.
Unlike typical online marketplaces, iHome provides end-to-end sourcing support — from product selection and OEM customization to logistics and after-sales service. You get personal assistance and factory transparency that platforms like AliExpress can’t always offer for bulk orders.
Working with iHome means you can:
- Source directly from trusted manufacturers at wholesale prices.
- Avoid unreliable suppliers or poor-quality products.
- Get faster shipping and tailored packaging solutions for your brand.
So, if you want to build a more stable supply chain and enjoy the same efficiency that powers AliExpress, start by exploring iHome’s sourcing services.
Your trusted partner in China sourcing and product procurement — helping global buyers grow with confidence.
Berry Bian is the blog editor at iHome, focusing on global sourcing, wholesale trends, and practical tips for international buyers. With experience in digital marketing and cross-border trade, Berry shares insights that help small and medium businesses source products more efficiently and avoid common pitfalls. Passionate about connecting buyers with reliable suppliers, Berry writes with a clear and friendly style to make complex topics easier to understand.
