With the acceleration of globalization, the frequent international trade has made shipping goods from China to France a hot topic. As one of the important markets in Europe, France has attracted a large number of export goods from China.
For multinational companies and individual buyers, understanding the composition and influencing factors of shipping costs from China to France is the key to effectively controlling logistics costs. This article will explain in detail the cost of shipping from China to France to help you make better decisions.
Shipping from China to France
Common shipping methods from China to France include sea, air, rail and international express, each with different costs, timeliness and applicable scenarios.
Sea freight from China to France (suitable for bulk goods, lowest cost)
Sea freight is one of the most economical international transportation methods, suitable for large and heavy goods, such as furniture, machinery and equipment, large quantities of electronic products, etc.
Time: 25-45 days
Applicable scenarios: large quantities of goods, no urgent delivery
Air freight from China to France (fastest speed, higher cost)
If the goods need to be delivered to France quickly, air freight is the fastest option, but the cost is higher, usually suitable for high-value goods.
Time: 3-7 days
Applicable scenarios: goods with high timeliness requirements and light weight, such as electronic products, fashion accessories, etc.
Railway transportation from China to France (moderate cost, faster timeliness than sea freight)
China-Europe Railway Express is a cost-effective transportation method that has emerged in recent years. It is faster than sea freight and cheaper than air freight.
Cost: about $7,000-$9,000/40HQ
Time: 16-20 days
Applicable scenarios: suitable for high value-added products, such as electronic products, mechanical equipment, auto parts, etc.
International express from China to France (door-to-door service, suitable for small goods)
DHL, UPS, FedEx and other international express companies provide door-to-door service, suitable for small volume, high value or urgent delivery of goods.
Cost: $10-$20/kg
Time: 3-5 days
Applicable scenarios: sample delivery, small electronic products, luxury goods, etc.
Shipping costs from China to France
Shipping method is one of the main factors affecting the cost from China to France. You can refer to the estimated cost below and choose the most suitable shipping method for yourself.
| Shipping Method | Shipping From China to France (Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 3,050 for a 20ft container |
| Sea Freight (40ft Container) | Approx. USD 3,850 for a 40ft container |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | Approx. USD 120 per cubic meters (m3) |
| Air Freight | Approx. USD 500 for 100kg |
| Rail transport (40ft container) | Approx. USD 7,500 for a 40ft container |
| Door to Door Shipping | Air Freight USD 9 to 16 per kgsSea Freight USD 150 – 300 per m3 |
| DDP Air Freight | Approx. USD 10 to 16 per kgs |
| DDP Sea Freight | Approx. USD 150 to 350 per cbm (m3) |
| Express Shipping | Approx. USD 12.5 per Kgs |
Costs of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to France
Sea freight is the most economical shipping method from China to France, suitable for large quantities of goods. There are two options for cost: full container and LCL. The cost of a 20ft container is about US$2,500-4,200, and the cost of a 40ft container is between US$3,200-4,800. The cost of LCL is between US$60 and US$200 per cubic meter. The specific cost will also be affected by factors such as fuel surcharges and port charges.
| Container Shipping Routes | Container Type | Sea freight rates from China to France |
| Shanghai, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3650 40FT | |
| Shenzhen, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2850 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3550 40FT | |
| Ningbo-Zhouhsan, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3150 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4350 40FT | |
| Hongkong, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4250 40FT | |
| Guangzhou, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4150 40FT | |
| Qingdao, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3550 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4650 40FT | |
| Tianjin, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3650 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4750 40FT | |
| Dalian, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3850 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4850 40FT | |
| Xiamen, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3200 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4100 40FT | |
| Yingkou, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3250 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4250 40FT |
LCL price per cubic meter from China to France
| POL (Port of China) | POD (Pport of France) | LCL Shipping cost |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Le Havre | $60-$185 |
| Shenzhen | Le Havre | $55-$185 |
| Qingdao | Le Havre | $60-$185 |
| Ningbo | Le Havre | $60-$180 |
| Shanghai | Marseille | $50-$180 |
| Shenzhen | Marseille | $60-$180 |
| Qingdao | Marseille | $55-$195 |
| Ningbo | Marseille | $60-$195 |
| Shanghai | Brest | $55-$195 |
| Shenzhen | Brest | $60-$190 |
| Qingdao | Brest | $65-$185 |
| Ningbo | Brest | $55-$175 |
Additional costs of shipping from China to France
- Customs clearance costs:
China export customs clearance costs: 50 – 150 USD.
France import customs clearance costs: 60 – 200 USD, depending on the type of cargo. - Insurance:
Optional but recommended, costs 0.15% – 0.25% of the cargo value. - Port handling fees:
Port handling fees at France arrival ports are usually 80 to 150 USD per container. - Documentation fees:
Preparing bills of lading and other documents usually costs 20 to 40 USD.
Air freight costs per kilogram from China to France
Air freight is fast and suitable for goods in urgent need. Air freight from China to France usually takes 3-7 days. In terms of cost, air freight is calculated by weight and volume, usually between $5-10 per kilogram. For high-value or urgent goods, air freight is a good choice.
| Departure Airport in China | Arrival Airport in France | Estimated Cost (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | $5.0 – $9.5 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | $5.8 – $9.2 |
| Shenzhen Bao’an International (SZX) | Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) | $5.5 – $9.0 |
| Beijing Capital International (PEK) | Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) | $5.2 – $9.8 |
| Hong Kong International (HKG) | Toulouse–Blagnac Airport (TLS) | $4.9 – $9.8 |
Additional Costs for Air Freight from China to France
- Airport Clearance Costs:
Customs clearance costs at France airports are usually between $50 and $150, depending on the type and value of the cargo. - Insurance:
Optional but recommended, costs 0.1% – 0.2% of the cargo value. - Documentation Costs:
Preparing an Air Waybill (AWB) and other export documents usually costs $20 to $40.
Railway transportation costs from China to France
Railway transportation is a mode of transportation between sea and air transportation, which is both economical and relatively fast. The rail transportation time from China to France is usually 15-20 days. In terms of cost, rail transportation is calculated by container, and the cost of a 40ft container is about US$7,000-9,000
| Cargo Type | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| FCL (Full Container Load) | |
| 40ft Container (from Chengdu to Paris) | $7,500 – $9,000 |
| 40ft Container (from Xi’an to Lyon) | $7,600 – $9,200 |
| 40ft Container (from Zhengzhou to Lille) | $7,700 – $9,300 |
| 40ft Container (from Chongqing to Paris) | $7,600 – $9,200 |
| 40ft Container (from Yiwu to Lyon) | $7,800 – $9,400 |
Additional costs for shipping from China to France
In addition to the basic shipping costs from China to France, there are some additional costs to consider.
Tariffs and VAT
Goods shipped from China to France may be subject to tariffs and VAT. Tariff rates vary depending on the type of goods and the country of origin, and VAT is usually 20%. These costs are borne by the consignee and need to be paid when the goods arrive.
Insurance costs
In order to ensure the safety of goods, it is recommended to purchase transportation insurance. The insurance cost is usually 1-3% of the value of the goods, and the specific cost depends on the value of the goods and the risk level.
Storage costs
If the goods stay at the destination port for too long, storage costs may be incurred. Storage costs are calculated on a daily basis, and the specific costs depend on the port and storage company.
Factors affecting shipping costs from China to France
In addition to the mode of transportation, many factors will also affect the shipping costs from China to France. Understanding these factors will help you budget your shipping costs reasonably.
- Weight and volume of goods
Shipping costs are usually calculated by weight or volume, especially for sea and air transport. For lighter but larger goods, the shipping costs are often based on volumetric weight rather than actual weight. Therefore, optimizing the packaging and reducing the volume before shipping can effectively reduce shipping costs. - Seasonal fluctuations
International shipping costs are often affected by seasonality. For example, during the Spring Festival, China’s logistics demand increases, resulting in higher shipping costs. For orders with fixed delivery time requirements, shipping should be planned in advance to avoid cost fluctuations during peak periods. - Customs clearance and tariffs
French customs will charge tariffs and value-added tax (VAT) on goods imported from China. This part of the cost is usually borne by the buyer. The specific proportion of tariffs depends on the type and value of the goods. Generally, tariffs for goods such as furniture and electronic products are between 5%-20%, while the standard rate of VAT is 20%. Therefore, when budgeting for shipping costs, you need to consider both customs clearance and tax expenses. - Distance between the port of destination and the port of departure
The shipping costs vary between different ports. Generally, the costs close to major ports (such as ports near Paris) may be lower, while more remote ports may result in higher shipping costs. Therefore, choosing a suitable port of destination can help you reduce shipping costs.
How to reduce shipping costs from China to France?
Through reasonable planning and selection, you can effectively reduce the shipping costs from China to France. Here are a few suggestions for saving shipping costs:
Choose the right mode of transportation
For bulk commodities or orders with long-term supply, choosing sea transportation is often the most economical option. If time is not urgent, sea transportation is not only cheaper, but also can accommodate a large amount of goods, avoiding the high costs of air transportation and express delivery. For high-value and urgently needed goods, choosing air transportation or express delivery can save time, although the cost is higher.
Plan shipping time in advance
Avoiding peak seasons, such as the Chinese New Year and the French holidays, can effectively reduce transportation costs. During these time periods, transportation demand is high and prices generally rise. Booking shipping space in advance can ensure lower freight rates.
Optimize cargo packaging
Try to optimize packaging and reduce the volume of goods, which can effectively reduce the calculation of volume weight and thus reduce costs. Especially in air transportation, optimizing packaging is particularly important.
Reasonable arrangement of transportation routes
Choose appropriate departure and destination ports to avoid unnecessary transit. Direct route transportation usually saves transit costs and time.
Actual cost example of shipping from China to France
In order to give you a more intuitive understanding of the actual cost of shipping from China to France, the following are some cost references (the specific cost may fluctuate according to the actual situation):
Ocean freight cost (per cubic meter)
Small furniture (such as desks, dining chairs, etc.): about US$120-200
Large furniture (such as beds, sofas, etc.): about US$150-250
Air freight cost (per kilogram)
Small electrical appliances (such as table lamps, heaters, etc.): about US$5-8
Electronic products (such as computers, TVs, etc.): about US$8-12
Express delivery cost (per kilogram)
Small batches of high-value goods (such as jewelry, precision tools, etc.): about US$15-20
The shipping cost from China to France is affected by many factors, including the mode of transportation, cargo weight and volume, seasonal fluctuations, customs clearance fees, etc. By choosing the right mode of transportation, optimizing packaging, and avoiding peak transportation, you can effectively reduce transportation costs.
At the same time, understand the customs clearance requirements and tariff policies of the port of destination to ensure a smooth transportation process. If you have any questions or need further transportation support, please contact Bestlink Logistics, we will provide you with professional international logistics solutions to ensure that your goods are delivered to France safely and on time!