Shipping from China to Egypt
The trade relationship between China and Egypt is becoming increasingly close. With the advancement of the “Belt and Road” initiative, the logistics demand between the two countries is increasing. There are various modes of transportation from China to Egypt, including sea, air and rail, covering different types of goods and transportation needs. The main ports in Egypt are Alexandria and Suez, while Air Freight mainly relies on Cairo International Airport. For exporters, it is crucial to know how to choose the best mode of transportation and optimize transportation costs and timeliness.
As an important economic hub in the Middle East and North Africa, Egypt has attracted a large number of imports of Chinese-made goods. Whether it is bulk commodities, electronic products, mechanical equipment, or daily consumer goods, a reasonable logistics solution can greatly improve efficiency, reduce risks, and ensure that goods arrive at their destination safely and on time. With rich experience and a global logistics network, Bestlink Logistics provides you with a one-stop freight service from China to Egypt to help your international trade go smoothly.
What can we do when shipping from China to Egypt?
Sea Freight FCL from China to Egypt
- Shipping from China to Alexandria and Suez in Egypt
- We provide 20ft, 40ft and 40HQ standard container transportation, suitable for bulk goods.
- Professional team assists with customs clearance and document processing to reduce uncertainty during transportation.
Sea Freight LCL from China to Egypt
- Providing LCL services for small batches of cargo to effectively reduce transportation costs.
- Flexible shipping plans for a variety of cargo types.
- Professional cargo consolidation services to ensure that goods arrive at their destination safely and efficiently.
Air Freight from China to Egypt
- A fast and efficient mode of transport suitable for time-sensitive goods, with air freight time of 2 to 7 days.
- Covering major airports from China to Egypt, with flexible flight options.
- Provide cargo tracking services to understand the progress of transportation in real time.
Express Delivery from China to Egypt
- Suitable for fast delivery of small goods, providing door-to-door service.
- Cooperate with well-known express companies such as DHL and FedEx to ensure reliability.
- Handle customs clearance procedures throughout the process to simplify cross-border logistics processes.
Door to Door Shipping from China to Egypt
- One-stop service from China to the customer’s designated address in Egypt.
- Covering the entire process of cargo transportation, customs clearance, and distribution.
- Save time and energy, customers do not need to worry about complex logistics links.
DDP Shipping from China to Egypt
- Provide a “delivery after duty paid” model, the seller bears all transportation and taxes from China to Egypt.
- Including customs clearance and tax payment, ensure that customers can easily receive the goods.
- Professional team supervises the whole process to reduce potential risks in transportation.
Table of Contents
Guide to Shipping from China to Egypt
Shipping from China to Egypt is a complex process involving multiple steps and different logistics options. First, it is crucial to determine the mode of transportation. Depending on the type, quantity and timeliness of the goods, you can choose sea freight, air freight or other suitable modes. Different modes of transportation affect the cost, timeliness and overall supply chain management. For bulk or heavy goods, sea freight is usually the most economical option, while air freight is more suitable for goods with high timeliness.
As an important international trade hub, Egypt has several important ports and airports. The main ports include Alexandria, Suez and port city resorts such as Sharm el-Sheikh. For air freight, Cairo International Airport is the main international air freight gateway. Knowing these key locations can help you better plan your shipping routes and reduce unnecessary delays.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, it is important to understand Egypt’s customs clearance requirements, import tax policies, and logistics costs. The right logistics service provider can ensure that your goods reach their destination quickly and safely, and avoid problems encountered along the way.
If you are looking for a China freight forwarding company to transport goods from China, whether by sea or air, Bestlink Logistics will always customize the cheapest and most professional logistics solution for you.
Sea Freight from China to Egypt
Sea Freight is the most common and economical shipping method from China to Egypt, suitable for bulk commodities and heavy cargo. China’s major ports, such as Shanghai Port, Ningbo Port, Guangzhou Port, Shenzhen Port, etc., all have regular flights to Egypt’s Alexandria Port and Suez Port. Shipping time by sea usually ranges from 30 to 45 days, depending on the route, voyage and distance to the destination port. For bulk cargo, the cost-effectiveness of ocean shipping is significant, especially when long distances are required.
There are 2 main modes of shipping: full container shipping (FCL) and less than container shipping (LCL). For full container goods, FCL is more suitable for the transportation of bulk goods; while LCL is suitable for smaller batches of goods, which can effectively reduce transportation costs. When choosing FCL or LCL, you need to consider the volume and weight of the cargo as well as the overall budget.
In addition to freight, Sea Freight may also involve other additional costs, such as terminal operating fees, destination port fees, insurance fees, etc. Choosing the right logistics company can not only help you reduce these costs, but also ensure your goods clear customs on time and avoid delays.
Sea Freight from China to Egypt: How to choose FCL or LCL
FCL (full container load) and LCL (less than container load) are two different ways to ship goods from China to Egypt by sea, each with its own advantages and precautions.
Features of LCL (less than container load)
- Sea Freight is cost-effective
Since sea freight is combined with other goods, the billing only includes one basic fee, so it is very cost-effective in terms of transportation price. The domestic LCL fee only includes the trailer fee and customs clearance fee from the departure point to the port warehouse, but if the LCL cargo specifies a freight forwarder, in addition to the trailer fee and customs clearance fee, there will be various fee details, which is the difference between a designated freight forwarder and a non-designated freight forwarder. - Sea freight LCL can meet the needs of small-volume customers
In daily foreign trade exports, not all buyers’ goods are enough to fill a container, so for customers with a small amount of goods, sea freight LCL can meet their needs. - Sea freight LCL is simple and convenient
Once you have the warehouse receipt for LCL goods, you can arrange warehousing and prepare customs clearance documents. - The time limit for arranging sea freight LCL is relatively long.
If the goods cannot fill the entire container, you need to wait for other freight companies to transport them to the same destination port. This waiting time is uncertain and can easily cause a certain degree of delay.
Features of FCL
- FCL sea freight is easy to operate
Since the entire container is the goods of one company, customs clearance is easy. As long as there is no problem, it can be released quickly, and customs clearance efficiency is high. - Regular shipping, convenient loading and unloading of goods
Since the entire container of goods belongs to one company, the consignee can pick up the goods directly after the goods arrive at the destination, which is very convenient. - The price of FCL is relatively expensive
The transportation cost of FCL sea freight needs to include basic freight, port surcharge and fuel surcharge. - The loading of FCL sea freight must be reasonable
Because all the goods in the entire container need to be loaded during the loading process, in order to ensure that a container is filled, a certain loading plan needs to be designed to ensure that all goods can fill a container.
You can choose according to your needs. Generally, when transporting from China to Egypt, we will choose LCL for goods below 15 cubic meters, and FCL for goods above 15 cubic meters.
Major ports for shipping from China to Egypt
When shipping containers from China to Egypt, you will be heavily dependent on the major ports of these two countries to facilitate international cargo transportation.
| Ports in China | Ports in Egypt |
| Shanghai | Alexandria |
| Shenzhen | Damietta |
| Guangzhou | Port Said |
| Tianjin | Sokhna |
| Qingdao | Suez |
| Ningbo |
Alexandria Port:
Located on the western edge of the Nile Delta, between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Mariut, Alexandria Port is a major player in global shipping. The port handles more than 1 million TEUs of cargo annually.
Damietta Port:
Located on the east bank of the Nile River, Damietta Port is a center for furniture trade with an annual throughput of about 1.2 million TEUs.
Said Port:
An extension of Alexandria Port, Said Port is located on the southern border of Westport. It is well known for its steel loading and unloading port, with an annual shipping capacity of 500,000 TEUs.
Ain Sokhna Port:
Located on the west bank of the Red Sea, Ain Sokhna Port is the southernmost port of the Suez Canal and the closest port to Cairo, with an annual throughput of more than 1.75 million TEUs.
Port of Suez:
Port of Suez is located at the southern end of the Suez Canal, with an annual throughput of approximately 500,000 TEUs.
Air Freight from China to Egypt
Air freight is usually used for goods that need to be delivered quickly, and is suitable for small, high-value or time-sensitive goods. Air freight routes from China to Egypt are mainly concentrated at Cairo International Airport, but other smaller airports can also serve as destinations. Compared with sea freight, the transportation time of air freight is significantly shorter, usually only 5 to 7 days, which is suitable for urgent needs of goods.
While air freight offers faster shipping, freight rates are higher, especially for bulk or heavy cargo. When choosing air transportation, customers need to evaluate the balance between transportation timeliness and cost to ensure that they choose the most appropriate transportation method. Air freight has certain restrictions on the size and weight of goods, so you need to confirm the transportability of the goods with the logistics company before shipping.
In addition, air freight often requires more stringent packaging requirements to ensure that goods can be transported safely and smoothly by air. After the goods arrive at the destination, customs clearance is required to ensure that all procedures are complete and to avoid transportation delays.
Shipping costs from China to Egypt
Shipping costs from China to Egypt are affected by several factors, including mode of transport, type of goods, weight and volume, destination, etc. Generally speaking, sea freight costs less than air freight and is suitable for the transportation of bulk commodities. The cost of a 20ft container is $1,650 to $3,250, while air freight has a higher freight rate of $5 to $10 per kilogram, but the transportation time is shorter. Please refer to the table below:
| Shipping Method | Shipping From China to Egypt (Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20ft Container) | $1650 to $3250 |
| Sea Freight (40ft Container) | $2550 to $3600 |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | $50 to $100 per cubic meter |
| Air Freight | $5 to $10 per kg |
| Door to Door Shipping | $60 to $120 per cubic meter $6 to $12 per kg |
| DDP Air Freight | $6 to $12 per kg |
| DDP Sea Freight | $80 to $150 per cubic meter |
| Express Shipping | $9 to $15 per kg |
In addition to transportation costs, customers also need to consider customs clearance fees, destination port fees and other additional fees.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Egypt
The cost of container shipping from China to Egypt depends on a variety of factors, including the type of FCL you use (20ft, 40ft, 40HQ container) and fluctuating shipping costs in the market. Listed below are the cheapest prices for 20ft and 40ft containers (FCL) from major Chinese ports to Egypt for a variety of goods.
| Container Shipping Routes | Container Type | Sea freight rates from China to Egypt |
| Shanghai, China – Egypt | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1850 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2850 40FT | |
| Shenzhen, China – Egypt | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1650 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2650 40FT | |
| Ningbo, China – Egypt | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2950 40FT | |
| Hongkong, China – Egypt | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1550 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2550 40FT | |
| Guangzhou, China – Egypt | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1700 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2800 40FT | |
| Qingdao, China – Egypt | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2250 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3250 40FT | |
| Tianjin, China – Egypt | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2350 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3350 40FT | |
| Dalian, China – Egypt | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2550 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3650 40FT | |
| Xiamen, China – Egypt | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1700 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2800 40FT | |
| Yingkou, China – Egypt | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2550 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3550 40FT |
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Port Handling Fees: Charges at both the origin and destination ports.
- Customs Clearance: Fees for handling paperwork and any duties.
- Insurance: Recommended for high-value shipments.
- Inland Transportation: Fees for moving goods to/from the ports.
Air freight cost per kilogram from China to Egypt
Air freight costs from China to Egypt depend on many factors, such as the type of goods, weight, volume, and departure airport in China. They are generally between US$5 and US$10 per kilogram.
| Weight Category | Origin | Destination | Air Freight Cost (Per KG) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-100 KG | Shanghai | Cairo | $5 – $9 |
| 100-500 KG | Shenzhen | Alexandria | $4.5 – $8.5 |
| 500 KG and above | Guangzhou | Cairo | $4 – $7 |
Additional costs for air freight from China to Egypt
- Customs clearance fees at the airport:
Customs clearance fees in Egypt usually range from 80 to 200 US dollars, depending on the type and value of the goods. - Insurance:
Optional but recommended, costs 0.1% – 0.2% of the value of the goods. - Documentation fees:
Preparing an air waybill (AWB) and other export documents usually costs between 30 and 80 US dollars.
How long does it take to ship from China to Egypt
Shipping time from China to Egypt will vary depending on the shipping method chosen. Ocean shipping usually takes 30 to 45 days, depending on the specific conditions of the voyage and the port of destination. Air freight takes a relatively short time, usually 3 to 7 days, suitable for time-sensitive goods. Express delivery services usually provide 3 to 5 days of shipping service, but are suitable for small quantities of goods.
| POL(port of loading) | POD(port of discharge) | Transit time |
| Shanghai | Sokhna | 28 days |
| Shanghai | Alexandria | 35 days |
| Shenzhen | Sokhna | 25 days |
| Shenzhen | Alexandria | 33 days |
| Qingdao | Sokhna | 30 days |
| Qingdao | Alexandria | 38 days |
Air freight time from China to Egypt
If you ship by air from China to Egypt, the shipping time will be much less than by sea. Major airports include Beijing Capital International Airport and Cairo International Airport. Please refer to the table below for estimated shipping time:
| Origin Airport | Destination Airport | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing (PEK) | Cairo (CAI) | 3-5 days |
| Shanghai Pudong (PVG) | Cairo (CAI) | 3-6 days |
| Guangzhou (CAN) | Cairo (CAI) | 3-7 days |
Tariffs and customs clearance from China to Egypt
Shipping goods from China to Egypt is subject to various customs regulations and import duties, which are essential to ensure smooth customs clearance.
- Tariffs: Customs duties in Egypt are generally based on the CIF (cost, insurance and freight) value, and range from 5% to 30% depending on the product category.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): Most imported goods are subject to a VAT of approximately 14%.
Documents for customs clearance from China to Egypt:
- Commercial Invoice: Details the value, description, and quantity of the goods.
- Packing List: A list of the contents of the goods.
- Bill of Lading (BOL): For ocean shipments, or Air Waybill (AWB): For air shipments.
- Certificate of Origin: Certain goods require a certificate of origin.
Freight Forwarding from China to Egypt
Freight forwarding is a way for intermediaries to help clients arrange and manage the transportation process. With freight forwarding, clients can use their professional knowledge and resources to ensure that goods are transported smoothly from China to Egypt. Freight forwarders will select the most appropriate mode of transportation according to the client’s needs, handle all necessary transportation documents, perform customs clearance, and arrange the final delivery of the goods.
Choosing the right freight forwarding company is crucial, especially in a complex market like Egypt. An experienced freight forwarding company can help you avoid potential risks caused by not understanding local policies and help you save logistics costs. Freight forwarders can also provide customized transportation solutions to suit the needs of different customers.
With freight forwarding, customers can enjoy a one-stop transportation service to ensure that the goods arrive safely, on time, and in compliance with Egyptian import regulations. In this way, customers can focus on their core business and leave the tedious logistics affairs to professional forwarding companies.
Bestlink Logistics specializes in freight forwarding services from China to Egypt, providing seamless and efficient logistics solutions based on your specific needs. With years of industry experience, we ensure that your goods are transported safely, quickly and cost-effectively.
What are the advantages of choosing Bestlink Logistics to ship from China to Egypt?
- Working with top shipping companies
Bestlink Logistics has good relationships with leading global carriers. You can rest assured that your goods will arrive in Egypt intact. - Most Competitive Freight Rates
Saving freight is the top priority for every importer. If you want to enjoy competitive freight rates, consider hiring a reputable freight forwarder like Bestlink Logistics to enjoy more favorable prices. - Multiple Shipping Methods to Egypt
Whether you plan to ship your goods to Egypt by air, sea or express, you can get all shipping services at Bestlink Logistics
FAQ for shipping from China to Egypt
The main modes of shipping from China to Egypt include Sea Freight and Air Freight. Sea Freight is suitable for bulk goods, usually transported to Egypt’s Alexandria and Suez ports through major Chinese ports such as Shanghai and Ningbo. For small or high-value goods with high timeliness requirements, air freight is a more suitable choice, mainly transported through Cairo International Airport. The choice of which mode of transportation depends on the nature of the goods, the transportation time requirements and the budget.
The shipping time for sea freight is usually between 30 and 45 days. This time depends on factors such as the route, voyage and weather between the departure port and the destination port. For large goods, full container shipping (FCL) is usually selected, while for small quantities of goods, less than container shipping (LCL) is a more economical option. Sea freight takes relatively long time, but it is suitable for bulk cargo transportation.
Air freight has a shorter transit time, usually 3 to 7 days, depending on the flight schedule and the distance of the destination. Air freight is suitable for high-value, small-volume goods or goods that need to be delivered quickly. Although air freight costs more, its speed makes it the first choice for some urgent goods transportation.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means that the seller bears all costs and risks until the goods are delivered to the buyer’s designated location, including transportation, customs clearance, tariffs and VAT. By choosing the DDP service, customers can avoid the trouble of customs clearance and paying import taxes and fees. For buyers who are not familiar with the Egyptian market or have no customs clearance experience, the DDP method provides a convenient solution, but the cost is higher.
Goods shipped from China to Egypt are subject to import tariffs and VAT. Tariff rates vary depending on the category of goods, usually between 5% and 40%, while value-added tax (VAT) is about 14%. These fees will be paid by the importer when the goods arrive in Egypt. It is recommended to confirm the relevant fees with the logistics company before shipment to avoid unexpected costs during transportation.
Yes, you can choose door-to-door service, which is a very convenient mode of transportation, especially for customers who do not have a local warehouse or are not familiar with local customs clearance procedures. Door-to-door service includes the whole process from picking up the goods at the place of shipment (such as a Chinese warehouse), transportation, customs clearance to final delivery to the consignee’s designated address. Customers only need to provide the address and cargo information, and the rest of the logistics links will be taken care of by the service provider.
A freight forwarder is an intermediary company that helps you handle the entire process of transportation from China to Egypt. With a freight forwarder, you can enjoy customized logistics solutions, including choosing the most suitable mode of transportation, handling customs clearance documents, arranging itineraries, and managing expenses. Experienced freight forwarders can also help you optimize logistics routes, reduce transportation costs, and ensure that goods arrive on time.
The shipping cost from China to Egypt is usually calculated based on the weight, volume, mode of transport and time of the goods. Ocean freight is usually cheaper but takes longer to ship, while air freight is more expensive but takes shorter to ship. In addition, other costs may also be involved, such as customs clearance fees, port of destination fees, insurance premiums, etc. When choosing a mode of transport, customers should consider various factors and choose the most appropriate service and cost.