Trade between China and France is becoming increasingly frequent, and the demand for cross-border transportation of goods is increasing. The cost of transportation has become the focus of attention for enterprises and individuals. This article will introduce the cost of shipping from China to France in detail.
Introduction to France
France is China’s second largest trading partner in the European Union. The trade and economic ties between the two countries have gradually strengthened. They mainly import major commodities such as electronic products, machinery and equipment, auto parts, consumer goods and daily necessities from China.
Shipping from China to France
Sea Freight
Sea Freight is one of the most common modes of transportation from China to France. It is low-cost and suitable for bulk or heavy goods. There are two main service types: FCL and LCL.
It takes about 25-35 days for goods to travel from major ports in China to France, depending on the ship’s sailing speed, route and ports of call along the way.
Air Freight
Air Freight is suitable for high-value and time-sensitive goods. It is usually faster than sea transportation, with frequent flights and flexible scheduling, but the cost is higher.
It only takes 3-7 days for goods to arrive in France from major airports in China, and is also affected by factors such as customs clearance.
Rail Freight
The China-Europe Express has become an important logistics channel connecting China and Europe, suitable for medium-weight goods, faster than sea transportation, and the cost is between sea transportation and air transportation.
Goods usually pass through China-Kazakhstan-Russia-Belarus-Poland-Germany and other countries, and finally enter France, which takes 15-20 days. The specific time is affected by factors such as weather and season.
Shipping Cost from China to France
The composition of transportation costs is very complex and involves costs in many aspects. In addition to the basic transportation costs, there are some additional costs that may affect the total cost:
- Fuel surcharge: depends on changes in international oil prices.
- Port charges: including unloading, warehousing, port handling fees at the destination port, etc.
- Customs clearance fees: depending on the type and value of the goods and the customs clearance company, the tariffs and customs clearance fees of the importing country.
Sea Freight Cost from China to France
Ocean transportation from China to Canada is suitable for large-volume cargo transportation. It is mainly divided into LCL and FCL. FCL is divided into 20ft and 40ft. The following is the detailed sea freight cost:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL Shipping cost | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Le Havre | $60-$135 | $2050-$3250 | $4000-$4200 |
| Shenzhen | Le Havre | $55-$125 | $2100-$3300 | $4050-$5250 |
| Qingdao | Le Havre | $60-$125 | $2050-$3250 | $4050-$5250 |
| Ningbo | Le Havre | $60-$120 | $2000-$3400 | $4050-$5350 |
| Shanghai | Marseille | $50-$120 | $2050-$3450 | $4050-$5200 |
| Shenzhen | Marseille | $60-$120 | $2000-$3200 | $4000-$5300 |
| Qingdao | Marseille | $55-$125 | $2050-$3350 | $4050-$5200 |
| Ningbo | Marseille | $60-$125 | $2000-$3150 | $4050-$5150 |
| Shanghai | Brest | $55-$125 | $2050-$3250 | $4050-$5250 |
| Shenzhen | Brest | $60-$130 | $2050-$3250 | $4000-$5300 |
| Qingdao | Brest | $65-$135 | $2000-$3300 | $4000-$5200 |
| Ningbo | Brest | $55-$125 | $2050-$3100 | $4050-$5150 |
Refer to the following articles for more information: Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to France
Air Freight Cost from China to France
The cost of air freight depends on the weight and volume of the goods, usually the larger of the actual weight and volumetric weight. The estimated price is $9-$18 per kilogram, and the specific cost is subject to adjustment based on the airline, route and season.
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (France) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Charles de Gaulle | $10.0 – $15.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Charles de Gaulle | $11.0 – $16.8 |
| Beijing Capital | Charles de Gaulle | $10.5 – $17.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Lyon Saint Exupery | $9.5 – $16.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Lyon Saint Exupery | $9.0 – $15.5 |
| Beijing Capital | Lyon Saint Exupery | $10.5 – $17.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Marseille Provence | $9.0 – $15.5 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Marseille Provence | $10.0 – $17.8 |
| Beijing Capital | Marseille Provence | $9.0 – $16.0 |
Rail Freight Cost from China to France
The cost of rail transport from China to France (especially the China-Europe Express) may vary depending on the type of goods, volume, transportation company, etc. The following is the range of transportation costs:
| Departure City(China) | Arrival City(France) | Shipping costs |
|---|---|---|
| Zhengzhou | Paris | $4000-$6000 |
| Chongqing | Paris | $4500-$6500 |
| Wuhan | Paris | $4000-$6500 |
| Chengdu | Paris | $4000-$6000 |
| Yiwu | Paris | $4000-$7000 |
DDP Shipping Cost from China to France
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is one of the international trade terms, which means the seller delivers the goods at the buyer’s designated location and bears all costs and risks, including transportation fees, insurance premiums, import duties and taxes, etc. Under DDP conditions, the seller is responsible for all logistics and costs from the place of origin (such as China) to the final destination.
| Service Type | From | To | LCL cost | 20-foot container (FCL) | 40-foot container (FCL) |
| Sea Freight DDP | China | France | $150 – $200/CBM | $4,000 – $5,500 | $4,800 – $6,500 |
| Air Freight DDP | China | France | $8 – $15/kg |
Use this article to get a better estimate of costs: How to Calculate the Volume and Weight of Goods
Tips to Reduce Shipping Costs from China to France
To reduce shipping costs from China to France, consider the following strategies:
Choose the right mode of transport
Choosing the most suitable mode of transport according to the characteristics of the goods can effectively reduce transportation costs.
Plan the delivery time reasonably
Avoid shipping during peak hours to avoid seasonal price increases.
Consolidate goods
Transportation costs can be reduced by LCL, especially in sea transportation.
Plan and book in advance
Plan the transportation route and time in advance to avoid additional costs due to rush orders.
Choose a reliable freight forwarder
Work with an experienced freight forwarder to get more competitive prices and services, and get discounted prices through long-term cooperation or large shipments.
Optimize cargo packaging
Reducing the volume and weight of goods can effectively reduce transportation costs, especially in air transportation.
Calculation of Tariffs from China to France
Tariffs are an important part of international transportation costs. Accurately calculating tariffs can better control costs. The following are detailed tariffs:
The tariff rate for general goods from China to France is between 0%-12%, depending on the type of goods:
- Electronic products: about 2%-5%
- Textiles: about 10%-12%
- Machinery and equipment: about 0%-5%
Tariff amount = CIF value × tariff rate
- CIF value: cost of goods (Cost) + insurance (Insurance) + freight (Freight).
- Tariff rate: determined according to the HS code (Harmonized System Code) of the goods, different categories of goods have different tax rates.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
VAT amount = (CIF value + tariff amount) × VAT rate
- VAT standard rate: 20%
- Reduced rate (applicable to certain specific goods, such as books, food, etc.): 5.5%-10%
Learn more: Customs Clearance and Fees
The shipping cost from China to France is affected by various factors. By learning from this article, you can better control the shipping cost and avoid unnecessary expenses.