The trade relationship between China and Ghana is getting closer. China exports a wide range of goods to Ghana, including electronic products, machinery and equipment, textiles and daily necessities. As trade demand increases, this article will provide a detailed introduction to the cost of shipping from China to Ghana to help companies plan costs reasonably.
How to Ship from China to Ghana
Sea Freight
Sea freight is one of the most common modes of transportation from China to Ghana. It is low-cost and suitable for transporting large quantities, low-value, and non-perishable goods such as furniture, household appliances and machinery and equipment. But the transportation time is long,
Usually shipped through major ports such as Ningbo, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, arriving at Tema and Takoradi ports in Ghana. It usually takes 30-45 days. There are two main sea transportation services:
- FCL (full container shipping): suitable for large quantities of goods, and the cost is calculated by full container (such as 20-foot or 40-foot containers).
- LCL (less than container shipping): suitable for small quantities of goods, sharing a container with other shippers, and the cost is calculated by volume or weight.
Learn more: How to Choose FCL and LCL, What is the Differences
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation, with high safety, and is suitable for time-sensitive, small-volume, and high-value goods.
Air freight departs from major international airports in China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou) and arrives at Accra International Airport in Ghana. Air freight costs are high, but the transportation time is significantly shortened, only 3-7 days.
Cost of Shipping from China to Ghana
Transportation costs usually consist of the following parts:
- Basic freight: basic fees calculated based on the weight, volume, and mode of transportation of goods.
- Port and terminal fees: including port fees and destination port unloading fees, as well as terminal loading and unloading and customs clearance related fees.
- Tariffs and customs clearance fees: including import taxes, value-added tax, and customs clearance agency fees required for goods to enter Ghana.
- Additional fees: fuel surcharges, peak season surcharges, cargo insurance premiums, etc., depending on specific transportation conditions and routes
Cost of Sea Freight from China to Ghana
The cost of shipping from China to Ghana varies depending on a variety of factors, including cargo volume, voyage distance, port selection, and market conditions. Below is a detailed cost analysis of FCL and LCL shipping from China to Ghana.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL Shipping cost | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Tema | $80 – $120 | $1850-$2450 | $3000-$4200 |
| Shenzhen | Tema | $90 – $120 | $1800-$2500 | $3050-$4550 |
| Qingdao | Tema | $80 – $120 | $1850-$2450 | $3050-$4450 |
| Ningbo | Tema | $85 – $120 | $1850-$2500 | $3050-$4350 |
| Shanghai | Takoradi | $80 – $120 | $1950-$2450 | $3050-$4300 |
| Shenzhen | Takoradi | $80 – $115 | $1900-$2500 | $3000-$4200 |
| Qingdao | Takoradi | $85 – $120 | $1850-$2450 | $3050-$4400 |
| Ningbo | Takoradi | $85 – $115 | $1800-$2550 | $3050-$4350 |
Cost of Air Freight from China to Ghana
The cost of air freight from China to Ghana will be affected by many factors. In order to obtain a more accurate quote, it is recommended that you contact the air freight forwarder or logistics company, provide specific cargo information (such as weight, volume, cargo type), and obtain real-time price and service details.
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Ghana) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Kotoka | $4.50 – $6.50 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Kotoka | $5.00 – $7.50 |
| Beijing Capital | Kotoka | $4.50 – $7.80 |
| Shenzhen Baoan | Kotoka | $5.50 – $8.00 |
| Hong Kong | Kotoka | $6.00 – $8.50 |
To give you an idea of the cost of shipping to other countries, here are some of the shipping costs:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Saudi Arabia
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to UAE
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Iran
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Kuwait?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Egypt?
Calculation of Cargo Weight and Volume
Freight charges from China to Ghana are usually calculated based on the actual weight or volumetric weight of the cargo, whichever is higher. This ensures that freight forwarders can reasonably calculate both large and light cargo and small and heavy cargo.
Actual weight
Actual weight refers to the actual weight of the cargo, in kilograms (kg).
For example, if the cargo weight is 50 kg and the volumetric weight is 40 kg, the actual weight of 50 kg will be used for calculation.
Volumetric weight
Volume weight is calculated based on the volume of the cargo to ensure that cargo that takes up more space can be reasonably charged.
Calculation formula: Volumetric weight (kg) = length (cm) × width (cm) × height (cm) ÷ 6000.
If the volumetric weight is higher than the actual weight, the freight will be calculated based on the volumetric weight.
Factors Affecting Shipping from China to Ghana
The cost and mode of shipping from China to Ghana are affected by a variety of factors, and the following are some of the main factors:
- Type of goods: If it is perishable, dangerous goods, or goods that require special handling (such as pharmaceutical products, chemicals, food, etc.), the transportation cost will be higher.
- Destination and shipping route: Air flights and costs from different airports will vary, and sometimes the choice of transit stations will affect the transportation time and cost.
- Peak and off-season: The cost of air and sea transportation is often affected by seasonal fluctuations. For example, during peak seasons such as the Chinese New Year in China and holidays in Ghana, the demand for freight increases, which may lead to price increases.
- Freight forwarders: Some freight forwarders may be able to provide more flexible transportation solutions or combined services (such as air-sea transport), which sometimes help reduce costs
- Weather and natural disasters: Unpredictable weather conditions (such as typhoons, heavy rains, earthquakes, etc.) may cause transportation delays or increase costs.
Tips to Reduce Shipping Costs from China to Ghana
Choose LCL shipping
If the quantity of goods is small, LCL is more cost-effective than FCL. Significant savings on shipping costs can be achieved by sharing containers with other cargo owners.
Avoid peak times
Try to avoid the peak transportation season and enjoy lower shipping costs by shipping during the off-season.
Plan ahead
If time is not urgent, sea freight is cheaper than air freight. By planning shipping dates in advance, you can avoid high costs for emergency shipments.
Cooperate with a reputable freight forwarder
Professional freight forwarding companies can help optimize transportation solutions, provide more competitive prices, and ensure smooth customs clearance.
Cargo integration and packaging optimization
Using appropriate packaging methods to reduce volume and weight can effectively reduce shipping costs. Try to avoid excess packaging to reduce shipping space.
Familiar with tariff policies and optimize customs clearance process
Ghana’s customs policies may be adjusted at any time. Being familiar with the latest policies and preparing documents in advance can avoid customs clearance delays and additional costs.
Shipping from China to Ghana involves multiple links. Through this article, cargo owners can reasonably choose the most appropriate transportation plan. In addition, mastering cost-saving techniques will help minimize freight costs and improve logistics efficiency.