The increasingly close trade exchanges between China and Lebanon have promoted the growth of logistics and transportation demand. Transportation costs are the focus of trade. This article will introduce the cost of shipping from China to Lebanon in detail to help companies save costs.
Lebanon’s Geographical Location
Lebanon is located in the Middle East and is an important trade node connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. It is an important participant in the “Belt and Road” initiative. Its main airports and ports:
- Port of Beirut: The Port of Beirut is the largest port in Lebanon and an important cargo and passenger port in the Mediterranean.
- Port of Tripoli: The Port of Tripoli is the second largest port in Lebanon, mainly used for the transportation of bulk cargo such as oil and coal
- Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport: This is Lebanon’s main international airport and an important aviation hub in the Middle East
The Composition of the Cost of Shipping from China to Lebanon
The cost composition of transporting from China to Lebanon usually includes multiple cost items:
- Freight: Usually calculated based on the volume or weight of the goods.
- Port charges: Each port will charge a certain amount of port operation fees, port loading and unloading fees, and port storage fees.
- Customs clearance costs: export and import customs clearance, tariffs, agency fees.
- Fuel surcharge: Affected by global fuel price fluctuations, shipping companies may charge additional fees.
- Customs clearance costs: Customs clearance costs include customs inspection fees, tariffs, VAT, etc.
Sea Freight Cost from China to Lebanon
Ocean freight is the most commonly used mode of transportation between China and Lebanon, and the cost is relatively low, especially suitable for bulk goods. However, the transportation time is long, generally 25-35 days. There are two main types of ocean freight services. You can choose FCL and LCL according to the needs of the goods.
- Full container load (FCL): suitable for large quantities of goods, providing independent container services. There are mainly 20ft and 40ft containers.
- Less than container load (LCL): suitable for small quantities of goods, sharing a container with other customers.
The following is the cost range of shipping from China to Lebanon:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL Shipping cost | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Beiru | $50-$120 | $1850-$2450 | $3000-$3800 |
| Shenzhen | Beiru | $50-$125 | $1800-$2600 | $3050-$3750 |
| Qingdao | Beiru | $50-$120 | $1850-$2750 | $3050-$3750 |
| Ningbo | Beiru | $55-$120 | $1850-$2700 | $3050-$3650 |
| Shanghai | Tripoli | $50-$115 | $1950-$2450 | $3050-$3800 |
| Shenzhen | Tripoli | $60-$115 | $1900-$2700 | $3000-$4000 |
| Qingdao | Tripoli | $65-$110 | $1850-$2550 | $3050-$3900 |
| Ningbo | Tripoli | $55-$115 | $1800-$2550 | $3050-$3850 |
Air Freight Cost from China to Lebanon
Air transport is the fastest mode of transport and can quickly deliver goods to their destination. It is highly secure and suitable for high-value items. The frequency of flights is high and suitable for the transportation needs of urgent goods, and can be quickly dispatched as needed. It only takes 5-7 days, but the cost is higher. The following is the cost range of their flights from China to Lebanon:
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Lebanon) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Beirut Rafic Hariri | $6.50 – $8.50 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Beirut Rafic Hariri | $5.00 – $7.50 |
| Beijing Capital | Beirut Rafic Hariri | $5.50 – $7.80 |
| Shenzhen Baoan | Beirut Rafic Hariri | $5.50 – $8.00 |
| Hong Kong | Beirut Rafic Hariri | $6.00 – $8.50 |
To give you an idea of the cost of shipping to other countries, here are some of the shipping costs:
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Factors Affecting Shipping Costs from China to Lebanon
Shipping costs depend on a variety of factors, including:
Cargo weight and volume
Charges are calculated based on billable weight, which is the greater of actual weight or dimensional weight.
Port of departure and port of destination
The choice of different departure ports (such as Shanghai, Shenzhen) and transit ports will affect the cost.
Additional charges
Fuel surcharges, security inspection fees, port operating fees, etc. are important components of transportation costs.
Customs clearance and taxes
Lebanon’s import duties and VAT can significantly increase total shipping costs. Typically 5–25% based on cargo type and declared value. The standard VAT rate in Lebanon is 11%.
Tips to Reduce Freight Costs from China to Lebanon
Choose the Right Mode of Transport
For large quantities of goods, choose sea transport, while high-value or urgent goods are suitable for air transport.
Optimize Packaging
Reduce the volume and weight of the goods and use light and sturdy packaging materials.
Consolidate Freight
Share container transportation with other shippers to spread the transportation costs.
Flexibly choose routes and times
Avoid peak transportation and use economical air or transit routes to reduce costs.
Plan your transportation in advance
Arranging your transportation can avoid transportation during peak seasons, thereby saving costs and ensuring sufficient space supply.
Choose a reliable freight forwarder
Experienced freight forwarders can provide more competitive quotes and customs clearance services.
Understand tariff policies
Plan the declared value of goods reasonably to avoid excessive tariffs.
The cost of shipping goods from China to Lebanon is affected by many factors. This article will help you choose the mode of transportation and the type of service you want to use. Adopt a reasonable approach to help you optimize costs.