As trade cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia increases, the demand for transportation services also increases. Understanding the cost of shipping from China to Saudi Arabia is the key to controlling international logistics costs. This article will analyze in detail the shipping costs from China to Saudi Arabia, the costs of various modes of transportation, and the main factors affecting these costs.
Cost of Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia
The cost of shipping from China to Saudi Arabia varies depending on factors such as the mode of transportation, the weight, volume, destination, and customs clearance of the goods. Common modes of transportation include sea, air, and door-to-door transportation. The cost structure and applicable scenarios of each mode are different.
The specific transportation cost needs to be calculated based on the actual situation. If you want to know the specific price, please contact Ubest Shipping and we will reply to you within 24 hours!
Cost of LCL Shipping from Saudi Arabia
LCL refers to the transportation of goods by multiple shippers in one container when the goods are not enough to fill a standard container. It is more economical to calculate the cost by volume (cubic meters) or weight, especially for small quantities of goods. The following is the cost range of LCL shipping from China to Saudi Arabia:
| POL (Port of Loading) | POD (Port of Discharge) | LCL (USD/m³) |
| Tianjin Port | Jeddah Islamic Port | $105-$180/m³ |
| Tianjin Port | Dammam Port | $110-$190/m³ |
| Tianjin Port | Jubail Port | $102-$183/m³ |
| Shanghai Port | Jeddah Islamic Port | $106-$192/m³ |
| Shanghai Port | Dammam Port | $103-$187/m³ |
| Shanghai Port | Jubail Port | $108-$193/m³ |
| Ningbo Port | Jeddah Islamic Port | $105-$185/m³ |
| Ningbo Port | Dammam Port | $104-$192/m³ |
| Ningbo Port | Jubail Port | $107-$185/m³ |
| Shenzhen Port | Jeddah Islamic Port | $104-$196/m³ |
| Shenzhen Port | Dammam Port | $103-$186/m³ |
| Shenzhen Port | Jubail Port | $102-$183/m³ |
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Saudi Arabia
Sea transportation is the most commonly used freight method between China and Saudi Arabia, especially for large quantities, large volumes, or heavy weights. Shipping time from major Chinese ports (such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Guangzhou) to Jeddah Islamic Port, Dammam Port and Jubail Port in Saudi Arabia is usually 25-30 days, depending on the route and intermediate stops. Ocean freight costs are usually calculated based on the weight and volume of the goods, and are also affected by the following factors
- Routes and transit time: Longer routes and complex transportation paths increase costs.
- Port and destination charges: Operating costs and taxes vary greatly from port to port. Saudi ports such as Jeddah and Dammam may charge different fees.
- Seasonal and demand fluctuations: Freight rates can rise significantly during peak seasons (such as around the Chinese New Year) when demand increases.
- Fuel surcharge: Fluctuations in oil prices directly affect the fuel surcharge (BAF), which in turn affects the total cost of ocean freight.
| POL (Port of Loading) | POD (Port of Discharge) | 20ft container (20ft, USD) | 40ft container (40ft, USD) |
| Tianjin Port | Jeddah Islamic Port | $2,500 – $3,000 | $3,210-$4,650 |
| Tianjin Port | Dammam Port | $2,400 – $2,900 | $3,110-$4,530 |
| Tianjin Port | Jubail Port | $2,350 – $2,950 | $3,160-$4,630 |
| Shanghai Port | Jeddah Islamic Port | $2,550 – $3,000 | $3,270-$4,550 |
| Shanghai Port | Dammam Port | $2,450 – $2,800 | $3,130-$4,680 |
| Shanghai Port | Jubail Port | $2,430 – $2,860 | $3,240-$4,660 |
| Ningbo Port | Jeddah Islamic Port | $2,360 – $2,900 | $3,320-$4,850 |
| Ningbo Port | Dammam Port | $2,460 – $2,850 | $3,170-$4,750 |
| Ningbo Port | Jubail Port | $2,530 – $2,900 | $3,210-$4,760 |
| Shenzhen Port | Jeddah Islamic Port | $2,340 – $2,860 | $3,190-$4,790 |
| Shenzhen Port | Dammam Port | $2,470 – $2,800 | $3,260-$4,750 |
| Shenzhen Port | Jubail Port | $2,410 – $2,750 | $3,110-$4,760 |
You can learn more about the costs in the following articles:
Shipping Costs for 20ft And 40ft Containers from China to UAE
Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Containers from China to Egypt
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Turkey
Cost of Air Freight from China to Saudi Arabia
Air freight is suitable for high-value, time-critical, small-volume goods. Although the cost is relatively high, its transportation time is significantly shortened, and it is suitable for orders that are urgently delivered. Fees include airport security fees and security measures-related fees, destination customs clearance fees, and transportation insurance. Common air cargo arrival destinations are Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and Dammam King Fahd International Airport (DMM). The transit time is usually 3-7 days.
Factors affecting costs:
- Flight arrangements and layovers: Direct flights are usually more expensive than flights with layovers, and the number and location of layovers will also affect costs.
- Timeliness requirements: Urgent air freight costs more, while economy or non-urgent freight costs relatively less.
- Fuel costs and airport fees: Fuel prices and airport operating fees (such as loading and unloading fees, storage fees) also affect the final cost.
| Origin (China) | Destination (Saudi Arabia) | Small goods price (USD/kg) | Large goods price (over 45kg, USD/kg) |
| Beijing | Riyadh | $6 – $8 | $4.5 – $6 |
| Beijing | Jeddah | $6 – $8 | $4.5 – $6 |
| Beijing | Dammam | $6 – $8 | $4.5 – $6 |
| Shanghai | Riyadh | $5 – $8 | $4 – $6 |
| Shanghai | Jeddah | $5 – $8 | $4 – $6 |
| Shanghai | Dammam | $5 – $8 | $4 – $6 |
| Guangzhou | Riyadh | $5.5 – $7.5 | $4 – $5.5 |
| Guangzhou | Jeddah | $5.5 – $7.5 | $4 – $5.5 |
| Guangzhou | Dammam | $5.5 – $7.5 | $4 – $5.5 |
Cost of DDP Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia
DDP means that the seller bears all import duties and taxes and delivers the goods directly to the destination specified by the buyer. The cost of DDP from China to Saudi Arabia includes transportation costs, duties, taxes, and service fees of logistics companies. For customers, the DDP method simplifies the process and eliminates the need to deal with complex customs clearance matters.
Factors affecting the cost:
- Destination country tax rate: Saudi Arabia’s tariffs and VAT rates will directly affect the DDP cost, and the shipper bears these taxes.
- Goods category: Different categories of goods have different tariff rates, which affects the tax cost.
- Customs clearance complexity: The complexity of goods customs clearance will affect the cost of customs clearance agency fees and customs procedures.
- Mode of transportation: Choosing sea or air transportation, or different transportation companies, will affect the freight.
| Shipping method | Small goods price (USD/kg) or LCL (USD/m³) | Large goods price (over 45kg, USD/kg) or 20ft&40ft container (USD) |
| DDP Sea Freight | $150 – $250/m³ | $3,500 – $4,500 (20ft) /$5,500 – $6,500 (40ft) |
| DDP Air Freight | $15 – $20/kg | $12 – $16/kg |
If you are interested in shipping from China to other countries in the Middle East read:
- How Much does it Cost to Ship from China to Oman
- Shipping Cost from China to Bahrain
- 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 Turkey
- How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Egypt?
Tips to Reduce Shipping Costs from China to Saudi Arabia
bulk shipping
Reduce overall costs by consolidating multiple small lots into one large shipment and spreading freight, duties, and customs clearance costs.
Plan shipping times in advance
Avoid peak seasons, arrange transportation plans rationally, and reduce temporary expedited needs. Logistics costs are usually higher during peak seasons, while shipping costs are significantly lower during off-seasons.
Reduce unnecessary value-added services
Choose necessary services, such as reasonable insurance coverage, to avoid paying high insurance premiums for low-risk shipments. Reduce value-added services such as warehousing and special packaging to control costs.
Choose a reasonable customs clearance agent
Choose an experienced customs clearance agent with reasonable fees to help speed up customs clearance and reduce additional costs (such as warehousing fees) caused by customs clearance delays.
Learn more: Customs Clearance for Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia
The cost structure of shipping from China to Saudi Arabia is complex and affected by many factors. This article will help you choose the most suitable transportation method and service to not only control costs, but also ensure that the goods arrive in Saudi Arabia on time and safely.