Commodity trade exchanges between China and the UAE are becoming more and more frequent. Enterprises or individuals are pursuing more efficient and more favorable transportation solutions. Various modes of transportation and service types have their own characteristics. This article will describe in detail the costs of various modes of transportation from China to the UAE.
Shipping from China to the UAE
The UAE is an important trading partner of China in the Middle East. The transportation demand between the two countries is growing. There are two main transportation services: sea transportation and air transportation. These two methods have their own advantages and disadvantages and are suitable for different types of goods and time requirements.
Sea Freight from China to the UAE
Sea transportation is the most commonly used mode of transportation from China to the UAE. It is suitable for bulk goods and non-urgent goods transportation, and is cost-effective. According to the volume, weight and time requirements of the goods, sea transportation services mainly include the following methods:
- Full container load (FCL): Customers have one or more complete containers and can choose 20-foot, 40-foot or 40-foot high cabinet containers. Suitable for large quantities of goods, especially when the goods are enough to fill a container, FCL has higher safety and economy. Suitable for bulk goods, lower costs, and higher safety in loading and unloading and transportation of goods.
- Less than container load (LCL): The customer’s goods are loaded into a container together with other customers’ goods. Suitable for the transportation of goods with small quantities that cannot fill a full container, which can significantly save transportation costs. Suitable for small batches of goods, the cost is allocated according to the actual volume or weight, and the cost is low. Since it needs to be consolidated with other goods, the loading and unloading and unpacking time may be longer, and the risk of damage or loss of goods is also slightly higher.
Learn more: How to Choose FCL and LCL, What is the Differences
Air Freight from China to UAE
Suitable for small quantities, high-value or urgently needed goods, fast transportation speed and high safety, but the corresponding cost is higher. Air freight services are mainly divided into two types:
- Cargo shipped by air: For large quantities of goods or situations where fast delivery is required, freight is the best choice. By booking cargo flights, businesses can efficiently transport bulk commodities, reduce per-kilogram shipping costs, and ensure that goods arrive on time. This method is particularly suitable for large companies or customers who need to ship frequently.
- Express delivery: Express delivery services are suitable for small items or personal packages. The buyer only needs to pay the corresponding freight and enjoy the convenience of fast delivery. Express delivery services are very popular among small businesses and individuals because they are able to provide door-to-door services to meet the needs of different customers, especially when time is tight.
Cost of Shipping from China to the UAE
The cost of shipping includes several main parts, and the specific cost varies according to the volume, weight, transportation distance, etc. of the goods
- Freight: charged by weight, priced according to the route and the supply and demand of space.
- Document fees: including bill of lading fees and document handling fees.
- Port charges: including loading and unloading fees, port handling fees, usually at the port of departure and the port of destination.
- Bunker surcharge (BAF): dynamically adjusted according to the current fuel price, reflecting the fluctuation of fuel costs during transportation.
- Destination port charges: unpacking fees, customs clearance fees, and storage fees after the goods arrive at the UAE port.
- Cargo insurance (optional): If insurance is required, the insurance cost will be calculated based on the value of the goods and the transportation risk assessment.
Cost of LCL Shipping from China to the UAE
The cost of LCL shipping is usually calculated by volume, with the standard unit being cubic meter (CBM). If the cargo is relatively light but large in volume, the cost will be calculated based on volume, and the basic LCL ocean freight from China to the UAE is around $50-$100/CBM, with specific prices varying depending on ports and market fluctuations.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL Shipping cost |
| Shanghai | Jebel Ali | $60-$80/CBM |
| Shenzhen | Jebel Ali | $65-$85/CBM |
| Qingdao | Jebel Ali | $70-$90/CBM |
| Ningbo | Jebel Ali | $55-$75/CBM |
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to UAE
The shipping container price from China to the UAE is mainly affected by the transportation distance, route selection, and cargo type. Generally speaking, the shipping price of 20ft containers is relatively low, while the shipping cost of 40ft containers is relatively high due to their larger capacity.
| Original Port | Destination Port | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Dubai | $1250-$2200 | $2200-$3200 |
| Shenzhen | Dubai | $1200-$2100 | $2100-$3000 |
| Ningbo | Dubai | $1350-$2500 | $2250-$3250 |
| Shanghai | Abu Dhabi | $1500-$2700 | $2450-$3600 |
| Shenzhen | Abu Dhabi | $1650-$2850 | $2350-$3600 |
| Ningbo | Abu Dhabi | $1600-$2800 | $2200-$3200 |
| Shanghai | Sharjah | $1800-$2800 | $2550-$3200 |
| Shenzhen | Sharjah | $1900-$2850 | $2450-$3250 |
| Ningbo | Sharjah | $1950-$2950 | $2400-$3100 |
Learn more:
- Shipping Costs for 20ft And 40ft Containers from China to Iraq
- Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Qatar
- Cost of 20ft and 40ft Container Shipping From China To Kuwait
- 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 Israel
- Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Iran
Cost of Air Freight from China to the UAE
Air freight prices are calculated based on the weight and volume of the goods and are usually much more expensive than sea freight. The price per kilogram for air freight is between $5 and $10, while express delivery may vary greatly depending on weight and distance.
| Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Air Freight ($/kg, Standard Freight) | Express Delivery ($/kg, Express Service) |
| Shanghai Pudong Airport | Dubai International Airport | $5.5 – $8.2 | $10 – $25 |
| Beijing Capital Airport | Dubai International Airport | $5.3 – $8.3 | $10 – $25 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun Airport | Dubai International Airport | $5.1 – $7.3 | $10 – $25 |
| Shenzhen Baoan Airport | Dubai International Airport | $5.5 – $7.1 | $10 – $25 |
| Shanghai Pudong Airport | Dhabi International Airport | $5.2 – $8.6 | $12 – $25 |
| Beijing Capital Airport | Dhabi International Airport | $5.4 – $8.7 | $12 – $25 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun Airport | Dhabi International Airport | $5.3 – $8.9 | $12 – $25 |
| Shenzhen Baoan Airport | Dhabi International Airport | $5.5 – $8.7 | $12 – $25 |
Cost of DDP Shipping from China to UAE
DDP is an international trade term that means the seller bears all shipping costs and tariffs until the goods are delivered to the buyer’s designated location. The seller is responsible for the packaging, transportation, customs clearance, and payment of customs duties and VAT in the destination country. The buyer only needs to receive the goods when they arrive. The following are the costs of DDP shipping by sea and air
| Service Type | From | To | LCL cost | 20-foot container (FCL) | 40-foot container (FCL) |
| Sea Freight DDP | China | UAE | $300 – $500/CBM | $2,200 – $3,000 | $3,400 – $4,900 |
| Air Freight DDP | China | UAE | $13 – $19/kg |
If you are interested in the costs of shipping from China to other parts of the Middle East:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Saudi Arabia
How Much does it Cost to Ship from China to Oman
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Egypt?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Iran
Factors Affecting the Cost of Shipping from China to the UAE
The cost of shipping from China to the UAE is affected by a variety of factors. Specifically, the cost of sea and air freight fluctuates based on the following key factors:
Transportation Distance and Routes
The distance of the route from different Chinese ports or airports to the UAE affects the shipping cost. For example, the cost of shipping from different ports and airports in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Ningbo may vary depending on the length of the voyage and flight schedule.
Seasonal Factors
During peak seasons (such as China’s export peak and major holidays), transportation demand increases and freight rates rise. Prices for sea and air freight usually fluctuate during peak seasons. Year-end holidays (such as Spring Festival and Christmas) may cause price increases because transportation demand is usually greater at this time.
Service Types
- Door-to-Door Service: If you choose a door-to-door service from the shipper’s address directly to the consignee’s address, the inland transportation cost will be additional.
- Port-to-Port Service: Limited to port-to-port transportation, the cost is relatively low, but does not include additional pickup and delivery fees.
Special cargo requirements
- Special cargo (such as fragile goods, dangerous goods, and oversized goods) requires special handling and will cost more to transport. For example, the transportation of dangerous goods requires additional safety measures and qualifications, which increases costs.
- Temperature-controlled goods (such as food and medicine) require cold chain transportation, and the related costs will be higher than those of ordinary goods.
Tips to Reduce Freight Costs from China to the UAE
Choose the Right Mode of Transport
Choose the most appropriate mode of transport based on the characteristics and needs of the goods. For high-value and urgent goods, choose air transport; for bulk goods, choose sea transport.
Optimize cargo packaging
Reasonable packaging can reduce the risk of damage to goods during transportation, thereby reducing compensation costs. Concentrated shipments can reduce the transportation cost of each unit of goods by shipping multiple goods together.
Follow market trends
Understand the supply and demand situation and price fluctuations in the transportation market, and choose a period with lower costs to ship.
Simplify customs clearance process
Ensure that all necessary documents are complete to avoid additional costs caused by customs clearance issues. Familiarize yourself with the import regulations of the UAE and ensure compliance to reduce costs caused by penalties or delays.
Find the right freight forwarder
Compare quotes with multiple freight forwarders and choose the most competitive price and service. Negotiate costs with long-term freight forwarders to get better discounts.
The cost of shipping from China to the UAE is affected by many factors. Through this article, you can have a detailed understanding of the costs of various services related to shipping from China to the UAE. Through the techniques of reducing freight costs, finding a suitable freight forwarder, and rationally planning transportation plans, the goods can be transported to the destination with the highest efficiency.