Trade relations between China and Saudi Arabia have been continuously strengthened in recent years, with the advancement of the “Belt and Road” initiative. Saudi Arabia is an important trading partner of China in the Middle East, and China is one of Saudi Arabia’s largest sources of imports. This article will introduce in detail the steps and basic situation of importing goods from China to Saudi Arabia
Products imported by Saudi Arabia from China
Saudi Arabia imports a wide variety of products from China, mainly including:
- Machinery: electromechanical products, metals and their products
- Furniture: such as office furniture, medical furniture
- Mechanical equipment: such as construction machinery and production equipment.
- Electronic products: consumer electronics such as mobile phones, computers and home appliances.
- Chemical products: such as plastics, fertilizers and other chemical raw materials.
- Textiles: clothing and home textile products.
- Food and beverages: including rice, sugar and condiments.
Why Import from China
The main reasons why Saudi Arabia chooses to import from China are as follows:
- Price advantage: China provides high-quality products and services at reasonable prices, which can meet the Saudi market’s demand for cost-effectiveness.
- Product diversity: China has a rich variety of products and can provide a variety of products to meet the diverse needs of the Saudi market.
- Technology level: China is developing rapidly in many technological fields and can provide advanced equipment and technical solutions.
- Economic complementarity: Saudi Arabia has abundant oil resources, while China has a strong manufacturing base. The two sides are highly complementary economically
How to Import from China
Select suppliers
Find suitable suppliers through platforms such as Alibaba and AliExpress for field visits, go to China to participate in exhibitions or field visits to factories, and negotiate directly with suppliers.
Confirm orders and contracts
- Sign trade contracts: Sign detailed trade contracts with Chinese suppliers to clarify commodity specifications, prices, quantities, delivery times, etc.
- Sign contracts: Clarify the rights and obligations of both parties to ensure smooth transactions.
Pay the payment
Payment methods usually include telegraphic transfer (T/T), letter of credit (L/C), etc.
Choose the mode of transportation
Choose the appropriate mode of transportation according to the type of goods and the degree of urgency to transport the goods from China to Saudi Arabia.
Handle import customs clearance
After the goods arrive in Saudi Arabia, handle import customs clearance procedures, including customs declaration, inspection of goods, and calculation of tariffs.
Pickup and delivery
After completing customs clearance, you can pick up the goods from the freight forwarder or shipping company and arrange for delivery to the destination
Ways to Ship from China to Saudi Arabia
Sea freight from China to Saudi Arabia
Sea freight is the main way to transport bulk commodities and heavy goods from China to Saudi Arabia. Although sea freight takes a long time, the freight rate is relatively low, which is suitable for transporting large quantities of goods. Generally, there are two modes of transportation: FCL freight and LCL freight.
- FCL freight: For large quantities of goods, FCL is the most economical option, and the entire container is used by only one importer.
- LCL freight: LCL is suitable for smaller goods. LCL combines multiple batches of goods into one container, providing an economical and efficient solution for smaller goods.
Air freight from China to Saudi Arabia
Air freight is the main way to transport goods quickly from China to Saudi Arabia. Although the freight rate is relatively high, it is fast and suitable for expedited or high-value goods. There are two main modes of transportation: air freight and express delivery.
- Air freight: For large quantities of goods or when fast delivery is required, air freight is the best choice. More affordable than express delivery services, it is suitable for goods that are not time-sensitive. Regular flight schedules ensure consistent shipping times and reliable delivery.
- Express delivery: If you need door-to-door cargo transportation from China to Saudi Arabia, then express delivery service is your best choice, such as DHL, UPS, FedEx, etc. Generally, express delivery is suitable for small quantities of goods
Shipping Costs from China to Saudi Arabia
Shipping costs are affected by many factors, including the weight, volume, mode of transportation, route, etc.
| Shipping Mode | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| LCL (Less than Container Load) | Approximately $100-$150 per cubic meter | Smaller shipments that do not require a full container |
| FCL – 20-foot container (Dammam) | $1100 | Larger shipments that can fill a 20-foot container |
| FCL – 20-foot container (Jeddah) | $2400 | Larger shipments that can fill a 20-foot container |
| FCL – 40-foot container (Dammam) | $3150 | Larger shipments that can fill a 40-foot container |
| FCL – 40-foot container (Jeddah) | $3400 | Larger shipments that can fill a 40-foot container |
| Express Shipping | Around $5-$8 per kilogram | Urgent shipments requiring fast delivery times |
| Air Freight | $4.5 per kilogram | Faster than sea freight but more cost-effective than express shipping for medium to large shipments |
Shipping Time from China to Saudi Arabia
There are multiple factors that can affect the shipping time of goods from China to Saudi Arabia. Including weather conditions, port congestion, customs delays, understanding these factors and implementing effective mitigation strategies is key to ensuring timely delivery.
| Shipping Mode | Transit Time Range |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (LCL and FCL) | 20 to 35 days (depending on service type and route) |
| Air Freight | 3 to 7 days |
| Express Shipping | 1 to 3 days |
Customs Clearance Documents for Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia
The documents that need to be prepared for importing from China to Saudi Arabia mainly include the following aspects:
- Commercial invoice: details the name, quantity, unit price and total price of the goods.
- Packing list: lists the detailed information of the goods in each container, including quantity, weight and volume, etc.
- Certificate of origin: proves the origin and country of manufacture of the goods.
- Customs declaration form: declares relevant information of the goods to the customs, including quantity, value, use, etc.
- Transportation contract: a transportation contract signed with a freight forwarder or shipping company, which clarifies the rights and obligations of both parties.
The process of importing goods from China to Saudi Arabia involves many steps, including finding suppliers, choosing transportation methods, cost budgeting and customs clearance. I hope that through this article, you can understand these steps and precautions to help your goods arrive at their destination smoothly.