With the advancement of the “Belt and Road” initiative, Ethiopia has gradually become one of the important trading partners of Chinese companies in Africa. With the increase in logistics demand, more and more companies and individuals want to understand the transportation from China to Ethiopia. This article will give a detailed introduction to this transportation situation.
Overview of Ethiopia
Located in East Africa, bordering Somalia and Djibouti to the east and Kenya to the south, Ethiopia has gradually become an important hub of the African economy. The trade volume between China and Ethiopia has increased year by year, and the demand for logistics will continue to rise.
Sea Freight from China to Ethiopia
Sea Freight is the most common mode of transportation with relatively low cost and is suitable for bulk or heavy goods.
Customers can choose FCL or LCL. FCL transportation is suitable for customers who need container transportation to ensure the safety of goods; LCL transportation provides an economical option for small quantities of goods and can share a container with other shippers.
Ethiopia is a landlocked country with no seaports, but its main sea import port is the Port of Djibouti, which is the most important international logistics hub in Ethiopia.
Sea Freight Cost from China to Ethiopia
The cost of shipping varies according to factors such as the size of the container, the weight of the goods, and the distance of transportation. It usually consists of the following costs:
- Sea freight: the basic freight from China to Djibouti Port
- Port charges: including loading and unloading charges, port taxes, storage charges, etc., which may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the goods.
- Customs clearance costs: When clearing customs in Djibouti, you may need to pay related customs clearance fees, which usually include customs handling fees and other administrative fees.
- Land transportation costs: The cost of shipping from Djibouti to Addis Ababa depends on the type and volume of the goods
The following are the costs of shipping from China to Djibouti LCL, 20ft and 40ft for your reference:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL Shipping Cost | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Djibouti | $85-$120 | $1750-$2450 | $3050-$4200 |
| Shenzhen | Djibouti | $80-$125 | $1700-$2700 | $3000-$4100 |
| Qingdao | Djibouti | $90-$120 | $1650-$2850 | $3050-$4300 |
| Guangzhou | Djibouti | $85-$120 | $1700-$2700 | $3050-$4150 |
| Ningbo | Djibouti | $80-$120 | $1800-$2550 | $3050-$4050 |
If you want to know the container shipping prices in the surrounding areas:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Kenya?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Egypt?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Tanzania
Sea Freight Time from China to Ethiopia
The shipping time depends on many factors, including weather, route arrangement, ship sailing time, port efficiency, etc. Normally, it takes 20-30 days to ship from major ports in China to Djibouti by sea, and then it takes about 3-5 days to ship from Djibouti to Ethiopia by land.
Air Freight from China to Ethiopia
Air freight is an efficient but relatively expensive mode of transportation. The main advantage of air freight is its speed, which is suitable for goods that need to be delivered quickly.
Ubest Shipping provides professional air freight solutions, covering flight arrangements, insurance services and customs clearance support. Our team will help customers prepare all necessary documents and provide real-time cargo tracking services to ensure that the transportation process is efficient and transparent.
Air Freight Cost from China to Ethiopia
Air freight costs are usually affected by multiple factors, including the weight and volume of the cargo, the distance to the destination airport, and the airline, and are usually composed of the following costs:
- Air freight costs: calculated by weight or volume weight (whichever is greater).
- Fuel surcharge: Airlines usually charge a fuel surcharge based on oil price fluctuations.
- Insurance: The insurance cost of air freight is also determined based on the value of the cargo, usually 0.3-1% of the cargo value.
- Airport handling fee: This is a charge for storage, unloading, handling and other services of cargo at the airport.
The following are detailed air freight costs:
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Ethiopia) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Addis Ababa Bole | $5.50 – $9.00 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Addis Ababa Bole | $5.00 – $9.50 |
| Beijing Capital | Addis Ababa Bole | $5.50 – $9.80 |
| Shenzhen Baoan | Addis Ababa Bole | $5.50 – $10.00 |
Air Freight Time from China to Ethiopia
Departing from major international airports in China, arriving at Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa Bor International Airport for customs clearance, and then arriving at the final destination via local transportation, it usually takes 5-7 days, depending on the flight route and transit conditions.
If you want to know the shipping time to other countries you can read:
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Kenya?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Tanzania?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Egypt
Detailed Steps for Shipping from China to Ethiopia
Logistics transport from China to Ethiopia requires the following steps:
Cargo preparation and packaging
Ensure that the goods meet customs requirements and are properly packaged to prevent damage during transportation.
Choose a transportation method and logistics company
Choose a suitable transportation method based on the urgency and budget of the goods. You can choose sea + land transportation or air transportation.
Go through export procedures
In China, relevant export declaration procedures need to be completed before the goods are exported to ensure that the goods meet China’s export requirements.
Transportation and tracking
During the transportation of goods, it is necessary to keep in close contact with the freight forwarding company to keep abreast of the transportation of the goods.
Customs clearance and import declaration
After arriving at the port of Djibouti, the goods need to go through customs clearance and go through relevant import procedures. After confirming that the goods meet Ethiopia’s import standards, continue transportation. Required documents:
- Import documents: documents that all importers must submit when importing goods to Ethiopia.
- Product Certificate: Issued by a recognized certification body to prove that the imported goods meet the required standards and regulations
- Joint Certificate of Value and Origin: Required by Ethiopian Customs Authorities to verify and assess the customs duties of imported goods
- Bill of Lading: Document issued by the carrier detailing the goods being shipped, their origin and destination
Destination customs clearance and delivery
After arriving at the destination, the goods need to go through import customs clearance procedures, complete tax payment, and then make final delivery and delivery.
Learn more: Customs Clearance and Fees
Choosing the Right Freight Forwarder
Choosing a reliable freight forwarder is essential to ensuring a successful door-to-door shipment. Here are the key considerations when choosing the right partner:
Find a reliable and experienced company
Research the freight forwarder’s reputation and track record. Check reviews, testimonials, and case studies to make sure you’re working with a company you can trust.
Compare freight rates and transit times
Request quotes from multiple freight forwarders and compare not only their rates but also their estimated transit times. By comparing, you can choose the option that is both cost-effective and efficient.
Check for additional services like customs clearance
Freight forwarders that offer additional services like customs clearance can help streamline the shipping process. Reducing delays and ensuring compliance with international regulations can make the process smoother and more efficient.
The transportation of goods from China to Ethiopia is a complex and meticulous process. Through this article, you can fully understand the overview of transportation from China to Ethiopia and optimize the transportation plan to ensure that the goods arrive at the destination smoothly and safely.