How Much does it Cost to Ship from China to UAE
How much does it cost to shipping from China to UAE? with the rise of global trade and the flourishing e-commerce industry, shipping goods from one country to another has become a common occurrence. Among the many trade routes, the shipment of goods from China to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) holds significant importance. As two major players in the international market, both countries engage in an extensive exchange of goods. In this article, we will delve into the factors that influence shipping costs from China to the UAE and provide a general overview of the expenses involved in this process.
Dubai is a central business hub between Asia-Pacific Europe in the region which helps support the development of the UAE as a global trade and economic center of the region. But if you haven’t heard of the option of shipping goods from the Far East into the Middle East in the past because of high costs or custom issues then you should get assistance. Our objective is to make importing products and services to UAE from China easier and more convenient.
If you want to ship a car from China to UAE, you can click on the post: Guide to Shipping a Car from China to UAE
When it comes to moving cargo from point A to point B, most people aren’t aware of shipping their goods when asked about the shipping mode.
For this purpose, there are different types of modes of transportation for import and export goods. It could be air, land, sea, or railway. All these modes of transportation take cargo and deliver it to its final destination. It all depends on how much time you have, the type of goods, and your budget as well.
How to Ship from China to UAE？
Shipping from China to UAE, you have only two options here:
- Air freight
- Ocean Freight
Sea Freight From China to UAE
In this case, you need to know about FCL and LCL, refer to the main modes of container shipment.
FCL: Full container loads books by one shipper under one shipment or part of a shipment from China to UAE. It has many advantages:
LCL seems to have a longer transit time.
LCL seems to be more pricey.
Consolidation and deconsolidation aren’t needed.
Damage or loss is less probable.
Containers are a handy way of transporting cargo to offshore subsidiaries.
They come in different sizes and dimensions like 20’ and 40’ foot containers.
LCL: Less than container load involves multiple shipper’s goods packed together. It allows you to maintain less quantity and more adaptable product inventory and is also suitable for both small packages or large cargo from China to UAE.
The benefit you can get with LCL is that you don’t have to wait to fill the whole container, but you don’t decide which type of cargo you share.
Air Freight From China to UAE
In case of urgency, You need to ship your cargo by air because it would be the best option, but you must be ready to collect a large bill for this fast and convenient service. Air cargo is transported on various types of aircraft such as passenger planes, cargo planes, aircraft charter, freighter, or helicopters.
Cost of Shipping from China to UAE (Updated 2025)
One of the primary determinants of shipping costs is the distance between the origin and destination. The geographical distance between China and the UAE is considerable, and the mode of transportation chosen plays a pivotal role in calculating the final expenses. Typically, shipping can be done through air, sea, or land, with airfreight being the fastest and most expensive option, while sea freight offers a more cost-effective solution.
| Shipping Method | Shipping From China to UAE (Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 1,350 for a 20ft container |
| Sea Freight (40ft Container) | Approx. USD 1,950 for a 40ft container |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | Approx. USD 100 per cubic meters (m3) |
| Air Freight | Approx. USD 400 for 100kg |
| Door to Door Shipping | Approx. USD 5 to 12 per kgs or approx. USD 100 – 300 per m3 |
| DDP Air Freight | Approx. USD 6 to 15 per kgs |
| DDP Sea Freight | Approx. USD 100 to 300 per cbm (m3) |
| Express Shipping | Approx. USD 10 per Kgs |
Sea Freight Costs From China To UAE
Sea freight is the most commonly used method for shipping goods from China to the UAE. The cost of sea freight is influenced by several factors, including the volume and weight of the cargo, the shipping route, the type of goods being transported, and any additional services required. Shipping containers are commonly used in sea freight, and the cost can vary depending on whether you opt for a Full Container Load (FCL) or a Less than Container Load (LCL).
As of 2024, the average cost for sea freight from China to the UAE is approximately $1350 to $2,850 for a 20-foot container, while a 40-foot container may cost between $2000 and $3,500, depending on the factors mentioned above. It is essential to note that these costs are subject to fluctuation due to changes in fuel prices, demand, and other market dynamics.
Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Container from China to UAE
These are the average prices to ship a container from China to UAE with the cheapest rates for loading and shipping containers from the major ports in China to UAE for 20ft and 40ft containers (FCL) with all types of cargo such as: commercial cargo, vehicles, or personal effects for international shipments from China to UAE.
| Container shipping service from China to UAE | Type of container | Sea freight rates from China to UAE |
|---|---|---|
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai China to UAE. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1350 20FT average price from: $1950 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen China to UAE. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1450 20FT average price from: $2050 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Ningbo-Zhoushan China to UAE. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1550 20FT average price from: $2250 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong China to UAE. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1550 20FT average price from: $2250 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Guangzhou China to UAE. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1700 20FT average price from: $2200 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Qingdao China to UAE | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1750 20FT average price from: $2250 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Tianjin China to UAE | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1850 20FT average price from: $2450 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Dalian China to UAE | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $2050 20FT average price from: $2650 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Xiamen China to UAE | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1650 20FT average price from: $2250 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Yingkou China to UAE | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1850 20FT average price from: $2750 40FT |
LCL Shipping Costs From China To UAE
| Load | Transit time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 CBM | 20-30 days | $50-$100 |
| 5 CBM | 22-32 days | $250-$500 |
| 10 CBM | 25-35 days | $500-$1000 |
Air freight from China to UAE cost per kg
While air freight is significantly faster than sea freight, it is also substantially more expensive. The cost of air freight from China to the UAE is primarily determined by the weight and volume of the goods. Per kilogram rates can range from $3 to $8 or more. Due to the higher costs involved, air freight is usually reserved for time-sensitive or high-value shipments, such as electronics or perishable goods.
The following table shows the cost of air freight of 100kg of standard cargo from China to UAE.
| Origin Airport (China) | Destination Airport (UAE) | Estimated Cost (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong (PVG) | Dubai International (DXB) | 5.5 |
| Beijing Capital (PEK) | Dubai International (DXB) | 5.6 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) | Abu Dhabi International (AUH) | 5.4 |
| Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX) | Sharjah International (SHJ) | 5.3 |
| Hong Kong International (HKG) | Dubai International (DXB) | 5.5 |
| Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) | Abu Dhabi International (AUH) | 5.6 |
| Qingdao Liuting (TAO) | Sharjah International (SHJ) | 5.2 |
| Xiamen Gaoqi (XMN) | Dubai International (DXB) | 5.4 |
The total cost and time of air freight from China to UAE for different cargo weights can be referred to the following table:
| Load | Transit time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 100 kg | 2-6 days | $400-$750 |
| 300 kg | 2-7 days | $1200-$1800 |
| 500 kg | 3-7 days | $2000-$2500 |
Beyond the basic shipping costs and customs duties, there may be additional fees and services involved in the shipping process. These can include documentation fees, terminal handling charges, warehousing fees, and insurance costs. It is crucial to factor in these expenses to get a comprehensive understanding of the total shipping cost.
Cheapest Shipping from China to UAE
The shipping cost from China to UAE can vary depending on the type of shipping carrier you choose, the weight and size of your cargo, and the destination. However, in general, the cost of ocean shipping is cheaper than air freight.
As of 2024, the cheapest ocean freight from China to the UAE will cost an average of approximately $1,050 to $2,050 for a 20-foot container, while a 40-foot container could cost between $1,800 and $3,000, depending on the factors listed above. It is important to note that these costs can fluctuate due to changes in fuel prices, demand, and other market dynamics.
| Cost Component | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Freight Charges | $800 – $1,500 | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Terminal Handling Charges | $200 – $500 | $300 – $600 |
| Documentation Fees | $50 – $100 | $50 – $100 |
| Insurance | 0.5% – 2% | 0.5% – 2% |
| Customs Clearance Fees | $100 – $300 | $150 – $400 |
| Fuel Surcharges | Variable | Variable |
How long does it take to ship goods from China to UAE?
Air shipping is by far faster than sea shipping. As we know that sea freight takes weeks to arrive. On the other hand, airfreight goes fast to its destination but only a day or two in a week. Ocean freight can’t beat the speed in this case. The rates charged by different forwarders vary considerably.
Ocean Shipping is the right way of moving a huge volume of goods from China to the UAE. It is a cost-effective option as compared to airfreight. We can see that freight ships to China to the UAE :
By Air, → It takes 3-4 days
By Sea, → It takes 20- 30 days
| Origin | Dubai | Sharjah | Abu Dhabi |
| Port of Shanghai | 22 | 25 | 25 |
| Port of Nansha | 16 | 17 | 17 |
| Port of Xiamen | 25 | 26 | 26 |
| Port of Qingdao | 29 | 29 | 30 |
| Port of Shenzhen | 15 | 16 | 16 |
| Port of Ningbo | 23 | 25 | 25 |
| Port of Chung Ching | 31 | 31 | 32 |
| Port of Zhongshan | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Port of Wuhan | 29 | 29 | 30 |
| Port of Lianyungang | 29 | 29 | 30 |
In case of emergency or urgent delivery, your choice would be air freight because it’s faster, reliable, and secure than ocean freight.
Door to Door Shipping refers to a service that delivers goods directly from the consignor’s location in China to the consignee’s location in Dubai. The service covers all necessary logistics operations, including packaging, loading, transportation, customs clearance, and final delivery. It provides convenience and peace of mind for businesses as they do not have to worry about the complexities of international shipping.
There are various types of door to door services, each designed to meet specific shipping needs:
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): In this service, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer’s doorstep, but the buyer is responsible for paying any import duties and taxes when the goods arrive.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): This service goes a step further and includes all applicable import duties and taxes in the shipping cost, providing an all-inclusive solution. The seller is responsible for all customs formalities, ensuring that the goods arrive at the buyer’s location without any additional costs.
Door to Door VS Door to Port Shipping from China to UAE:
| Feature | Door to Door Shipping | Door to Port Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Service Scope | Full range of services from China to UAE | Delivery to UAE ports only |
| Customs Handling | Handled by logistics provider | Typically involves the importer |
| Convenience | Most convenient option for businesses | Less convenient, requires additional logistics |
| Ideal For | Businesses without logistics infrastructure | Companies that can clear customs directly in the UAE |
| Cost | Higher due to full-service offering | Lower shipping cost, but not all-inclusive |
| Tracking and Communication | Comprehensive tracking and updates | Limited tracking options |
The door-to-door shipping price from China to UAE is mainly affected by the following factors:
- Cargo weight and volume: Generally speaking, the heavier and larger the cargo, the higher the transportation cost. Therefore, when choosing a mode of transportation, customers need to choose a suitable mode of transportation according to their cargo situation.
- Mode of transportation: Different modes of transportation (such as air transportation and sea transportation) have different prices. Air transportation is fast but the price is higher, while sea transportation is relatively slow but takes longer. Customers can choose a suitable mode of transportation according to their own needs.
- Destination and departure point: The transportation distance from different ports in China to different ports in UAE is different, and the price will also be different. Generally speaking, the farther the distance, the higher the price.
DDP shipping service is a duty-paid delivery logistics method, that is, the logistics company is responsible for transporting the goods from the place of shipment to the place of receipt and bears all duties and taxes. This service method is very convenient for foreign customers and can save a lot of cumbersome procedures and costs.
The price of DDP shipping from China to UAE is slightly higher than the door-to-door service because it includes additional fees such as duties and taxes. However, these fees are transparent, and customers can clearly understand the specific amount of each fee when signing a contract with the logistics company.
DDP Shipping Process From China To UAE
- Contract Signing: The buyer and seller confirm the use of DDP terms and sign the contract.
- Transportation Arrangement: The seller selects the appropriate mode of transportation (such as sea or air) and bears all transportation costs and risks.
- Export Customs Clearance: The seller handles export customs clearance procedures in China.
- International Transportation: The goods are transported to UAE by sea or air.
- Import Customs Clearance: The seller handles import customs clearance procedures in UAE and pays all customs duties and VAT.
- Domestic Delivery: The seller delivers the goods to the final destination specified by the buyer.
DDP Shipping Costs From China To UAE (Sea Freight Or Air Freight)
Cost Structure
Freight: Determined by mode of transport (sea or air), weight and volume of cargo.
Insurance: Calculated based on cargo value.
Tariffs and VAT: Calculated based on UAE tariff and tax rates.
Customs clearance fees: Including document handling fees, inspection fees, etc.
Cost Estimates
Sea freight: The freight cost for a 20-foot standard container is approximately $2,000-4,000.
Air freight: The freight cost per kilogram is approximately $5-15, determined by cargo weight and urgency.
Tariffs and VAT: The specific rate is calculated based on cargo type and value.
Customs process in UAE
UAE Customs has the best efficiency in its customs procedures. If you wish to import Chinese products into UAE then you should know the UAE customs procedure.
The first thing you should do is to get a customs code for your product. You can use this code to calculate the customs duty and taxes levied on your shipment. The second thing is to find out the value of your goods. This can be done by using the CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) or FOB (free on board) method. The CIF method includes the cost of shipping your goods from China to the UAE, while the FOB method does not.
You will need to pay customs duty and VAT on your shipment when it arrives in UAE. Customs duty is a tax levied on imported goods, while VAT is a tax that is levied on the sale of goods and services. The amount of customs duty and VAT that you will need to pay will depend on the value of your shipment.
If you are shipping goods from China to UAE, you will also need to obtain an import license from the UAE Ministry of Economy. This license can be obtained from the ministry’s website.
Once you have obtained an import license, you must submit a declaration to UAE Customs. This declaration must include the following information:
- – The value of your goods
- – The HS code of your goods
- – The country of origin of your goods
- – The quantity and type of your goods
- – The name and address of the manufacturer of your goods
- – The name and address of the importer of your goods
- – The name and address of the exporter of your goods
- – The name and address of the carrier of your goods
- – The port of entry into the UAE
- – The date on which your goods will be imported into UAE
After submitting your declaration, UAE Customs will issue a permit for your goods. This permit must be presented to the carrier of your goods when they arrive in UAE.
UAE customs regulations require that all shipments be cleared within 48 hours of arrival. If you are shipping commercial goods, you will need to provide a certificate of origin and a bill of lading when you submit your declaration. These documents can be obtained from your supplier in China.
If you are shipping personal goods from China to UAE, you will need to provide a passport and a visa when you submit your declaration. You will also need to pay a customs duty of AED 500 on your shipment.
It is important to note that UAE customs regulations require that all shipments be cleared within 48 hours of arrival. If you are shipping commercial goods, you will need to provide a certificate of origin and a bill of lading when you submit your declaration. These documents can be obtained from your supplier in China.
Freight forwarding from China to UAE
Basenton freight has been specializing in shipping from China to UAE for more than eight years. We offer exclusive Express Freight, Air Freight, and Sea Freight Door to Door from China to UAE. You will get efficient and competitive shipping from China to UAE.
With our reliable carriers and trusted custom clearance teams, we can ship all types of cargo from China to UAE smoothly, such as power banks, liquids, electronics, mold equipment, lighting signs, and any other product pick up from any China manufacturer to UAE with import custom clearance and duty service included.
Whether it is Dubai, Abudhabi, or any other city, we can arrange hassle-free shipping for you. Our comprehensive network coverage, skilled workers, and 24/7 customer service will give you the best China to UAE shipping experience.
How much does it cost to shipping from China to UAE? Contact us today for a free quote for your new shipment from China to UAE.
