Shipping Cost from China to Saudi Arabia

As global trade continues to expand, the shipping industry plays a crucial role in connecting businesses across borders. One of the significant trade routes involves shipping goods from China to Saudi Arabia, two economic powerhouses in their respective regions. To ensure a smooth and successful shipping process, businesses and individuals must understand the complexities, regulations, and best practices associated with shipping to Saudi Arabia from China. If your business leverages the healthy exchange of trade between the two countries, your supply chain doubtless depends on ocean or air freight to import from China to Saudi Arabia. To make this easier for you, we answer questions about different shipping options, costs, transit times, customs clearance, and ports of export and import on this page.

Ocean Freight From China to Saudi Arabia

Less than Container Load (LCL): Transporting your freight from China to Saudi Arabia together with the consignments of other shippers in a shared shipping container is called LCL shipping. This option is often the most affordable one when you don’t have enough cargo to fill a shipping container.

Full Container Load (FCL): FCL is the term used for shipping a container from China to Saudi Arabia containing goods belonging to only one shipper. For a flat fee, you can use the container exclusively for your products. It’s a great way to move larger, heavier cargo at a fixed price.

Air Freight From China to Saudi Arabia

If you need to export from China to Saudi Arabia in a hurry, air freight will probably be the right choice. However, you need to live with higher cost because flying your goods is often much more expensive than sending them by sea.

Understanding the Saudi Arabian Market

Before Shipping to Saudi Arabian from China, it is essential to gain insights into the country’s market and its demand for specific goods. Saudi Arabia boasts a rapidly growing consumer market and is particularly receptive to a wide range of products, including electronics, textiles, machinery, automotive parts, and medical equipment. Conducting thorough market research will help businesses tailor their shipping strategies and cater to Saudi Arabian customers’ preferences.

How much does it cost to ship from China to Saudi Arabia (Updated June 2025)

While you will find some variance in the transit times for freight shipped between China and the KSA, you will encounter much more in the range of cost options.

Naturally, air freight is more expensive than ocean freight. However, the cost difference might be negligible for shipments of around 100 kilograms in weight. The larger the load though, the more expensive it becomes to fly your goods as opposed to shipping them by sea.

If time is on your side, ocean freight will invariably be the most economical shipping mode. The cost of air freight might be more justifiable when you need to get goods quickly from China to their Saudi destination.

If your shipments are less than 35 kilograms in weight, neither air nor ocean freight services, as offered by a freight forwarder, will be cost-effective. For consignments that small, it will be best to contact an international courier company. Indeed, at Basenton Logistics, we only accept bookings for shipments of 100 kilograms and over.

Shipping Costs for 20ft & 40ft Containers from China to Saudi Arabia

Estimate for shipping container costs from China to Saudi Arabia. The cost can vary significantly depending on factors like:

• Container size (20 ft, 40 ft, etc)
• Type of goods being shipped
• Mode of transport (ocean, air, rail, etc)
• Fuel costs and surcharges
• Origin and destination ports
• Any special handling requirements

The cost to ship a container from China to Saudi Arabia can vary widely based on the mode of transport and container size.

For sea freight:

• 20ft container: $1,050 – $2,050
• 40ft container: $1,800 – $3,200
• if you want to check new freight now , pls contact with us by mail or whatsapp.

Sea Freight Shipping Rate from China to Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Here is a table summarizing the estimated sea freight rates from major ports in China to Saudi Arabia:

Key notes:

• Rates are general estimates for FCL shipments of common goods
• Actual rates vary based on cargo type, seasonal factors, fuel costs, etc.
• Transit time is typically 3-5 weeks from China to Saudi ports
• Sea freight is lower cost but slower than air freight (4-10x more expensive)

Air freight cost from China to Saudi Arabia

Air freight from China to Saudi Arabia is between 4 USD and 9 USD per kilogram. The price of 100 kg of goods is about 600 USD. The price of express air freight is 800 USD. Please refer to the table below:

Door to Door Shipping Costs from China to Saudi Arabia

Door to door shipping service or DDP service is one of the best services from China to Saudi Arabia, in door to door shipping service, Basenton Logistics provides all conveniences to the customers and completes all the shipping process.

You may also be interested in: DDP Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia

How Long Does it Take to Ship Cargo From China to Saudi Arabia?

There is a world of difference between air freight and ocean freight transit times. You must typically allow several weeks for an LCL or FCL ocean freight shipment to arrive in Saudia Arabia from its port of origin in China.

On the other hand, air freight spends mere hours in transit, making it the logical choice if your supply chain depends on rapid shipping. Remember, though, that air freight, like ocean freight, must also undergo customs clearance at both ends of its journey. Realistically then, it takes a few days before a shipment flown from China is available to the recipient in the KSA.

How Long Does It Take to Ship Cargo by Sea From China to Saudi Arabia?

Transit times for ocean freight from China to Saudi Arabia depend on several factors, such as:

•       · Whether you choose to ship using LCL or FCL services
•       · Whether your goods clear customs without any delays
•       · Whether your freight is on a direct route, or one with stops on the way
•       · Whether the vessel steams fast or slow

With so many variables, it’s not easy to predict precisely how long it takes to ship ocean freight between the two countries. To give you some idea though, here are some examples from our schedules:

• Qingdao to Jeddah – 26 days FCL
• Guangzhou to Ad Dammam – 22 days FCL, 30 days LCL
• Guangzhou to Jeddah – 24 days FCL, 30 days LCL
• Shanghai to Ad Dammam – 23 days FCL, 31 days LCL
• Tianjin to Ad Dammam – 30 days LCL
• Xiamen to Ad Dammam – 28 days LCL
• Huangpu to Ad Dammam or Jeddah – 26 days FCL
• Shanghai or Shenzhen to Jeddah – 27 days FCL

Air freight time from China to Saudi Arabia

Shipping to Saudi Arabia from China Customs and Duty Documentation

Customs and Documentation

Shipping to Saudi Arabia necessitates compliance with the country’s customs regulations. Businesses must provide accurate and complete documentation for their shipments. The essential documents include:

• Commercial Invoice: This document contains details about the shipped goods, including their description, value, quantity, and origin.
• Bill of Lading (BOL): It serves as evidence of the contract of carriage and receipt of the goods by the carrier.
• Certificate of Origin: This document validates the origin of the goods and is crucial for applying for preferential tariffs under trade agreements.
• Packing List: A detailed list of the contents of each package or container in the shipment.
• Import License or Permits: Some goods might require specific import licenses or permits, so it is crucial to check the Saudi Arabian regulations before shipping.

Tariffs and Duties

Saudi Arabia imposes import tariffs and duties on various goods. The rates vary depending on the product category and origin country. To avoid unexpected costs and delays, businesses should determine the applicable tariffs and duties for their products in advance and factor them into their pricing and budgeting.

Packaging and Labeling

Proper packaging and labeling are critical for the safe transportation of goods and compliance with Saudi Arabian regulations. Packaging should be sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of long-distance transportation. Additionally, labeling should be clear and include essential information such as product descriptions, weight, country of origin, and handling instructions.

Working with a Reliable Freight Forwarder

Navigating the complexities of shipping to Saudi Arabia can be challenging, especially for businesses new to international trade. Partnering with a reputable freight forwarder can significantly simplify the process. A reliable freight forwarder will handle all aspects of the shipping process, from documentation and customs clearance to transportation and delivery, ensuring a hassle-free experience for businesses.

Freight forwarding from China to Saudi Arabia

Importing Shipping to Saudi Arabia from China is easier than you might think. We can transport your air and ocean shipments on time and in the most affordable way. With our state-of-the-art online platform, you’ll be able to finally accelerate your supply chain by managing your entire shipment process in one place. There’s no need to coordinate multiple agencies anymore.

Why Ship From China to Saudi Arabia With Basenton ?

Here are your advantages when you ship with us:

• Online quotes: Receive them in an instant.
• Online booking and payment: Send your freight on its way fast.
• One platform: Manage all of your imports and exports in one place.
• Customs clearance: A complex process taken care of for you.
• Shipping documentation: Always know what to prepare.
• Customer service: At your disposal 24/7 via phone, email, and chat.
• Compliance: Always in line with international shipping rules and regulations.

Basenton will therefore be your international shipping agent and help you Shipping to Saudi Arabia from China. We offer you a warehouse address located in Guangdong province – the logistical and import-export hub of China with access to the most shipping routes from China at the lowest shipping rates. As a result, Basenton has become the preferred international shipping agent for countless businesses and individuals in Saudi Arabia who are looking to buy and ship from China to Saudi Arabia.