In the global trade pattern, China and Australia have always maintained close ties in cargo exchanges. As the scale of China-Australia trade continues to expand, more and more companies and individuals are beginning to care about the cost of shipping containers from China to Australia. This article will introduce this in detail.
Container Shipping from China to Australia
Trade between China and Australia is becoming increasingly frequent. As the main mode of transportation, sea freight accounts for more than 90% of the cargo transportation between the two countries.
Australia mainly imports electromechanical products, textiles, furniture, toys and metal products from China, most of which are transported by container shipping. This article will introduce the cost of shipping containers from China to Australia in detail.
Introduction to 20ft and 40ft Container
Choosing a 20ft or 40ft container depends on the volume and weight of the cargo. 20-foot containers are suitable for small-volume, high-density cargo (such as machinery and equipment, building materials), and 40-foot containers are suitable for light cargo (such as furniture and textiles).
| Category | 20ft container | 40ft container |
| Volume | 33 cubic meters | 67 cubic meters |
| Maximum loading weight | 27 tons | 27 tons |
| Applicable scenarios | Heavy goods, small amounts of goods | Large but light goods |
| Shipping cost | Low | High |
In addition to the standard dry container, you can also choose according to the characteristics of the goods:
- High cabinet (40HQ): increase the height by 30cm, the volume is about 76 cubic meters
- Open top container (Open Top): suitable for ultra-high goods
- Flat rack container (Flat Rack): suitable for large and heavy goods
- Refrigerated container (Reefer): temperature controllable, suitable for food, medicine, etc.
Learn more: Different Types of Containers
Factors Affecting of Shipping Container Cost from China to Australia
The shipping costs from China to Australia are not fixed. They are affected by many factors:
Differences in ports
The cost of leaving Shanghai and Xiamen may differ by 5–15%. Similarly, the arrival costs in Melbourne and Brisbane are also different.
Seasonal changes
Freight rates will increase by 20–40% during the peak season (usually July–October each year).
Type of goods
Special goods such as dangerous goods and frozen goods require additional fees.
Fuel costs
The fuel surcharge (BAF) accounts for about 20-30% of the cost of ocean shipping. Fluctuations in international oil prices will directly affect this part of the cost.
Customs clearance and destination miscellaneous fees
Australia has strict customs clearance requirements for imported goods, and inspection and quarantine fees and tariffs will also affect the overall cost.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Container from China to Australia
The cost of container shipping from China to the UK depends on the type of container and is mainly composed of the following fees:
- Transportation costs: container transportation costs
- Documentation fees (Bill of Lading Fee): about $50-$100
- Maritime surcharges (such as fuel surcharges, peak season surcharges): vary according to routes and periods
- Destination port miscellaneous fees (such as terminal operation fees, customs inspection fees): $400-$800
- Tariffs and Value Added Tax (GST): levied according to the value of the goods and the category of the goods
- Storage fees (incurred if the goods are not picked up in time): charged per day
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Sydney | $2050-$3350 | $3500-$5000 |
| Shenzhen | Sydney | $1900-$3500 | $3450-$4950 |
| Ningbo | Sydney | $2000-$3400 | $3650-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Melbourne | $1950-$2450 | $3350-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Melbourne | $1900-$3300 | $3500-$5000 |
| Ningbo | Melbourne | $2050-$3650 | $3450-$5050 |
| Shanghai | Brisbane | $1800-$3500 | $3650-$4850 |
| Shenzhen | Brisbane | $1900-$3400 | $3500-$4800 |
| Ningbo | Brisbane | $1850-$3350 | $3750-$4950 |
| Shanghai | Fremantle | $1950-$2450 | $3350-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Fremantle | $1900-$3400 | $3650-$4850 |
| Ningbo | Fremantle | $2000-$3400 | $3500-$4800 |
Learn more about container charges in the following articles:
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Canada
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to USA
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Saudi Arabia
Shipping Container Customs Clearance from China to Australia
Document preparation
- Invoice
- Packing list
- Contract
- Customs declaration
- Export license (if special goods are involved).
Australian customs clearance requirements
Strict biosafety requirements, especially wooden packaging must comply with ISPM15 standards; some goods (such as food, wood products) may be required to undergo AQIS inspection.
Customs clearance time
Generally 2-5 working days, inspection of goods or incomplete information will cause delays.
Choose a reliable customs clearance agent
Experienced customs clearance companies in Australia can effectively help you avoid risks and avoid unnecessary fines and delays.
By fully understanding the various links and cost components of China-Australia container transportation, importers can more accurately budget logistics costs, choose the most suitable transportation plan, and ensure that goods arrive at their destination safely, economically and on time.