China-Africa trade has flourished in recent years. As a major economy in Central Africa, Gabon has seen a growing demand for cargo transportation between China and Gabon. This article provides a comprehensive overview of shipping times from China to Gabon, helping importers and exporters optimize their logistics.
Factors Affecting Shipping Time from China to Gabon
Shipping time from China to Gabon is affected by a variety of factors, with varying degrees of impact depending on the mode of transport (sea, air, dedicated line, etc.). The following are some of the main factors:
Direct Flight or Transit Routes
Shipping directly from a Chinese port to a Gabon port (rare) results in faster shipping times. Transit routes, however, add 3-7 days to shipping time for each additional transit stop and carry the risk of delays.
Differences between the Port of Origin and the Port of Destination
The density of shipping routes varies from port to port, affecting shipping time.
Shipping Schedules and Flight Frequency
Sea freight typically sails once or twice a week, though some less popular routes may sail every 10-15 days.
Holiday Impacts
Ships and factories may be idle during the Spring Festival and National Day holidays, leading to tight shipping capacity. For example, during Independence Day (August), port clearance or delivery delays may occur.
Weather or Force Majeure
Typhoons, port strikes, and route adjustments may cause delays. Ship and flight delays are more common during the rainy season and inclement weather.
Overview of Shipping Times from China to Gabon
Cargo shipping times between China and Gabon vary depending on the mode of transport and specific route. The latest data from 2025 shows:
| Shipping Method | Average Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight(FCL) | 20–40 days | Bulk, heavy, and non-urgent cargo |
| Sea Freight(LCL) | 25–45 days | Cargo less than 15 cubic meters |
| Air Freight | 5–8 days | Urgent, lightweight or valuable goods |
Learn more about shipping times from China:
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Nigeria?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Cameroon?
Shipping Routes from China to Gabon
The main modes of transportation from China to Gabon are sea freight and air freight. You can choose the appropriate mode of transport based on the characteristics of your cargo and your needs. Below are details on the two modes:
Air Freight
Air freight involves transporting cargo from the departure airport to the destination airport via an airline. It offers fast speeds, efficient customs clearance, streamlined airport procedures, reduced port delays, relatively low risk, low cargo damage rates, and a safer transportation process. It is suitable for high-value, urgent, or time-sensitive cargo.
Air freight primarily transits from major departure airports in China to Libreville International Airport via transit, typically taking 4–10 days.
| Departure Airport in China | Arrival Airport in Gabon | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong | Libreville | 5-9 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Libreville | 6-10 days |
| Shenzhen Bao’an | Libreville | 6-9 days |
| Beijing Capital | Libreville | 7-9 days |
| Hong Kong | Libreville | 5-7 days |
Sea Freight
Sea freight is the most commonly used international freight method. It offers the lowest unit transportation cost and a large capacity, allowing it to transport large quantities of cargo, including heavy equipment, machinery, and large building materials. It is particularly suitable for transporting large, bulky, and non-urgent cargo. Its flexible loading capacity supports both full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) shipments, making it suitable for long-distance transportation.
The average transit time for goods from major ports along the Chinese coast to the Port of Libreville or Port of Owendo in Gabon via transit ports in Asia or the Middle East is 20–45 days.
| Departure Port in China | Arrival Port in Gabon | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Port | Port of Owendo | 20-35 days |
| Ningbo Port | Port of Owendo | 22-40 days |
| Shenzhen Port | Port of Owendo | 23-41 days |
| Shanghai Port | Port of Libreville | 25-40 days |
| Ningbo Port | Port of Libreville | 26-45 days |
| Shenzhen Port | Port of Libreville | 20-40 days |
Detailed Steps for Shipping from China to Gabon
Understanding the shipping process, shipping timelines, and precautions from China to Gabon will help you plan international shipments more efficiently and avoid wasted time and money.
Clarify cargo information
Confirm the cargo name, quantity, packaging, volume, weight, and whether it is dangerous goods, batteries, or requires special declarations.
Choose the appropriate shipping method
Select the most suitable shipping method based on cargo volume, timeliness, and budget.
Booking and Pickup Arrangement
The freight forwarder will arrange a ship or flight based on your selected shipping method and deliver the goods to your designated warehouse.
Export Declaration
Submit the documents to China Customs for export declaration. Upon completion, a manifest and bill of lading (sea freight) or waybill (air freight) will be generated.
Transport and Cargo Monitoring
Your cargo will be tracked and monitored in real time while in transit. You will receive regular updates on the status of your shipment, including its location and estimated arrival time.
Customs Clearance to Gabon
The destination agent or shipping company will notify the consignee of the arrival of the goods. The consignee will then need to prepare customs clearance documents, which typically take 3-7 business days. These documents include:
- Bill of Lading or Waybill
- Invoice and Packing List
- Import Permit (if applicable)
- Gabonese Tax Number and other documents
Pick Up Goods
The consignee must pay the relevant charges at the destination port and then pick up the goods or arrange for local delivery.
How to Speed Up the Shipping from China to Gabon?
More and more Chinese companies are turning their attention to the African market. However, due to the relatively unpopularity of routes to Gabon, long shipping times, and complex customs clearance procedures, the following strategies can help shorten logistics times between the two countries:
- Plan ahead to avoid peak booking times.
- Prepare all customs declaration documents at once to reduce customs clearance risks at the destination port.
- Reduce transfers and choose faster routes.
- Customs clearance procedures in African countries are complex, so partner with a freight forwarder with African experience.
- Use real-time tracking tools to monitor logistics progress.
Choose Ubestshipping as your freight forwarder from China to Gabon, contact us now, we will arrange for someone to connect with you within 24 hours and help you easily deal with complex international logistics!