With the increase in trade between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, more and more Chinese companies regard Armenia as an important market. The transportation costs vary greatly due to many factors. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the logistics costs between the two countries to help plan the costs of transportation plans.
Learn more in the following articles:
Shipping from China to Azerbaijan
Shipping from China to Georgia
Shipping Cost from China to Armenia
With the continuous growth of trade, more and more Chinese exporters and Armenian importers have begun to pay attention to the logistics costs of shipping from China to Armenia. The freight costs from China to Armenia vary depending on the selected mode of transportation:
| Shipping Mode | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20-foot container) | $2,100-$3,500 | Includes overland transport from Poti/Batumi to Yerevan. |
| Sea Freight (40-foot container) | $3,500-$4,500 | Cost-effective for bulk shipments, factoring in land transport. |
| Rail Freight（40HQ） | $4,000-$5,500 | Ideal for shipping time-sensitive, high-volume shipments to Armenia |
| Rail Freight （Less than container load） | $180-$220/CBM | Suitable for small and medium batches of goods |
| Air Freight | $4.20 per kg | Fast delivery, ideal for high-value or urgent shipments. |
Factors Affect of Shipping Cost from China to Armenia
The cost of shipping from China to Armenia is determined by the mode of transport, but the entire shipping process is also affected by different factors:
Different ports
The cost varies depending on the departure port and the destination port in China, and the distance between the departure and destination also varies.
Different service types
Different service types may affect the total cost, as this will include additional truck transportation or last-mile freight.
Cargo type
Cargo that requires special handling, such as dangerous goods, temperature-controlled items, or fragile items, will incur additional costs for special handling
Seasonal demand
Freight rates tend to fluctuate according to market conditions and demand. (such as “Double Eleven”, before Christmas), freight rates may increase significantly.
Fuel surcharges and exchange rate fluctuations
Fuel prices and exchange rate changes affect shipping costs.
Components of Shipping Cost from China to Armenia
The cost of transporting from China to Armenia usually includes:
- Basic freight (by volume/weight for sea freight, by actual or volume weight for air freight)
- Fuel surcharge (for both sea and air freight)
- Port/airport handling fee
- Customs clearance fee (export from China + import from Armenia)
- Land transit fee (such as shipping to Georgia by sea and then transported to Armenia by truck)
- Customs duties and VAT (depending on Armenian customs policy)
- Insurance fee (optional, usually 0.3%-1% of the value of the goods)
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Sea Freight
Sea freight is often the most economical and practical option for transporting large quantities of goods over long distances. Sea freight is cheaper, can accommodate a variety of sizes and types of goods, and is suitable for transporting a wide range of goods. Sea freight to Poti or Batumi, Georgia, and then transported by road to Armenia.
| Departure | Arrival | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Armenia | $2,000 – $3,000 | $3,400-$4,600 |
| Shenzhen | Armenia | $2,200 – $3,200 | $3,600-$4,550 |
| Ningbo | Armenia | $2,050 – $3,250 | $3,500-$4,650 |
| Guangzhou | Armenia | $2,000 – $3,200 | $3,550-$4,500 |
| Qingdao | Armenia | $2,000 – $3,300 | $3,500-$4,500 |
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest way to transport goods internationally, with high flexibility and reliability. With frequent flight schedules and strict safety measures, reducing handling links can reduce the risk of damage to goods during transportation.
| Departure | Arrival | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Yerevan | $5.0–$7.0/kg |
| Shenzhen | Yerevan | $4.5–$7.0/kg |
| Beijing | Yerevan | $5.0–$7.5/kg |
| Hongkong | Yerevan | $4.5–$7.5/kg |
Rail Freight
Rail freight is a balance between sea and air freight. It is usually cheaper than air freight, but has faster transit times than sea freight, a smaller carbon footprint, less impact on the environment, high reliability, and is less affected by weather conditions than ships, so it can ensure that goods are delivered on time. China-Europe Express or international railway, to Georgia or Azerbaijan, and then transferred to road transport to enter Armenia.
| Departure | Arrival | LCL Cost | Full Cabinet (40HQ) Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yiwu | Armenia | $150–$250/CBM | $4850–$5,400 |
| Xi’an | Armenia | $180–$220/CBM | $4350–$5,400 |
| Chengdu | Armenia | $170–$230/CBM | $4250–$5,450 |
Import Taxes and Tariffs in Armenia
Import taxes and tariffs are important factors affecting the total cost of shipping goods from China to Armenia. They mainly include value-added tax (VAT) and tariffs, which vary from product to product and are determined according to the Harmonized System (HS) classification.
| Product Type | VAT Rate (%) | Customs Duty Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 20 | 0 – 10 |
| Textiles | 20 | 5 – 12 |
| Footwear | 20 | 3 – 15 |
| Agricultural Products | 10 | 0 – 12 |
| Automobiles | 20 | 10 – 32 |
How to Reduce of shipping Cost from China to Armenia
Using the following strategies can help effectively reduce the logistics costs between the two countries:
Optimize cargo packaging
Reasonable packaging can reduce the risk of damage to goods during transportation, thereby reducing compensation costs
Optimize transportation routes
By choosing shorter or lower-cost transportation routes, unnecessary expenses can be reduced.
Concentrated transportation
Concentrating multiple pieces of goods can reduce the transportation cost of each piece of goods.
Take advantage of the free trade agreement
China-Armenia preferential tax rates (such as FORM E)
Simplify the customs clearance process
Make sure all necessary documents are complete to avoid additional costs due to customs clearance issues.
Find the right freight forwarder
Compare quotes with multiple freight forwarders and choose the one with the best price and service.
The cost of shipping from China to Armenia varies greatly depending on the mode of transportation, type of goods, seasonal factors, etc. By optimizing packaging, consolidation, and advance planning, this article can effectively reduce costs and ensure smooth transportation.