With the increasing economic ties between China and Cameroon, the demand for cargo transportation is growing. Logistics transportation from China to Cameroon involves a variety of service types and cost calculation methods, which will be described in detail in this article.
How to Ship from China to Cameroon
Sea Freight
Sea Freight is the most common mode of transportation from China to Cameroon, with low cost, especially suitable for large quantities and non-urgent goods. But sea transportation takes a long time. It usually takes 25-40 days for goods to be transported from major ports in China to the Port of Douala in Cameroon. The main transportation services are divided into FCL and LCL.
Air Freight
Air Freight is the fastest mode of transportation with high security. It is suitable for high-value goods or urgent materials with strict time requirements. It takes about 5-10 days for goods to fly from major airports in China to Douala International Airport and Yaounde International Airport in Cameroon.
Cost of Shipping from China to Cameroon
The cost of shipping from China to Cameroon will be affected by many factors. According to the weight and volume of the goods, sea or air transportation is selected.
- Flight time and route selection: Direct flights are usually more expensive than connecting flights, and additional fees may be added when flight time is tight.
- Seasonal fluctuations: Ocean freight prices are also affected by the season, especially during peak seasons (such as the peak shipping period before and after holidays), and costs may increase.
- Type of goods: Some goods require special handling, which will increase costs.
LCL Shipping Cost from China to Cameroon
LCL shipping (LCL) is sharing a container with other customers. Suitable for small quantities of goods, it is generally calculated based on the volume and weight of the goods. The following is the cost range for shipping from China to Cameroon:
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of Cameroon) | LCL Cost/cbm |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Douala | $85–$120 |
| Shenzhen | Douala | $86–$123 |
| Qingdao | Douala | $90-$128 |
| Ningbo | Douala | $80–$120 |
| Guangzhou | Douala | $85–$120 |
| Tianjin | Douala | $90–$120 |
| Dalian | Douala | $85–$125 |
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Cameroon
Full container shipping from China to Cameroon is suitable for the transportation of bulk goods. There are mainly two types of containers: 20ft and 40ft. The following is the cost range of shipping containers:
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of Cameroon) | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Mombasa | $1550-$2700 | $3500-$4900 |
| Shenzhen | Mombasa | $1600-$2800 | $3450-$4750 |
| Qingdao | Mombasa | $1750-$2750 | $3650-$4950 |
| Ningbo | Mombasa | $1800-$2800 | $3250-$4850 |
| Guangzhou | Mombasa | $1750-$2950 | $3450-$5000 |
| Tianjin | Mombasa | $1800-$2600 | $3500-$4900 |
| Dalian | Mombasa | $2700-$2900 | $3450-$4850 |
Read below for container shipping costs to other countries to help you understand more:
- Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Tanzania
- Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to South Africa
- Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Nigeria
- Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Containers from China to Egypt
- Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Algeria
Air Freight Cost from China to Cameroon
The cost of air freight mainly depends on the weight and volume of the goods. The cost of air freight from China to Cameroon is about 5-8 USD/kg, depending on the route, airline and season. The following is the range of air freight costs:
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Cameroon) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Yaounde | $5.0 – $8.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Yaounde | $5.0 – $7.8 |
| Beijing Capital | Yaounde | $5.5 – $7.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Douala | $5.5 – $8.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Douala | $5.0 – $7.5 |
| Beijing Capital | Douala | $5.5 – $7.8 |
If you want to know the container shipping prices in the surrounding areas:
- How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Egypt?
- How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Ghana
- How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Nigeria
- How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Algeria?
- How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Tanzania
- How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Kenya?
Cost of Shipping from China to Cameroon Additional Fees and Taxes
Additional fees
- Fuel surcharge: related to oil price fluctuations, it is an important part of freight.
- Security fee: used to ensure the safety of cargo transportation.
- Port charges: including loading and unloading fees, storage fees, etc.
Taxes and tariffs
- Tariffs: Cameroon import tariffs are calculated according to the type of goods, usually 5–30% of the declared value. Tariff = declared value × tariff rate
- Value Added Tax (VAT): Cameroon’s standard VAT rate is 19.25%. VAT = (declared value + tariff) × VAT rate
- Other fees: may include customs agency fees and documentation fees.
Tips to Reduce Freight Costs from China to Cameroon
Choose the Right Mode of Transport
Choose sea or air transport based on the timeliness of the goods. For large quantities of goods, sea freight is more cost-effective.
Optimize Packaging
Proper cargo packaging can reduce the volume and weight of the goods, thereby reducing freight costs.
Plan Shipping Time Reasonably
Avoid peak shipping periods (such as around holidays) to lock in lower freight rates.
Choose a Reliable Freight Forwarder
Work with an experienced freight forwarder to get more competitive prices and services.
Consolidate Freight
Consolidate multiple shipments into one shipment to save money.
Arrange Shipping in Advance
Plan shipping time in advance to avoid additional costs caused by emergency shipping.
Consider intermodal transport
Under the right circumstances, intermodal options can provide cost advantages over long distances.
The cost of shipping from China to Cameroon varies depending on factors such as the mode of transport, the characteristics of the goods, and additional charges. Learn how to use reasonable cost-saving techniques to reduce logistics costs and improve market competitiveness through this article.