Trade between China and Gabon has grown steadily in recent years, with a steady influx of machinery, building materials, and consumer goods into the Gabonese market. Shipping costs are a key factor in determining profit margins. This article will detail the logistics costs of shipping goods from China to Gabon.
Factors Affecting Shipping Cost from China to Gabon
Shipping costs from China to Gabon are generally not fixed. They are determined by the mode of transport and are influenced by many factors:
Port of Departure and Port of Destination
Direct routes to ports are faster but can be more expensive. Gabon’s main import port is Owendo (Libreville). The longer the shipping distance and the more complex the transshipment, the higher the cost.
Cargo Type and Customs Requirements
Dangerous goods, perishables, and large machinery require special packaging, certification, or handling, resulting in higher costs.
Routes and Schedules
The number of transit ports will affect shipping costs and delivery times.
Cargo Volume and Weight
Large shipments of full container loads are more cost-effective than multiple smaller shipments.
Seasonal Fluctuations
Pre-holiday peak seasons and global shipping capacity constraints can drive up prices.
Port and Inland Costs
Port charges, storage fees, and demurrage fees at the destination port directly increase the total cost.
Customs Clearance and Taxes
Tariffs, VAT, and additional inspection fees significantly impact the final landed cost.
Gabon’s Major Ports and Airports
- Port of Owendo: Gabon’s largest, busiest, and most modern port, primarily handles containerized shipping, bulk cargo, and roll-on/roll-off cargo, handling 80% of the country’s containers. Most Chinese exports (full container loads and less than container loads) clear customs through this port.
- Port of Libreville: A long-established commercial port, currently primarily handling general cargo. Located near the capital, it offers short land transportation distances.
- Libreville International Airport (LBV): Gabon’s primary international air gateway, serving both cargo and passenger traffic, with approximately 800-1,200 tons of freighter capacity per week.
Sea Freight Cost from China to Gabon
Sea freight is the most commonly used mode of transportation. It offers low costs and is suitable for bulk cargo. It can transport a wide variety of goods. Routes are sparse, requiring some transit, resulting in longer journeys and slower transit times. Flexible cargo loading options are available, and LCL/FCL (less than container load) options are available. The following is a breakdown of the costs:
- Port of Departure (China Export): Land transportation costs from the factory to the port, export declaration, document processing fees, loading and unloading, yard handling fees, and bill of lading and other document preparation costs.
- International Ocean Freight (Main Route Freight): Main costs for FCL/LCL ocean transportation and bunker surcharge (BAF).
- Port of Destination (Gabon Import): Costs for container loading, storage, devanning, and import declaration services.
- Other possible costs: Demurrage fees for delayed pickup, and inspection fees in the event of random inspections by Gabonese customs.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL Shipping cost | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Libreville | $80-$150 | $1850-$2850 | $3000-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Libreville | $80-$145 | $1800-$2800 | $3050-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Libreville | $85-$150 | $1850-$3000 | $3050-$4650 |
| Shanghai | Owendo | $90-$145 | $1950-$2750 | $3050-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Owendo | $80-$145 | $1900-$2900 | $3000-$5000 |
| Ningbo | Owendo | $75-$145 | $1800-$2850 | $3050-$4850 |
Air Freight Cost from China to Gabon
Air freight offers fast turnaround times, significantly reducing inventory and delivery risks. It’s highly secure and requires minimal ground contact. However, flight availability is limited and requires advance scheduling. Tracking capabilities allow businesses to monitor their shipments in real time, making it an efficient and reliable solution for urgent, valuable, or small-volume shipments. The main costs are as follows:
- International air freight: Charged by “billable weight” (kg), depending on the airline.
- Volumetric weight: Volumetric weight = length × width × height (cm) ÷ 6000.
- Export customs clearance fees: China customs documents, customs clearance processing, etc.
- Pickup/delivery fees: Ground transportation costs from the factory to the airport, calculated based on the address.
- Documentation fees: Preparation of documents such as the airway bill.
- Customs clearance fees at the destination port: Gabon customs clearance services and document review.
| Cargo Type | Weight Range | Estimated Cost per Kg (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Cargo | 45 kg to 100 kg | $4 – $8 |
| Medium-weight Cargo | 101 kg to 500 kg | $4 – $7 |
| Bulk Cargo | Over 500 kg | $3 – $6 |
Learn about shipping costs to West Africa in the following article:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Congo?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Cameroon
Import Taxes and Duties in Gabon
When exporting goods from China to Gabon, destination taxes and fees are a significant factor affecting final profits. The Common External Tariff (CET) of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) is adopted, with corresponding tariff rates:
Import taxes mainly include:
- Tariffs: levied on the value of goods, with the rate depending on the product type (HS code).
- Value-Added Tax (VAT): The standard VAT rate in Gabon is 18%.
- Excise Tax: Applicable to special goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and luxury goods.
- Statistical Tax: Generally 1%, calculated based on the CIF price (cost + insurance + freight).
Tariff application scope and reference tax rate:
| Product Category | Reference Tariff Rate |
| Electronics | 10%–20% |
| Apparel/Textiles | 30% |
| Furniture | 20%–30% |
| Machinery | 5%–10% |
| Medical Supplies | 0%–10% |
| Food | 20%–30% |
Practical Tips for Reducing Shipping Costs
Transportation costs account for an increasing proportion of foreign trade orders. Use the following strategies to significantly reduce unnecessary expenses:
Consolidate shipments and prioritize full container loads
Full container loads (FCL) are more cost-effective and avoid high devanning fees at the destination port.
Book ahead to avoid peak seasons
Peak shipping seasons are January to March (before the Lunar New Year) and September to December (before Christmas). Space is tight and the PSS (Pre-shipment Surcharge) increases. Book 2-3 weeks in advance to secure low prices and space.
Optimize packaging to reduce volume and weight
Appropriate palletizing and compact packaging can save up to 10-30% on freight costs.
Select a preferred port of departure
Compare freight rates, port charges, and trucking fees at various ports.
Choose appropriate trade terms
Using FOB with a recommended freight forwarder allows buyers to control costs.
Freight Forwarding from China to Gabon
As a key market in central and western Africa, Gabon places high demands on timely, reliable, and professional logistics services. As a professional freight forwarder from China to Gabon, we provide efficient, secure, and transparent international transportation solutions. Our strengths include:
- Familiar with China-Africa trade processes, our dedicated team is well-versed in local Gabonese policies.
- One-on-one dedicated customer service with full shipping status tracking.
- Reasonable pricing and no hidden fees prevent you from being caught out by high port charges.
- Bilingual service (Chinese/English) facilitates communication between buyers and sellers.
- Door-to-door delivery is available, ensuring a worry-free experience.
Shipping costs from China to Gabon vary widely. By planning ahead and choosing the right shipping solution and freight forwarder, you can reduce costs and ensure your shipment arrives safely and on time. Contact Ubestshipping and we’ll send you a quote within 24 hours.