With the continuous strengthening of trade relations between China and Myanmar, Chinese-made goods are in great demand in the Myanmar market. More and more companies need to ship goods from China to Myanmar. One of the most important issues for companies before exporting is the transportation cost. This article will introduce the logistics costs between the two countries in detail.
Shipping Cost from China to Myanmar
Understanding the transportation cost structure is crucial to controlling the budget. Choosing the right mode of transportation can greatly improve efficiency and reduce costs. There are currently three main modes: land transportation, sea transportation and air transportation. Each mode has its unique advantages and applicable scenarios;
| Shipping Mode | Destination | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (LCL) | Myanmar | $110–$200/CBM | Bulk or consolidated cargo |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | Myanmar | $1,300–$2,500 | Large shipments requiring a full container |
| Land Freight | Myanmar | $110–$170/CBM | Suitable for small and medium batches of goods |
| Air Freight | Myanmar | $3.5–$5/kg | Urgent, high-value, or temperature-sensitive goods |
Cost Composition of Shipping from China to Myanmar
The cost structure of different modes of transport (land, sea, air) is slightly different, but overall it consists of the following main parts. Understanding the composition of each cost will help you understand the cost of the entire transportation plan:
- Basic freight: the core cost of transportation, calculated by weight (air), volume or number of containers (sea).
- Tariffs and VAT: Myanmar import tariffs are generally 0%-40%, depending on the HS code.
- Customs clearance fees: including customs declaration, documents, agency fees, etc.
- Port and terminal fees: loading and unloading, warehousing costs.
- Insurance premiums: It is recommended to purchase insurance to protect the risks of goods.
- Surcharges: peak season surcharges, fuel surcharges, border service fees, etc.
Factors Affecting of Shipping Cost from China to Myanmar
The cost of cross-border logistics between China and Myanmar is not fixed. It is mainly determined by the mode of transportation and is also affected by many factors. Understanding these key factors can help you predict the cost:
Place of origin and destination
The cost will vary depending on the delivery distance
Weight and size
Heavier or larger items usually have higher transportation costs.
Whether there is a warehouse/collection service
Multiple shippers need to combine shipments, and there will be packaging/sorting costs
Cargo attributes
Dangerous goods, liquids, batteries and other sensitive goods require additional fees.
Customs clearance policy
Myanmar’s import tax rate and policy adjustments will affect the overall cost.
Seasonal and market fluctuations
The competition for limited space in the peak season (pre-holiday, rainy season) intensifies, and freight rates are usually higher
Main Methods of Shipping from China to Myanmar
There is frequent trade between China and Myanmar, and the logistics methods are mainly divided into three types: land transportation, sea transportation and air transportation. Different types of goods, time requirements and cost budgets, the following is a detailed introduction to the costs and characteristics of the three methods:
Land Freight
Land transportation is an important logistics option for transporting goods from China to Myanmar. It has smooth customs, lower freight rates than air transportation, faster time than sea transportation, high flexibility, and can reach remote areas and cities that cannot be reached by air or sea transportation. The costs are as follows:
| Departure | Arrival | LTL Cost | FTL Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kunming | Mandalay | $110–$170/CBM | $950–$1,400 |
| Kunming | Yangon | $110–$160/CBM | $850–$1,400 |
| Ruili | Mandalay | $120–$160/CBM | $850–$1,450 |
| Ruili | Yangon | $110–$170/CBM | $900–$1,400 |
Sea Freight
Ocean freight transports large quantities of goods at a lower unit cost, with low costs for large-volume transportation. It can carry various types of goods, including oversized and heavy items, and provides flexible solutions for various transportation needs. The costs are as follows:
| Departure Port (China) | Arrival Port (Myanmar) | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Yangon | $950 – $1,350 | $1,400 – $1,750 |
| Shenzhen | Yangon | $900 – $1,200 | $1,500 – $1,800 |
| Ningbo | Yangon | $950 – $1,250 | $1,550 – $1,850 |
| Guangzhou | Yangon | $800 – $1,200 | $1,300 – $1,700 |
| Qingdao | Yangon | $900 – $1,300 | $1,400 – $1,700 |
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest mode of transport and is suitable for timely delivery of products such as electronics, fashion items and perishables. It also offers enhanced security and tracking features, allowing businesses to monitor their shipments in real time. The costs are as follows
| Departure Port (China) | Arrival Port (Sri Lanka) | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Yangon | $3.0–$5/kg |
| Shenzhen | Yangon | $3.5–$5/kg |
| Beijing | Yangon | $3.0–$5/kg |
| Hongkong | Yangon | $3.5–$5/kg |
Learn more about fees below:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Malaysia
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Thailand
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Sri Lanka?
How to Reduce Shipping Cost from China to Myanmar
As China-Myanmar trade grows year by year, more and more companies and individuals are beginning to pay attention to transportation costs. Use the following strategies to reduce logistics costs between the two countries:
Optimize packaging
Reduce volume weight and save sea/air freight costs.
LCL/Carpooling
Choose LCL (LCL) or carpooling for small quantities of goods.
Plan ahead
Avoid peak freight seasons (such as around the Spring Festival).
Long-term cooperation
Sign an agreement with a freight forwarder and strive for discounts.
Choose a suitable port
Yunnan land transportation is faster and cheaper than East China sea transportation (for some goods).
The cost of shipping from China to Myanmar varies greatly. This article will help you choose the best solution based on budget, timeliness, and cargo type, and select a professional freight forwarding company to ensure a safe, efficient, and low-cost cross-border logistics experience.