Poland is an important trading partner of China in Central and Eastern Europe and an important node of the Belt and Road Initiative. Costs are crucial for merchants and businesses. This article will introduce the costs of shipping from China to Poland in detail.
Poland’s trade Geographical Location
Poland is located in Central Europe, bordering Germany to the west. It has an important trade geographical location and is a major stopover for China-Europe trains. In recent years, China-Poland trade has continued to grow. The main export commodities include machinery and equipment, electronic products, textiles, furniture, etc., which can be freely traded to other EU countries.
Shipping Cost from China to Poland
There are three main modes of transportation from China to Poland, sea Freight, air Freight and rail Freight. The costs and characteristics of each mode of transportation are different. Budgeting transportation costs is essential for planning transportation plans. Here are ways to effectively predict transportation costs:
Use an online calculator
Many freight companies provide tools to estimate costs based on transportation methods, cargo size and distance.
Including additional costs
To ensure a comprehensive budget, consider the following factors:
- Fuel surcharge: varies with oil prices.
- Tariffs: depends on the type and value of goods.
- Insurance: covers potential losses or damages.
- Loading and unloading charges: Fees for loading and unloading goods.
Contingency Plan
It is best to add a buffer of about 10-15% to your budget to cope with unexpected expenses such as delays, route changes or tariff increases.
Sea Freight Cost from China to Poland
Sea freight is relatively cheap and is one of the most economical modes of transportation. It is suitable for traders with bulk goods, heavy goods and low-cost transportation needs. It is generally divided into two service types: FCL and LCL
- Full Container Load (FCL): Suitable for large quantities of goods, such as 20GP, 40GP, 40HQ, etc.
- Less than Container Load (LCL): Suitable for small quantities of goods, sharing a container with other shippers, and freight is calculated by cubic meters.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL shipping cost | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Gdansk | $85-$160 | $2050-$3050 | $3000-$4900 |
| Shenzhen | Gdansk | $80-$155 | $1900-$2900 | $3050-$4850 |
| Qingdao | Gdansk | $90-$140 | $1950-$2950 | $3050-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Gdansk | $85-$150 | $2000-$3000 | $3150-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Gdynia | $85-$160 | $1950-$2850 | $3050-$4700 |
| Shenzhen | Gdynia | $80-$155 | $1800-$2800 | $3100-$4800 |
| Qingdao | Gdynia | $90-$165 | $2050-$2950 | $3050-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Gdynia | $85-$145 | $2000-$2950 | $2950-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Szczecin | $80-$150 | $1850-$2750 | $3150-$4750 |
| Shenzhen | Szczecin | $85-$160 | $1950-$2850 | $3000-$4900 |
| Qingdao | Szczecin | $70-$145 | $2000-$3000 | $3100-$4800 |
| Ningbo | Szczecin | $95-$165 | $1950-$2900 | $3050-$4950 |
Air Freight Cost from China to Poland
Air freight is suitable for time-sensitive goods due to its high speed and highly predictable schedule. Air freight can minimize the risk of delays, but it is more expensive and the fees vary according to the weight and volume of the goods.
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Poland) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Warsaw Chopin | $6.0 – $10.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Warsaw Chopin | $5.0 – $9.8 |
| Beijing Capital | Warsaw Chopin | $5.5 – $8.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Katowice | $5.5 – $9.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Katowice | $5.0 – $9.5 |
| Beijing Capital | Katowice | $5.5 – $8.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Krakow | $6.0 – $9.5 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Krakow | $6.0 – $10.8 |
| Beijing Capital | Krakow | $5.0 – $9.0 |
Rail Freight Cost from China to Poland
China-Europe Express is one of the important modes of transport to Poland. It is conducive to transporting bulk items such as machinery, auto parts and electronic products. It takes advantage of the stability and high capacity of railways and is suitable for enterprises that need faster transportation time but lower cost than air transportation. The following is a list of common railway transportation ranges:
| Departure City(China) | Arrival City(Poland) | Shipping costs |
|---|---|---|
| Zhengzhou | Małaszewicze | $190 – $300 / ton |
| Chongqing | Małaszewicze | $200 – $290 / ton |
| Wuhan | Małaszewicze | $210 – $300 / ton |
| Zhengzhou | Warsaw | $200 – $295 / ton |
| Chongqing | Warsaw | $205 – $305 / ton |
| Wuhan | Warsaw | $195 – $300/ ton |
| Zhengzhou | Lodz | $200 – $290 / ton |
| Chongqing | Lodz | $205 – $305 / ton |
| Wuhan | Lodz | $190 – $300 / ton |
Refer to the following shipping costs from China to other countries:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Germany?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to France?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Denmark?
Factors Affecting Shipping from China to Poland
The cost of shipping from China to Poland is determined by the mode of transportation and is also affected by the following factors:
- International shipping market supply and demand: Market supply and demand directly affect freight rates.
- Fuel prices: Fuel surcharges for shipping, railways, and aviation will affect the final freight.
- Cargo type: Heavy goods (such as steel) and bulk goods (such as furniture) are calculated differently. Bulk goods are charged by volume, and heavy goods are charged by weight.
- Exchange rate fluctuations: Changes in the exchange rate between the US dollar, RMB, and Polish zloty (PLN) affect logistics costs.
- Policies and regulations: EU import policies and environmental regulations may affect transportation costs.
- Seasonal fluctuations: Peak seasons such as Black Friday, Christmas, and the Spring Festival lead to higher freight rates.
Taxes and Fees for Shipping from China to Poland
Import taxes and duties play a pivotal role in determining the total shipping cost for goods transported from China to Poland. These costs are influenced by several factors, including the value, classification, and shipping terms of the goods.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): In Poland, VAT is generally set at 23%. It is calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the goods plus any applicable customs duties.
- Customs Duties: The customs duty rate varies based on the product’s Harmonized System (HS) code. Different product categories attract different duty rates.
Customs Duty and VAT Rates by Product Type
| Product Type | Customs Duty Rate | VAT Rate |
| Electronics | 5% | 23% |
| Textiles | 12% | 23% |
| Machinery | 4% | 23% |
| Toys | 6% | 23% |
| Furniture | 10% | 23% |
For example, electronics are taxed at a different rate compared to textiles, which impacts the overall shipping cost. Accurate calculation of these taxes is essential for effective budgeting and to avoid unexpected expenses.
How to Reduce Shipping Cost from China to Poland
Optimize transportation methods
Choose the most appropriate transportation method according to the type of goods, such as combined transportation to reduce costs.
Reasonably arrange delivery time
Avoid peak seasons (such as Black Friday and Christmas) to reduce freight costs.
Consolidate freight transport
For example, reduce overall transportation costs by shipping in less than container load (LCL) rather than shipping separately.
Find a reliable freight forwarder
Experienced freight forwarders can provide stable freight rates and optimize transportation plans.
Take advantage of free trade agreements (FTAs)
Study the China-Poland trade agreement to reduce tariff costs.
Hidden Costs of Shipping from China to Poland
During the logistics and transportation process, some additional costs are easily overlooked and affect the overall budget:
- Port and railway station fees: such as loading and unloading fees, storage fees, terminal operation fees, etc.
- Insurance costs: It is recommended to purchase insurance for high-value goods, and the cost is usually 0.3%-1% of the value of the goods.
- Last mile delivery: The cost of door-to-door transportation may be high, especially in remote areas.
- Detention and demurrage fees: Delayed pickup may incur additional costs
There are various modes of transportation from China to Poland. Different logistics solutions are suitable for different cargo needs. According to this article, we will plan the most reasonable transportation method and transport the goods at a preferential price.