With the deepening of China-Bangladesh trade cooperation, more and more Chinese companies are choosing to export their products to Bangladesh. Cost is a major concern for everyone considering shipping. Different transportation methods, cargo types, and service terms directly impact the overall cost of shipping from China to Bangladesh. This article provides a detailed overview of logistics costs between the two countries.
Composition of Shipping Costs from China to Bangladesh
Transportation costs aren’t a single figure; they’re comprised of multiple components, each with its own associated costs. The following is a typical cost structure for standard international freight:
Costs at the Origin (China Export Port)
- Trucking Fees/Inland Transportation Fees: Costs from the factory to the port of departure, determined by distance, cargo volume, and whether or not the shipment is a full container load (FCL).
- Export Customs Brokerage Fees: Fees charged by the export customs brokerage, including document processing (such as packing lists, invoices, and customs declarations).
- Documentation Fees: Charged by shipping companies or freight forwarders for issuing bills of lading or transport documents.
- Port Handling Fees (THC, Sealing Fees, etc.): These include terminal handling charges and container sealing fees.
International Shipping Fees
Basic Ocean and Air Freight Rates
Destination Bangladesh Fees
- Port Charges: Paid by the consignee or prepaid by the freight forwarder, including bill of lading fees, terminal handling fees, etc.
- Customs Clearance: Includes fees for customs brokerage, document translation, and tariff classification.
- Import Duties and Value Added Tax (VAT): Bangladesh imposes high taxes on imported goods, the percentage of which depends on the product’s HS Code.
- Door-to-Door Delivery Fees (if required): If door-to-door services (such as DDU/DDP) are available, inland transportation costs within Bangladesh are included.
Possible Service Fees (applicable to some customers)
- Insurance: Cargo insurance (recommended, generally 0.3% – 0.6% of the cargo value).
- Storage Fees: If cargo is detained at the port for an extended period, warehouse rental or demurrage may be incurred.
- Demurrage/Harbor Fees: If containers are used, fees may be charged for exceeding the free container or yard period.
Shipping Cost from China to the Bangladesh
Bangladesh is an important trading partner of China in South Asia, and the logistics demand between China and Bangladesh is growing steadily. Different modes of transportation have different timeliness, prices, and applicable scenarios.
Sea Freight
Ocean freight from China to Bangladesh is the most popular and cost-effective option for bulk cargo transportation. It’s suitable for large or heavy cargo, offering low risk, stable shipping space, virtually unlimited volume and weight, and a wide range of cargo types. It’s particularly well-suited for businesses regularly importing goods in full container load (FCL) or less-than-container load (LCL) formats.
Major Ports
- Chittagong Port: Bangladesh’s largest seaport, handling approximately 90% of the country’s seaborne cargo, boasts strong infrastructure and connectivity.
- Mongla Port: An emerging deep-water port suitable for large equipment.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation, offering fast turnaround times, high security, low risk of cargo damage, easier customs clearance (e.g., smaller shipments), and reduced transit time and handling steps. It’s commonly used for electronics, clothing, and pharmaceuticals. However, it carries higher regulatory risks, numerous restrictions on prohibited items, and weight and volume restrictions.
Major Airports
- Shahjalal International Airport (DAC): Bangladesh’s main international airport and a hub for air cargo operations.
- Shah Manat International Airport (CGP): A key point for cargo and trade, serving the southeastern region of Bangladesh.
| Shipping Mode | Cost Estimate | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| LCL (Less than Container Load) | $40 – $60 per cubic meter | Flexible based on cargo volume |
| FCL (20ft container) | $1,100-$1,800 | Best for bulk containerized shipments, book early. |
| FCL (40ft container) | $2,000-$3,200 | Strong demand for high-volume; reserve weeks in advance during the garment season. |
| Air Freight (1000kgs+) | $5 – $8 per kg | Late-summer rate; suits urgent, high-value or time-sensitive imports. |
Learn more about costs in the surrounding areas in the following articles:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Myanmar?
Import Taxes and Duties in Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s import tax structure is relatively complex, primarily consisting of Customs Duty (CD) + Value Added Tax (VAT) + Surcharges (SD, AIT, AT, etc.), which ultimately affect import costs, customs clearance speed, and quotation strategies. The following are the different tax percentages:
| Product | Customs Duty (%) | VAT (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Electronics | 10 | 15 |
| Textiles | 15 | 15 |
| Machinery | 5 | 15 |
| Plastic Goods | 25 | 15 |
| Automobile Parts | 20 | 15 |
| Footwear | 15 | 15 |
| Agricultural Products | 5 | 15 |
| Pharmaceuticals | 10 | 15 |
Factors Affecting Shipping Costs
Logistics costs from China to the Central African Republic are determined by the shipping method and are also influenced by the following key factors:
Cargo Type
General cargo, liquids, powders, batteries, dangerous goods, etc. affect the price.
Volume and Weight
Ocean freight is charged by CBM, while air freight is charged by the higher of actual weight and volume.
Packaging Method
Pallets, bare cargo, cartons, metal racks, etc. affect loading efficiency.
Destination City
Prices will vary between shipping to the capital and shipping to other more remote cities.
Service Terms
Costs vary significantly depending on whether you choose to ship to the port with customs clearance, customs duty included, DDP, or port-only.
Peak and Off-Season
For example, shipping costs will increase during the Spring Festival and the year-end shopping season in Bangladesh.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Bangladesh
Shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Bangladesh is the most common mode of transportation. Cost is a key consideration for many companies, including common ports, timeliness, cost structure, and factors affecting price.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Chittagong | $1050-$1550 | $2500-$3200 |
| Shenzhen | Chittagong | $1150-$1750 | $2450-$3150 |
| Qingdao | Chittagong | $1050-$1650 | $2350-$3250 |
| Ningbo | Chittagong | $1000-$1800 | $2450-$3600 |
| Shanghai | Mongla | $1150-$1850 | $2550-$3600 |
| Shenzhen | Mongla | $1000-$1800 | $2300-$3200 |
| Qingdao | Mongla | $1050-$1800 | $2550-$3200 |
| Ningbo | Mongla | $1100-$1850 | $2450-$3250 |
How to Reduce Shipping Costs from China to Bangladesh
Transportation costs account for a significant portion of total international trade. Use the following strategies to reduce logistics costs from China to Bangladesh:
Optimize port of origin selection
Flexibly switch port options based on factory location and available shipping space.
Consolidate shipments
Put multiple shipments on a single shipment and share them with other customers for the same target. This allows you to share trucking, documentation, and other costs, resulting in lower shipping costs.
Reduce additional costs at the destination port
Use an experienced customs clearance agent at the destination port to prepare all customs clearance documents before arrival to avoid cargo being held at the depot.
Avoid peak season shipments
Avoid peak season and holidays, such as Christmas and the peak period before the Spring Festival.
Use DDP services
Avoid customs clearance delays and fines, resulting in more manageable overall costs and fewer transit points.
Optimize packaging dimensions
Avoid overweight packaging to reduce chargeable weight.
Work with a reliable freight forwarder
Freight forwarders typically strive to establish long-term negotiated rates with airlines and shipping companies.
Customs Clearance from China to Bangladesh
Preparing correct and complete customs clearance documents is crucial for shipping from China to Bangladesh, especially in Bangladesh, where customs officials strictly review documents. Any errors can result in detention, fines, port detention, and other additional charges. The following are detailed customs clearance documents:
Commercial Invoice
Verify the declared value, consignor and consignee information, HS Code, and trade terms.
Packing List
Indicate packaging details, dimensions, gross and net weight, number of pieces, volume, etc.
Bill of Lading
Document of delivery for sea or air freight. The shipper and consignee must match.
Customs Declaration
Export customs declaration document, filed by the freight forwarder or customs broker.
Certificate of Origin (if applicable)
Used to qualify for tariff reductions or certify origin; mandatory for some products.
Contract or Order (required for some products)
Used for bank payments or verification of declaration authenticity (if required).
Special Certificates (if applicable)
MSDS, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, etc. Required for special products such as lithium batteries, wooden packaging, and food.
Shipping from China to Bangladesh: Choosing the right shipping method and understanding the cost structure can significantly improve cross-border trade efficiency. If you’re looking for a reliable shipping solution from China to Bangladesh, contact Ubestshipping to customize the most suitable logistics route and quote for you.