With the increasing closeness of global trade, the demand for Chinese goods in the Middle East market is growing. Purchasing directly from China has become the preferred choice for Middle Eastern importers. This article will introduce in detail all aspects of direct ordering from China in the Middle East.
Middle East and China Trade
The Middle East is a vibrant economy, including countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel and Oman. China’s “Belt and Road” project has strengthened trade and infrastructure construction with the Middle East.
The Middle East is an important global trade center, with its oil economy as its mainstay, and a huge demand for imported goods in consumer electronics, building materials, textiles and other fields.
Why Choose to Order Directly from China?
The main reasons for choosing to order directly from China include:
- Price advantage: China’s manufacturing industry is well-developed, production costs are relatively low, and it can provide competitive prices
- Diversified products: From consumer goods to industrial equipment, Chinese suppliers can provide almost all categories of goods.
- Trade convenience: There are frequent routes between China and the Middle East and a mature logistics network.
- Quality improvement: The quality of China’s manufacturing industry has improved significantly in recent years, meeting the high standards of the Middle East market.
- Tailor-made services: Chinese suppliers can usually provide customized products according to customer needs.
Shipping from China to the Middle East
Shipping from China to the Middle East is mainly carried out by sea and air. You can choose the mode of transportation according to the characteristics of the goods.
Ocean shipping is the cornerstone of international trade, especially when it comes to the transportation of large quantities of goods. As global trade between China and the Middle East continues to expand, it is usually more cost-effective to ship bulk goods by sea. This makes it ideal for shipping large or heavy goods. Mainly divided into FCL and LCL：
- Full container load (FCL): is ideal for businesses with large volumes of goods. With FCL, you get a container dedicated to shipping goods, which minimizes the risk of damage to goods and increases safety.
- Less than container load (LCL): is ideal for small goods that do not need to fill a full container. By sharing container space with other goods, you can reduce transportation costs while still enjoying reliable ocean shipping services.
Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation and is generally safer than other modes of transportation. It is ideal for perishable goods, high-value items and urgent goods. There are two types of shipping services
- Standard Air Freight: Standard air freight is suitable for most types of goods, combining speed and cost. It is ideal for goods that need to be delivered in a timely manner but are not particularly urgent.
- Expedited Air Freight: Expedited air freight is the best choice for goods that need to reach their destination as quickly as possible. This service ensures the fastest shipping time, usually within 24-48 hours.
Cost of Shipping from China to the Middle East
The shipping costs from China to different ports in different countries in the Middle East are different, and the costs of sea and air freight are also very different.
Generally speaking, the price of transporting a 20ft container is between $1500-$2500, the cost of a 40ft container is between $2500-$4500, and the air freight cost is between $4-10 per kilogram. Since international shipping prices are constantly changing, if you want to know the detailed and accurate costs, contact Ubest Shipping as soon as possible!
The following are the costs of shipping from China to various countries under normal circumstances:
| Origin | Destination | 20ft Container cost | 40ft Container cost | Air Freight (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | UAE | $1,500 – $2,500 | $2500-$4200 | $5.1 – $8.9 |
| China | Saudi Arabia | $1,550 – $2,350 | $2600-$4300 | $5.2 – $9.2 |
| China | Oman | $1,600 – $2,300 | $2550-$4250 | $5.5 – $8.5 |
| China | Kuwait | $1,600 – $2,400 | $2600-$4200 | $5.3 – $8.3 |
| China | Qatar | $1,600 – $2,300 | $2700-$4400 | $5.4 – $9.4 |
| China | Iraq | $1,700 – $2,500 | $2500-$4350 | $5.5 – $8.5 |
If you are interested in the costs of shipping from China to other parts of the Middle East:
- How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Saudi Arabia
- How Much does it Cost to Ship from China to Oman
- How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to UAE
- How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Iran
- How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Kuwait?
Factors Affecting Shipping Costs
Several factors can affect the cost of shipping from China to the Middle East:
- Mode of transport: The choice of sea and air freight has a significant impact on the total cost.
- Weight and volume: Freight is calculated based on the actual weight or volumetric weight of the shipment, whichever is greater.
- Shipping distance: The distance between the departure point and the destination can affect the overall shipping cost
- Fuel surcharges: Fluctuations in fuel prices can result in changes in surcharges, which can affect the final shipping cost.
- Tariffs and taxes: Different countries in the Middle East have different tariffs and tax rates, which can affect the total cost.
- Seasonality: Peak seasons, such as holidays, usually see an increase in shipping demand, which can lead to higher costs.
- Additional services: Services such as customs clearance, insurance, and warehousing can increase the overall cost.
Time for Shipping from China to the Middle East
The shipping routes from China to the Middle East mainly pass through the Indian Ocean, which has a long voyage, but it has become the first choice for many companies with its stable shipping capacity and low cost.
The air routes from China to the Middle East cover a wide range, connecting major cities in China and multiple international airports in the Middle East. These routes not only provide convenient export channels for Chinese companies,
The following are the time for shipping from China to various countries in the Middle East:
| Origin | Destination | Sea freight time | Air freight time |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | UAE | 22 – 30 days | 3 – 5 days |
| China | Saudi Arabia | 22 – 28 days | 3 – 6 days |
| China | Oman | 23 – 29 days | 3 – 6 days |
| China | Kuwait | 24 – 28 days | 3 – 6 days |
| China | Qatar | 22 – 27 days | 4 – 7 days |
| China | Iraq | 22 – 30 days | 3 – 5 days |
If you want to know the shipping time to other countries you can read:
- How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Dubai
- How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Saudi Arabia?
- How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Iran?
- How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Iraq
- How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Oman
Door-to-Door Shipping Service from China to the Middle East
Door-to-Door service is an integrated shipping solution where the logistics provider manages the entire process from origin to final destination. This includes cargo collection, transportation, customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery. It simplifies the logistics process by providing a single point of contact and reduces the complexity of international shipping.
There are several benefits to choosing a door-to-door service:
- Convenience: The logistics provider takes care of every aspect of the shipping process, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
- Save time: With a single point of contact and simplified operations, door-to-door services save time and reduce administrative burdens.
- Cost efficiency: Bundling various logistics services often results in cost savings compared to managing each component separately.
- Reduced risk: Comprehensive management of the shipping process reduces the risk of errors, delays, and additional costs.
Import Tariffs and Laws in the Middle East
Understanding the import tariffs and laws and regulations of Middle Eastern countries is crucial for smooth customs clearance:
- Tariffs: Most Middle Eastern countries have tariffs of 5%-10%, and some duty-free goods or special tax rates require specific inquiries.
- Value-added tax (VAT): For example, Saudi Arabia and the UAE impose a 15% VAT.
- Certification requirements: Many Middle Eastern countries require quality certification, such as SASO certification in Saudi Arabia and ECAS certification in the UAE.
- Prohibited imports: It should be noted that some countries prohibit the import of alcohol, pork and other commodities.
Learn more: Customs Clearance and Fees
Why Choose Ubest Shipping
Choosing Ubest Shipping has the following advantages:
- Rich experience in Middle East transportation: Understand the characteristics of the Middle East market and customs clearance procedures to ensure fast and safe transportation.
- Customs clearance capabilities: Have strong customs clearance capabilities to ensure that goods can be cleared smoothly.
- Transportation network: Have a wide transportation network and can provide a variety of transportation options.
- Service quality: Have good service quality and can provide timely and accurate logistics services.
- Price advantage: Under the premise of ensuring service quality, help you plan a reasonable transportation plan and reduce logistics costs.
The demand for Chinese goods in the Middle East market continues to grow, and there are many advantages to ordering directly from China. By understanding the needs of the Middle East market, choosing the right logistics methods and freight forwarding companies, the goods can be transported smoothly to the Middle East.