Belgium is an important trading country located in Western Europe and one of China’s major trading partners. Imported goods include electronic products, textiles, plastic products, toys and furniture. Costs are very important for every merchant who wants to import. This article will introduce the costs from China to Belgium in detail.
Introduction to Belgium
Belgium’s geographical location is one of the transportation hubs of the European continent. It borders Germany to the east, the Netherlands to the north, and France to the south. The main port city of Belgium is Antwerp, which is one of the largest and busiest ports in the world, especially in container transportation.
Shipping from China to Belgium
Choosing the right mode of transportation is crucial to reducing the cost of shipping from China to Belgium. Different modes of transportation have different characteristics:
Sea Freight
Sea Freight has become a popular choice for companies shipping large quantities of goods from China to Belgium due to its high cost-effectiveness, large capacity and versatility. In particular, container cargo has a lower unit cost, can transport large and heavy goods, and has flexibility in shipment size and frequency.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest way to ship goods from China to Belgium, and is ideal for time-sensitive or high-value items. It is often used for electronics, fashion, and perishable goods that need to be delivered quickly.
Rail Freight
Rail freight provides a cost-effective and timely solution for shipping goods from China to Belgium. It is slower than air freight, but faster than sea freight, and has lower costs, striking a balance between the speed of air freight and the economy of sea freight.
Sea Freight Cost from China to Belgium
Sea freight is usually the preferred mode of transportation from China to Belgium. There are two main types of sea freight services from China to Belgium: FCL and LCL:
- FCL (Full Container Load): Suitable for large goods, the entire container is only used by one shipper. This option provides better security and efficiency for bulk goods
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Ideal for small goods that do not need to fill a full container. Multiple shippers share the space of a container.
LCL Shipping Cost from China to Belgium
The cost of LCL shipping is usually calculated by volume (cubic meters) or weight (tons). The following is an approximate cost range. If you want to get the most accurate quote, it is recommended to contact ubestshipping
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL Shipping cost |
| Shanghai | Antwerp | $60-$120/CBM |
| Shenzhen | Antwerp | $65-$125/CBM |
| Qingdao | Antwerp | $70-$130/CBM |
| Ningbo | Antwerp | $55-$125/CBM |
| Shanghai | Zeebrugge | $65-$125/CBM |
| Shenzhen | Zeebrugge | $60-$120/CBM |
| Qingdao | Zeebrugge | $70-$130/CBM |
| Ningbo | Zeebrugge | $60-$135/CBM |
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Belgium
The main sizes of full container transportation are 20ft and 40ft containers. The specific cost is affected by factors such as routes, port fees, and seasons, and needs to be determined based on real-time market quotes. The following table introduces the approximate range:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Antwerp | $2150-$3550 | $3000-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Antwerp | $2000-$3400 | $3050-$4850 |
| Qingdao | Antwerp | $2050-$3450 | $3050-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Antwerp | $1900-$3300 | $3150-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Zeebrugge | $2950-$3350 | $3050-$4700 |
| Shenzhen | Zeebrugge | $2000-$3400 | $3000-$4800 |
| Qingdao | Zeebrugge | $2150-$3450 | $3050-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Zeebrugge | $2050-$3550 | $2950-$4850 |
Air Freight Cost from China to Belgium
Air freight is suitable for situations where timeliness is important and the cargo is light. The cost is calculated by weight or volume, and is charged based on the “billed weight” (calculated based on the larger of the actual weight and the volumetric weight).
| Departure Airport in China | Arrival Airport in Belgium | Estimated Cost per Kg (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong | Brussels | $5.0 – $8.5 |
| Beijing Capital | Brussels | $6.0 – $9.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Brussels | $5.1 – $9.2 |
| Shenzhen Bao’an | Brussels | $5.5 – $7.8 |
| Hong Kong | Brussels | $6.2 – $9.3 |
Rail Freight Cost from China to Belgium
The China-Europe Express is a mode of rail transport that has emerged in recent years, connecting China with several cities in Europe. The cost is calculated based on the weight or volume of the goods (usually in tons or cubic meters). Rail transport costs are generally more expensive than sea transport, but cheaper than air transport.
| Departure Station in China | Destination in Belgium | 20ft Container (USD) | 40ft Container (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu | Liege | $3,000 – $4,000 | $6,000 – $7,000 |
| Xi’an | Liege | $2,500 – $3,500 | $5,500 – $6,500 |
| Wuhan | Liege | $2,900 – $3,900 | $5,900 – $6,900 |
| Chengdu | Antwerp | $2,800 – $3,800 | $5,800 – $6,800 |
| Xi’an | Antwerp | $2,700 – $3,700 | $5,700 – $6,700 |
| Wuhan | Antwerp | $3,000 – $4,000 | $6,000 – $7,000 |
Refer to the following shipping costs from China to other countries:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to the Netherlands?
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 the UK?
How to Calculate the Cost from China Belgium
The freight from China to Belgium is generally calculated based on the actual weight or volumetric weight of the goods, whichever is greater, so that the freight forwarder can reasonably calculate large light goods and small heavy goods.
Actual weight
Actual weight refers to the actual weight of the goods, in kilograms (kg).
Volumetric weight
Volume weight is calculated based on the volume of the goods to ensure that reasonable fees are charged for goods that take up a lot of space.
Calculation formula: Weight (kg) = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 6000.
If the volumetric weight of the goods is higher than the actual weight, the freight is calculated based on the volumetric weight.
Customs clearance tariffs from China to Belgium
Based on the declared value and classification, customs will calculate the applicable import duties and value-added tax (VAT). Pay the assessed duties and VAT to obtain customs clearance of the goods.
Import duties
Belgium, as a member of the European Union, applies the EU Common External Tariff. The import duty rate depends on the classification of the product under the Harmonized System (HS) code.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
The standard VAT rate in Belgium is 21%. VAT is calculated based on the customs value of the goods, import taxes, and any additional costs (such as freight and insurance) until the goods first enter the EU.
Save on Shipping Cost from China to Belgium
To reduce shipping costs from China to Belgium, consider the following strategies:
Choose a reliable freight forwarder
Work with an experienced freight forwarder to get more competitive prices and services.
Avoid unnecessary surcharges
The costs of different ports and routes vary greatly. By understanding and negotiating in advance, some unnecessary surcharges can be reduced.
Book in advance
By booking shipping services in advance, you can lock in lower freight rates and avoid rising costs during peak seasons.
Bulk shipping
For bulk cargo transportation, goods can be transported together in batches. Bulk shipping usually gets bigger discounts and lower unit shipping costs.
Optimize cargo packaging
Reducing the volume and weight of goods can effectively reduce transportation costs, especially in air transportation.
Choose LCL service
For smaller goods, you can choose LCL shipping to save transportation costs.
Prepare customs clearance in advance
Prepare all customs clearance documents in advance to avoid additional costs due to customs clearance delays.
Different modes of transportation from China to Belgium have their own advantages and applicable scenarios. According to the nature of the goods, the requirements of transportation timeliness and the cost budget, find a suitable freight forwarder, optimize the transportation plan, save costs and ensure the arrival of the goods.