Shipping From China to Egypt
If you need to ship goods from China to Egypt, we provide comprehensive logistics solutions to ensure that the goods arrive safely and quickly in major cities and ports such as Cairo, Alexandria and Suez. We provide flexible air and sea freight services according to customer needs to meet different transportation requirements and timeliness requirements.
Air freight service is suitable for goods that need to be delivered urgently, usually arriving at major airports in Egypt within 3 to 7 days. For large quantities of goods or non-urgent transportation, sea freight is an efficient choice, and the transportation time is usually 25 to 35 days. The main destination ports include Alexandria and Suez.
Choose Ubest Shipping, we will provide you with high-quality services and reliable guarantees for your shipping from China to Egypt.

What can we do when shipping from China to Egypt?
Sea freight FCL from China to Egypt
- Shipping from China to Alexandria or Suez, Egypt
- Reliable shipping schedule, on-time delivery, cheap freight
- Container Shipping: 20ft container, 40ft container, 40HQ container
Sea freight LCL from China to Egypt
- Consolidate multiple shipments into one container
- Competitive freight rates based on cubic meters or tons
- Collect shipments from different suppliers in different cities
Air freight from China to Egypt
- Our air freight service flies directly from major airports in China to Egypt
- Quickly respond to market demand and offer competitive air freight prices
- It takes 2 to 5 days to air freight from China to Iraq
Express delivery service from China to Egypt
- Express delivery from China to any city in Egypt
- Super fast, 1 to 3 days to Egypt
- Huge discounts on DHL, UPS, Fedex, TNT, EMS, SF Express
Door to Door Shipping from China to Egypt
- Shipping from any city in China to the warehouse in Egypt
- Including Egypt customs duties and taxes (DDP/DDU)
- Charged per cubic meter or per kilogram
DDP Shipping from China to Egypt
- Provide one-stop service from China to Egypt warehouse
- DDP service, all tariffs and taxes included, reduce cost risks.
- Flexibly choose the mode of transportation to ensure the fast and safe arrival of goods.
Content Guidelines
How to Ship from China to Egypt
As an important trade hub in North Africa, Egypt has seen significant economic growth, especially in terms of trade with China. In 2023, the bilateral import and export volume of goods between China and Egypt was US$15.81 billion. China’s exports to Egypt continued to grow, and there was strong demand for all kinds of goods. While meeting market demand, Egyptian importers also face challenges in shipping and customs clearance from China to Egypt.
The process of shipping goods from China to Egypt requires multiple steps to ensure that your goods arrive safely and on time.
First, determining the mode of transportation is key, and the main modes of transportation include sea and air. For large, non-urgent goods, sea transportation is a cost-effective option; while air transportation is suitable for small quantities and high-value goods that need to be delivered quickly. The cost and timeliness of transportation depend on the volume and weight of the goods and the selected mode of transportation.
After determining the mode of transportation, the next step is to prepare the necessary customs clearance documents. You need to prepare basic documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading. In addition, depending on the type of goods, you may also need to apply for an import license or provide product certification. Ensuring that all documents are complete can greatly speed up the customs clearance process and reduce potential delays.
Finally, choosing a reputable freight forwarder is an important part of ensuring a smooth shipment. Ubest Shipping can help you handle shipping, customs clearance, and insurance, giving you peace of mind. Ubest Shipping is not only familiar with local regulations and procedures, but can also provide professional advice to ensure your shipment arrives smoothly in Egypt.
Sea Freight from China to Egypt
For large shipments and orders that are not time-sensitive, sea freight is the best option from China to Egypt. Freight usually departs from major ports in China, such as Shanghai, Ningbo or Shenzhen, and ends at Alexandria or Suez in Egypt. Sea freight generally takes 25 to 35 days, depending on the season and weather conditions.
The advantage of sea freight is that it has lower shipping costs, especially for large shipments weighing more than 500 kg. Customers can choose full container load (FCL) for large shipments or less-than-container load (LCL) for smaller shipments. Regardless of which method you choose, sea freight is the preferred choice for most businesses because it can complete long-distance transportation at a lower cost.
- Less-than-Container Load (LCL)
Less-than-Container Load refers to the consolidation of multiple shippers’ shipments into one container and shipping them from China to Egypt. LCL is an affordable option when your shipment is not large enough to fill a full container. This method can reduce the shipping costs for a single shipper, but be aware that the shipment may need to be disassembled and reassembled at the destination. - Full Container Load (FCL)
FCL means a container is shipped from China to Egypt, and the container only carries the goods of one shipper. By paying a fixed fee, you can use this container exclusively, ensuring the safety and integrity of the goods. FCL is suitable for transporting large, heavy or high-value goods, as well as goods that require special protection. Standard sea containers are available in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes.
In addition, the sea transportation process also involves the packaging and loading of goods. Freight forwarders will provide you with appropriate packaging suggestions based on the type of goods to ensure that the goods are not damaged during long-distance transportation. At the same time, they will also assist in handling the necessary customs clearance documents and processes to ensure that the goods pass smoothly through Egyptian customs.
Major Ports in Egypt
- Port of Alexandria:
Location and Capacity: Located on the western edge of the Nile Delta, between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Mariut, the Port of Alexandria is a major player in global shipping. The port handles more than 1 million TEUs of freight annually.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Its major trading partners include Mediterranean, European and Asian countries, trading a wide variety of commodities such as textiles, wheat and oil. The port is strategically important as its water depth is sufficient to handle heavy cargoes. - Port of Damietta:
Location and Capacity: Located on the eastern bank of the Nile, the Port of Damietta is a center for the furniture trade, with an annual throughput of about 1.2 million TEUs.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Major partners include Asian and European countries, which are particularly interested in wood and furniture exports, and are therefore known as a center for furniture trade. - Port of Dheerah:
Location and Capacity: The Port of Dheerah is an extension of the Port of Alexandria, located on the southern border of the West Port. It is known as a steel handling port, with an annual shipping capacity of 500,000 TEUs.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Trading partners are mainly located in Europe and the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait), and its strategic location and specialization in steel handling make it unique. - Port Said:
Location and Capacity: Located at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal, Port Said is a major transshipment hub with a transport volume of approximately 800,000 TEU.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Due to its important role in transcontinental trade, it has important relations with partners in Asia, Europe and the United States. Uniquely, it facilitates - Ain Sukhna Port:
Location and Capacity: Located on the western bank of the Red Sea, it is the southernmost port of Suez and the closest port to Cairo. The port has an annual throughput of more than 1.75 million TEUs. - Port of Suez:
Location and Capacity: Port of Suez is located at the southern end of the Suez Canal and has an annual throughput of approximately 500,000 TEU.
Air Freight from China to Egypt
Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation from China to Egypt, especially for goods that need to be delivered urgently or high-value goods. Air freight usually takes 3 to 7 days, and goods can be quickly delivered to Cairo International Airport in Egypt through major airports such as Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
Although air freight has a higher transportation cost, its speed and safety make it an ideal choice for time-sensitive goods. Many companies choose air freight to transport electronic products, medical equipment and other high-value goods that need to be delivered quickly. Air freight prices will fluctuate depending on the volume and weight of the goods, so detailed cost calculations are required before choosing.
In addition, air freight also provides flexible services such as door-to-door delivery, temperature-controlled transportation, etc., to ensure that your goods are optimally protected throughout the transportation process.
Major Airports in Egypt
Cairo International Airport
Cargo Volume: Cairo International Airport is one of the busiest air cargo hubs in Africa, handling more than 400,000 metric tons of cargo per year.
Strategic Importance: Located in the Egyptian capital, it is a gateway hub to Africa and the Middle East and has great strategic value.
Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport
Cargo Volume: Borg El Arab Airport handles more than 30,000 metric tons of cargo per year and is an important cargo airport in northern Egypt.
Major Trading Partners: The airport supports trade with various regions including the Middle East, Europe and parts of Asia.
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
Cargo Volume: Sharm El Sheikh International Airport handles approximately 20,000 metric tons of cargo per year and plays an important role in logistics in the South Sinai region.
Strategic Importance: It is located in Egypt’s main tourist destination, which increases its strategic importance for hotel-related cargo transportation.
Hurghada International Airport
Cargo Volume: Hurghada International Airport handles nearly 12,500 metric tons of cargo per year and is an important shipping point on the Red Sea coast.
Strategic Importance: The strategic location serves the Red Sea region and facilitates cargo traffic to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Luxor International Airport
Cargo Volume: Luxor International Airport handles more than 10,000 metric tons of cargo per year, making a significant contribution to Upper Egypt’s cargo volume.
Notable Features: The airport has modern cargo facilities, temperature-controlled storage areas for special cargo.
Cost of shipping from China to Egypt (October 2024)
The cost of shipping goods from China to Egypt can vary depending on a variety of factors. These factors include the mode of transportation, the weight and volume of the goods, and the origin and destination, such as customs clearance or door-to-door delivery, which will also affect the final cost. You can refer to the table below:
Shipping Method | Cost of Shipping |
Sea Freight (20ft Container) | USD 2,600 for a 20ft container |
Sea Freight (40ft Container) | USD 3,250 for a 40ft container |
LCL Sea Shipping | USD 80 per cubic meter (CBM) |
Door-to-door DDP Shipping | USD 100 per CBM |
Air Freight | USD 5 – 9 per kilo (higher than sea DDP) |
Express Shipping | USD 8 – 15 per kilo |
Sea container costs:
- Shipping a 20ft container from China to Egypt is between $2,000 and $3,000.
- Shipping a 40ft container from China to Egypt is between $3,000 and $4,500.
Sea freight costs: between $60 and $120 per cubic meter.
Air freight costs: $4 to $10 per kilogram from China to Egypt.
DDP shipping costs from China to Egypt
- DDP air freight: includes all shipping costs, tariffs and delivery to your doorstep in Egypt, door-to-door DDP shipping costs are about $8 to $15 per kilogram.
- DDP sea freight: includes all shipping costs, tariffs and delivery to your doorstep, door-to-door DDP shipping costs in Egypt are about $100 to $150 per cubic meter (m3).
How long does it take to ship from China to Egypt?
It usually takes 25 to 35 days to ship goods from China to Egypt by sea. Keep in mind that this is an average estimate. The actual shipping time will depend on various factors, such as the specific port used, weather conditions, etc.
POL(port of loading) | POD(port of discharge) | Transit time |
Shanghai | Sokhna | 26 days |
Shanghai | Alexandria | 30 days |
Shenzhen | Sokhna | 23 days |
Shenzhen | Alexandria | 28 days |
Qingdao | Sokhna | 27 days |
Qingdao | Alexandria | 33 days |
Port Selection: China has several major ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, etc., while Egypt’s major seaports include Alexandria and Suez. Choosing the right port is essential to optimize shipping time and cost.
Air freight from China takes 3 to 7 days to reach Egypt, depending on the service and route chosen. During peak season, transit time will be slightly longer.
China Shipping to Egypt Customs Clearance Documents
When shipping goods from China to Egypt, the customs clearance process requires a series of documents to ensure that the goods pass through Egyptian customs smoothly. The following are the main customs clearance documents:
- Commercial Invoice
This document is provided by the shipper and details the description, quantity, value, country of origin of the goods, and information about the buyer and seller. The invoice is used to determine tariffs and taxes. - Packing List
The list lists the specific contents of each package or container, including the size, weight, packaging method and quantity of the goods, helping customs verify the details of the goods. - Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)
The bill of lading is used for sea transportation and the air waybill is used for air transportation. It is a legal document for the transportation of goods, proving that the goods have been loaded on the ship or air, and providing detailed transportation information and destination information. - Certificate of Origin (COO)
This certificate proves the country of origin of the production or manufacture of the goods. It may affect the application of tariffs, especially if tariff reductions can be obtained under a free trade agreement. - Import License
Some special types of goods may require an import license to legally enter Egypt, such as medicines, chemicals or certain foods. Importers should check the requirements for goods in advance. - Insurance Certificate
If the goods are insured during transportation, the insurance certificate is used to prove that the goods have been insured and list the insurance coverage. - Customs Declaration
The document that the importer or customs clearance agent needs to submit, listing all the details related to the goods, such as quantity, value, taxes, etc., for customs to assess and calculate tariffs. - Product Certification Documents
Some products may require additional certification documents, such as health certificates, quality certifications, or certificates of compliance with international standards, especially for goods such as food, medicines, chemicals, etc.
Providing correct and complete documents can speed up the customs clearance process in Egypt and reduce delays.
How to calculate duties and taxes when importing from China to Egypt?
- Step 1 – Determine the Country of Origin
Knowing the country of origin allows you to find the right trade agreement. Let’s take the China-Egypt Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as an example. Under this FTA, certain goods may enjoy tariff reductions. - Step 2 – Find the HS Code of your product
The HS Code, or Harmonized System Code, is a six-digit number used by customs agencies around the world to classify more than 5,000 different commodities shipped across borders. Whether you use air, sea, road, or rail freight, HS codes are essential for identifying the nature of goods, calculating freight rates, retrieving necessary tariffs, and maintaining international trade statistics. - Step 3 – Calculate Customs Value
Confused about calculating the customs value of your shipment from China to Egypt? Don’t worry. It’s important to note that the customs value is not determined by the market value of the goods, but rather the CIF value. - Step 4 – Understand the applicable import duties
Import duties (or tariffs) are taxes imposed on goods when they are shipped across borders. For the shipment of goods from China to Egypt, you must determine the applicable import duties and factor them into the import costs. - Step 5 – Consider other import duties and taxes
In addition to the standard duty rates, your import duty calculation should also consider potential additional taxes. These additional taxes may apply depending on the country of origin and the nature of the goods. For example, products may be subject to excise or anti-dumping duties. In addition, the value of your imports may be significantly inflated by Value Added Tax (VAT). - Step 6 – Calculate Duty
Duty calculation is a critical step in the customs clearance process. We take the customs value of your goods, including the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value, and apply the determined duty.
Import Taxes and Duties in Egypt
Import taxes and duties significantly impact the total cost of shipping goods from China to Egypt. Key factors include:
- Value Added Tax (VAT): levied as a percentage of the total invoice value, including the cost of goods, freight, and insurance.
- Taxes: Calculated based on the goods’ HS (Harmonized System) code. Tax rates vary by product type, affecting the overall financial impact on your shipment.
Product Category | Estimated Customs Duty | VAT Rate |
---|---|---|
Electronics | 10% – 30% | 14% |
Textiles | 5% – 20% | 14% |
Machinery | 2% – 15% | 14% |
Agricultural Products | 0% – 10% | 14% |
Automotive Parts | 10% – 35% | 14% |
How to import from China to Egypt
The process of importing from China to Egypt involves multiple links, including preparing import documents, conducting trade negotiations, and executing import operations. The following is a simplified overview of the import process:
- Market research and product selection: First, determine the type of product you want to import and conduct market research to understand the market demand and competition of the product in Egypt.
- Find suppliers: Find suitable suppliers in China by attending exhibitions, browsing industry websites or professional markets.
- Trade negotiations: Conduct detailed trade negotiations with suppliers, including product prices, delivery deadlines, payment methods, etc. After ensuring that both parties reach an agreement, sign a trade contract.
- Prepare import documents: Before importing, you need to prepare a series of import documents, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, health and quarantine certificates (if necessary), etc. In addition, you need to apply for relevant import licenses or license applications according to Egypt’s import regulations and requirements.
- Transportation and customs clearance: After the goods are ready, you can choose to ship them to Egypt by sea or air. Before the goods arrive in Egypt, you need to submit relevant documents to the Egyptian Customs for pre-declaration and customs clearance procedures. After the goods arrive, they will be formally declared and paid for customs duties in accordance with customs requirements to complete the customs clearance process.
- Delivery and acceptance: After the goods are cleared, they can be arranged for delivery to the final destination. The consignee needs to inspect the goods to ensure that the quantity and quality of the goods meet the contractual agreement.
Please note that the above process may vary depending on the specific product and Egypt’s import policy. In actual operation, it is recommended to consult a professional import agent or relevant agency to ensure smooth import.
Freight Forwarder from China to Egypt
Freight forwarders are essential to simplifying the process of international shipping from China to Egypt. As intermediaries, they facilitate the logistics of shipping goods across borders by working with various shipping services. This includes organizing freight, negotiating freight rates, and booking cargo space.
Freight forwarders provide a range of services that enhance the shipping process:
- Document handling: ensuring that all shipping documents are submitted correctly and on time.
- Customs clearance: dealing with complex customs regulations to avoid delays.
- Cargo tracking: providing shippers with the latest status of the entire shipment.
Ubest Shipping As one of the top freight forwarders from China serving Egypt, we have the knowledge, expertise, and experience to provide the most accurate answers and the best shipping solutions for your needs. Leave it to the experts and you will be free from all the hassles and complexities of shipping and logistics.
Steps to Shipping from China to Egypt
- 1 Consultation and quotation
First, contact Ubest Shipping for a consultation. Our experts will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your needs, including cargo type, size, mode of transport (air, sea or rail), and special requirements. Based on this information, we will provide you with a detailed quotation that includes cost details, estimated transportation time, and additional services (such as insurance and warehousing). - 2 Cargo booking, preparation and transportation
Once the quotation is confirmed, we will book the freight service and work with the Chinese supplier to ensure smooth collection of the goods from the designated location. We promise to pack and mark the goods according to international shipping standards and choose full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL) according to the cargo situation. For air freight, we will arrange flight schedules flexibly and provide priority handling services when necessary. - 3 Documentation, customs clearance and cargo tracking
Ubest Shipping will fully handle all necessary documents, including commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists and certificates of origin, and will be responsible for the customs clearance process at the origin and destination to ensure compliance with various regulatory requirements. Our advanced tracking system allows you to track your shipment in real time until it arrives safely in Egypt. - 4 Final Delivery
Once your shipment arrives in Egypt, our team will coordinate inland transportation to your warehouse or distribution center. We ensure that all shipments are delivered safely and on time, and provide you with final delivery confirmation.
With Ubest Shipping’s expertise and full range of services, your shipping journey from China to Egypt will be smooth and efficient. We are committed to providing you with the best shipping experience.