Madagascar, an island nation in southeastern Africa, enjoys close trade ties with China. With the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative in recent years, trade between the two countries has continued to grow. Major imports include electronics, machinery, textiles, and daily necessities. This article will provide a detailed overview of logistics between China and Madagascar.
Overview of Shipping Costs from China to Madagascar
Madagascar is a large island nation in the Indian Ocean. International freight primarily relies on ocean freight (containerized and bulk cargo), with air freight used for urgent shipments and high-value, small-volume goods. Choosing the right shipping method from China to Madagascar requires considering the type of cargo, budget, and timeliness. The following is a summary of costs between the two countries:
| Mode | Weight/Container | Destination | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | 1,000 kg+ | Antananarivo, Madagascar | $4.7/kg |
| Sea Freight(FCL) | 20GP | Madagascar | $2,650 |
| Sea Freight(FCL) | 40GP | Madagascar | $3,500 |
| Sea Freight(LCL) | Per Cubic Meter | Madagascar | $110 |
Learn more about the fees in the following articles:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Tanzania
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Kenya?
Sea Freight from China to Madagascar
Sea freight is the most commonly used shipping method, offering low unit costs and suitable for bulk commodities. It has a high carrying capacity and can transport large and heavy cargo. It is environmentally friendly, with relatively low carbon emissions per unit of cargo. It can accommodate a wide variety of cargo types and offers flexible loading options, including FCL and LCL.
Detailed Ocean Freight Steps
- Quote and Booking: Determine cargo attributes (weight/volume/dangerous goods/temperature control), select FCL or LCL, and obtain a shipping schedule and freight rate (including fuel surcharges (BAF/CAF, etc.).
- Production and Inland Transportation (Inland): Truck transportation from the China factory to the port of departure.
- Export Customs Clearance (China): Prepare commercial invoices, packing lists, export declarations, etc.
- Shipping and Ocean Freight: Load the container and depart the port according to the shipping agent’s schedule. Ocean voyage times vary depending on the port of departure and transit points. Typical transit times are approximately 25–35 days (for reference only and subject to schedules and transit times).
- Arrival and Import Customs Clearance (Madagascar): Submit necessary documents and complete inspection (if required). Madagascar uses CIF-based valuations and imposes duties and taxes according to regulations.
- Port Operations and Distribution: Port unloading, warehousing, container pickup, and arrangements for inland distribution or self-collection by the consignee.
Sea Freight Cost from China to Madagascar
These ocean freight prices are updated as of August 2025. For the latest prices, please contact us directly for current rates and shipping schedules. Prices are subject to change due to seasonality and fuel costs.
| Departure Port (China) | Arrival Port (Madagascar) | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Toamasina | $2150 – $3,150 | $3,400 – $5,150 |
| Shenzhen | ToamasinaToamasina | $2200 – $3,200 | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| Ningbo | Toamasina | $1950 – $3,250 | $3,550 – $5,150 |
| Guangzhou | Toamasina | $2000 – $3,100 | $3,300 – $5,100 |
| Qingdao | Toamasina | $2100 – $3,100 | $3,400 – $5,200 |
Air Freight from China to Madagascar
Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation, with short transit times. It’s ideal for time-sensitive goods such as electronics and pharmaceuticals. It offers low risk, increased safety, and a low damage rate. It also boasts efficient customs clearance, short customs clearance times, relatively simplified procedures, and flexibility. Frequent flights are available, making it ideal for quick cargo adjustments.
Detailed Air Freight Steps
- Quote and Booking: Clarify basic cargo information and obtain flight and freight rates.
- Inland Transportation: Once the cargo is prepared, it is transported from the Chinese factory or warehouse to the departure airport by truck or van.
- Export Customs Clearance (China): Upon arrival at the airport, the cargo must undergo export customs clearance.
- Air Transport and Transshipment: After customs clearance is complete, the cargo is transported to the airport’s controlled warehouse awaiting loading. Depending on the flight selected, these flights can be: direct (rarely, transit is generally required) or transit. Transit times typically range from 3–7 days.
- Arrival and Import Clearance (Madagascar): Upon arrival at Antananarivo International Airport (TNR), Madagascar, the consignee or their agent will complete customs clearance.
- Pickup and Delivery: After customs clearance, the consignee can collect the goods from the airport’s controlled area.
Air Freight Cost from China to Madagascar
Air freight prices were updated in August 2025. For the latest rates and shipping details, please contact us directly. Prices are subject to change based on demand and available flight schedules.
| Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Cost per Kilogram |
| Beijing Capital | Ivato | $5.8 – $8.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Ivato | $6.1 – $7.8 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Ivato | $6.5 – $8.6 |
Door-to-Door Shipping from China to Madagascar
Door-to-Door shipping means that goods depart from the Chinese exporter’s address (e.g., factory or warehouse). The freight forwarder will handle all shipping, customs declaration, ocean/air freight, customs clearance at the destination port, and delivery until the goods reach the recipient in Madagascar. This eliminates the need for customers to coordinate multiple shipping and customs clearance stages, saving time and effort. Door-to-door shipping costs include all fees, which typically include the following:
- Domestic Pickup Fee: Road transportation from the factory/warehouse to the port/airport
- Export Customs Clearance Fee: Customs brokerage services and documentation fees
- International Shipping Fee: Ocean freight (FCL/LCL) or air freight
- Customs Clearance Fee (at the port of destination): Customs brokerage fees, inspection services, etc.
- Taxes (if applicable): Madagascar import duties, VAT, etc.
- Destination Delivery Fee: Truck transportation from the port/airport to the delivery address
Key Documentation for Customs Clearance
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Airway Bill (for air freight)
- Import Declaration Form (IDF)
- Certificate of Conformity (COC) for regulated goods
How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarder
Choosing a reliable freight forwarder is crucial for smooth international transport. Especially when dealing with multiple countries, complex customs clearance, and different modes of transport (such as sea and air freight), a professional and reliable freight forwarder can save time, avoid losses, and reduce communication costs.
Qualifications and Experience
Check whether the forwarder has a background in IATA (for air freight), FIATA, or local freight forwarding associations, and whether they frequently operate on China-Madagascar routes.
Local Network
Check whether the forwarder has established freight forwarding and customs clearance capabilities at the port of destination (Toamasina/Antananarivo).
Quote Transparency
Require that all charges (freight, THC, port of destination charges, customs clearance, and delivery fees) be broken down and written into the contract.
Emergency Capabilities
A team and phone line that can respond quickly to delays, cargo detentions, or documentation issues.
Customer Reviews and Case Studies
Review past customer reviews and case studies, prioritizing freight forwarders with established partnerships in Madagascar.
When shipping from China to Madagascar, choosing the right shipping method, preparing your documents in advance, and working with a professional freight forwarder ensures efficient and smooth transportation. Contact Ubestshipping and we’ll send someone to get you a quote within 24 hours!