Mozambique is an important partner of China in building the “Belt and Road”. The logistics trade between the two countries is becoming more and more active, and the demand for transportation services is also growing. This article will introduce the transportation from China to Mozambique in detail to help optimize the transportation plan.
Introduction to Mozambique
Mozambique is located in southeastern Africa, bordering Tanzania in the north and South Africa in the south. It is an important trade channel connecting East Africa with other regions. The construction and improvement of port facilities have also made logistics transportation from China to Mozambique more convenient.
Sea Freight from China to Mozambique
Sea Freight is the most common mode of transportation, with low costs and can handle large quantities of goods, so it is the first choice for bulk transportation.
You can choose FCL or LCL. Full container transportation ensures that the goods are transported in a dedicated container to reduce the risk of damage to the goods; LCL transportation allows customers to combine their own goods with other customers’ goods in one container for transportation.
Major ports in Mozambique
- Beira Port: Located in central Mozambique, it is the second largest port in the country, mainly handling the import and export of coal, oil and other commodities.
- Maputo Port: Located in the south of Mozambique, it is one of the most important ports in the country, handling a wide variety of goods and an important trade transit port with South Africa, Switzerland and other neighboring countries.
- Nacala Port: Located in the north, it mainly handles the transportation of minerals and other resources, especially coal.
Air Freight from China to Mozambique
Air freight is fast and safe, suitable for high-value items in urgent need, and flights can be flexibly scheduled to transport goods at a high frequency.
The cost of air freight is $5-$10/kg, but there will be additional fees such as fuel surcharges, customs clearance fees, etc. The actual cost depends on the weight, volume and other factors of the goods.
The air freight time from China to Mozambique is usually between 5-7 days, depending on the departure city, airline, route and whether transit is required.
Cost of 20ft and 40ft Containers Shipping from China to Mozambique
Generally, container transportation is chosen for transportation from China to Mozambique. The cost of LCL transportation is generally calculated by volume. The ocean freight cost per cubic meter (CBM) is about $60 to $150.
Containers for FCL transportation are generally divided into 20ft and 40ft. The specific costs vary depending on the destination port and route. The following is a common cost range:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Beira | $2250-$3450 | $3500-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Beira | $2000-$3300 | $3550-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Beira | $2150-$3500 | $3650-$4650 |
| Qingdao | Beira | $2300-$3200 | $3500-$5000 |
| Shanghai | Maputo | $2250-$3450 | $3650-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Maputo | $2300-$3200 | $3500-$5000 |
| Ningbo | Maputo | $2150-$3350 | $3750-$4850 |
| Qingdao | Maputo | $2150-$3350 | $3750-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Nacala | $2250-$3250 | $3650-$4750 |
| Shenzhen | Nacala | $2150-$3350 | $3500-$5000 |
| Ningbo | Nacala | $2150-$3400 | $3650-$4850 |
| Qingdao | Nacala | $2150-$3400 | $3550-$4750 |
Read below for container shipping costs to other countries to help you understand more:
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Tanzania
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Kenya
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to South Africa
Shipping Time from China to Mozambique
By sea, goods usually depart from major ports in China (such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Ningbo, Qingdao, etc.), pass through the Indian Ocean, and finally arrive at major ports in Mozambique. Sea transportation usually takes 30-40 minutes, depending on factors such as the route and weather.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | Transport time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Mozambique | 20-30 days |
| Shenzhen | Mozambique | 22-30 days |
| Qingdao | Mozambique | 21-30 days |
| Ningbo | Mozambique | 20-28 days |
By air, it usually takes 5-7 days to transport goods from major airports in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) to major airports in Mozambique. The following is the detailed transportation time:
| Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Transport time (days) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Mozambique | 5-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Mozambique | 6-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Mozambique | 5-7 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 Tanzania?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to South Africa?
Steps for Shipping from China to Mozambique
Cargo Preparation and Packing
Make sure the goods meet the transportation requirements and are properly packaged according to customs regulations.
Choose a mode of transportation and a freight forwarder
Choose the appropriate mode of transportation based on the type of goods, quantity and time requirements. You can choose sea or air transportation, and contact a professional freight forwarder.
Booking transportation and customs clearance
Contact the freight company to make transportation reservations and ensure that the import procedures of the goods are compliant. All documents include:
- Commercial Invoice: A detailed invoice provided by the seller that lists the value of the goods.
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: A shipping certificate provided by the carrier.
- Packing List: A comprehensive list that lists the contents of the goods in detail.
- Certificate of Origin: A document that proves the country of origin of the goods.
- Import License: Certain restricted or regulated items require an import license.
Shipping and Tracking
After the goods start to be transported, track the progress of the transportation through a freight forwarder or logistics company.
Customs Clearance at Port
After the goods arrive in Mozambique, customs clearance is carried out. Mozambique has strict inspection and control requirements for certain commodities such as medicines, food, chemicals, etc. Importers need to clear customs at Mozambique Customs and pay the corresponding tariffs and VAT.
- Tariffs: Mozambique’s import tariffs vary depending on the type of goods, generally ranging from 5% to 30%.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): VAT is 17%.
Delivery of Goods
After customs clearance, the goods can be delivered to the destination by road transport.
Learn more: Customs Clearance and Fees
How to Choose a Freight Forwarder
When shipping goods internationally, the role of a freight forwarder is essential to ensure that the logistics process runs smoothly from origin to destination. Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between shippers and shipping services, managing all aspects of the shipping process. They coordinate logistics, handle documentation, and ensure regulatory compliance, making them a valuable partner for businesses looking to efficiently ship products across borders. Ubest Shipping has the following features:
Customs Clearance
Assistance with customs formalities, ensuring that all regulations are met and the appropriate duties and taxes are paid, which can help avoid border delays.
Cost Effectiveness
By consolidating shipments and leveraging relationships with carriers, freight forwarders can often obtain more favorable shipping rates, resulting in significant cost savings for businesses.
Ocean and Air Freight Expertise
With extensive experience in ocean and air freight, we are able to provide tailored solutions to your specific requirements, ensuring your shipment is handled efficiently.
Customized Solutions
Understanding that every shipment is different, that’s why we provide personalized logistics plans that match your business goals and timelines.
Comprehensive Support
Committed to providing excellent customer service and support throughout the shipping process, from consultation to final delivery.
Logistics transportation from China to Mozambique involves multiple steps and details. By choosing the appropriate transportation method and accurately calculating the transportation cost, enterprises can transport goods to Mozambique more efficiently and at a lower cost.