With the deepening of trade between China and African countries, Sudan has gradually become one of the African markets that Chinese export companies pay attention to. The demand for Chinese goods continues to grow. , Sudan is gradually developing into an important destination for China’s foreign trade. This article will detail the logistics between the two countries.
Learn more:
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Shipping Methods from China to Sudan
Sudan is an important partner under the “Belt and Road” initiative, and China is one of Sudan’s largest trading partners. Chinese products are very popular in Sudan. They mainly import light industrial products, machinery and equipment, building materials and home appliances, which are mainly transported by air and sea. The following are the characteristics of each transportation:
Sea Freight
Sea transportation is the most commonly used mode of transportation, with low transportation costs, can transport all kinds of goods, stable capacity, many regular flights, large carrying capacity, generally using containers for transportation, suitable for heavy and large goods, supporting full container (FCL) and less than container (LCL).
- Full container transportation (FCL): suitable for bulk goods because they enjoy the security and privacy of independent containers. .
- Less-than-Container-Load (LCL): Suitable for small items that cannot fill a container, and can be combined with other small items at a lower cost.
| Shipping Mode | Cost Range (USD) | Transit Time (Days) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCL (Less than Container Load) | $50 – $100 per cubic meter | 30 – 40 days | Smaller shipments, less urgent goods |
| FCL (Full container Load） | $3,100 | 30-35 days | Larger shipments, bulk goods |
Main ports
- Port Sudan: The largest and most important port in the country, equipped with modern container terminals and bulk cargo facilities, the port is able to handle all types of goods and ensure a smooth and efficient import process.
Air Freight
Air transport is fast and efficient in customs clearance. Air transport usually involves fewer customs declaration procedures, shorter customs clearance time, high security, short transit time, and lower loss rate. However, the limited carrying capacity is generally not suitable for large quantities or overweight goods (such as machinery and equipment, building materials, etc.). There are many flight restrictions, and some goods cannot be transported.
| Shipping Mode | Cost Range (USD) | Transit Time (Days) | Best For |
| Air Freight | $6.50 per kg | 7-10 days | High-value or time-sensitive items |
Main airports
- Khartoum International Airport: The largest international airport, which can handle a variety of goods, including perishable goods, electronic products and textiles.
Components of Shipping Cost from China to Sudan
When customers plan to transport goods from China to Sudan, the cost becomes the most concerned issue for customers. The following are the costs incurred during the entire transportation process:
Basic Freight Charge
This is the core cost of international transportation. Ocean freight is usually charged by full container (FCL) or less than container (LCL), and air freight is charged by the chargeable weight (the larger of the actual weight and the volume weight).
Local Charges
Operational costs incurred at the Chinese export port, including:
- Customs Declaration Fee
- Trucking Fee
- Storage/Handling
- Document Fee
Destination Charges
The costs incurred after arriving in Sudan, including:
- Sudan Customs Clearance
- Port Handling Fee
- Delivery/Trucking to final destination）
Surcharges
Depending on the specific situation, additional charges may be made:
- Fuel Surcharge
- Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)
Shipping Cost from China to Sudan
The cost of shipping from China to Sudan is determined by the mode of transportation and is also affected by many factors. The following are different factors:
- Cargo volume and weight: The cost of air transport of large-volume cargo (such as light and bulky goods) is high, the cost of sea transport of full container is fixed, and LCL is charged by cubic meter.
- Origin and destination: The cost of shipping to Sudan from different ports and airports is different
- Routes and transit stations: Different airlines and routes have different quotes, and multiple transits will increase costs and delay risks.
- Customs clearance difficulty and policy: Sudan is a country with relatively sensitive policies. Some goods are difficult to clear customs, which may incur additional inspection fees or agency fees.
- Packaging method: Improper packaging may result in overweight or oversize, increasing additional fees.
Estimated Costs for Sea Freight
| Departure Port in China | Arrival Port in Sudan | LCL Shipping Cost | 20ft Container (USD) | 40ft Container (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Port Sudan | $75 – $95 | $1,100 – $2,400 | $2,800 – $4,300 |
| Ningbo | Port Sudan | $80 – $100 | $1,150 – $2,450 | $2,850 – $4,350 |
| Shenzhen | Port Sudan | $70 – $90 | $1,100 – $2,300 | $2,700 – $4,200 |
| Guangzhou | Port Sudan | $80 – $100 | $1,200 – $2,400 | $2,900 – $4,400 |
| Qingdao | Port Sudan | $75 – $95 | $1,150 – $2,450 | $2,850 – $4,350 |
Estimated Costs for Air Freight
| Departure Airport in China | Arrival Airport in Sudan | Cost Per KG (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong (PVG) | Khartoum (KRT) | $4.50 – $5.50 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) | Khartoum (KRT) | $4.70 – $5.70 |
| Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX) | Khartoum (KRT) | $4.40 – $5.40 |
| Beijing Capital (PEK) | Khartoum (KRT) | $4.60 – $5.60 |
| Hong Kong (HKG) | Khartoum (KRT) | $4.30 – $5.30 |
| Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) | Khartoum (KRT) | $4.80 – $5.80 |
Find out the cost of shipping to surrounding areas:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Saudi Arabia
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Shipping Time from China to Sudan
Transportation timeliness is one of the key factors that customers care about, especially when there is a delivery deadline or seasonal demand. The transportation timeliness from China to Sudan is mainly affected by many factors such as transportation mode (sea/air), transit port, customs clearance process, etc.
The following is a detailed process of transportation from China to Sudan. Understanding it will help you understand the timeliness of the entire transportation plan:
Preparation stage
Verify whether the goods comply with Sudan’s import regulations (such as whether they are restricted/permitted items); Provide cargo information, select transportation methods, and clarify whether value-added services such as customs clearance and delivery are required.
Booking
The freight forwarder books a space with the shipping company/airline, obtains space, and confirms the departure/take-off time and cut-off time.
Prepare export documents
Necessary documents usually include:
- Invoice
- Packing List
- Contract
- Customs declaration letter
- Export customs declaration information (HS code, declaration elements, etc.)
Transportation stage
- Sea transportation: After the goods are loaded on board, they start ocean transportation and are expected to arrive at Port Sudan in Sudan in 25-40 days;
- Air transportation: After the goods are delivered, they are transported to Khartoum Airport in Sudan through transit (such as Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa) and arrive in 3-7 days.
| hipping Mode | Transit Time (Days) |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20GP & 40GP) | 25 – 45 days |
| Air Freight | 3 – 7 days |
Customs clearance at Sudan destination
The consignee or local agent goes to the port to exchange the bill of lading (B/L/Waybill is exchanged for delivery note), complete the customs clearance procedures, and if inspection is required, cooperate with Sudan Customs for inspection
Receipt, inspection and acceptance
The consignee confirms the quantity and appearance of the goods and signs for them;
Learn about shipping times from China to surrounding areas:
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Egypt
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Saudi Arabia?
How to Choose Reliable Freight Forwarder?
Dealing with complex customs clearance processes and ensuring economical and efficient transportation from China to Sudan requires expertise and reliability. Choosing a suitable freight forwarder is crucial. The following are relevant factors for selection:
- Experienced in African lines: familiar with Sudan’s local customs clearance, policy changes and logistics resources.
- Provide DDP/DDU services: can handle customs clearance and taxes on behalf of the consignee to reduce the pressure on the consignee.
- Transparent quotations: clearly specify freight, taxes, port of destination fees, etc. to avoid hidden costs.
- Good after-sales service: can provide real-time tracking, abnormal problem handling and other support.
- Can provide a variety of transportation solutions: such as sea freight LCL + delivery, air freight package, express delivery, etc.
Although there are certain policy and customs clearance challenges in transporting goods from China to Sudan, with the stable market demand and the good atmosphere of cooperation between China and Sudan, this article shows that you can choose the right mode of transportation and a reliable freight forwarding partner to ensure the smooth arrival of goods.