Shipping From China to Australia

China is Australia’s largest trading partner. In November 2024 alone, goods imported from China reached $6.74 billion USD. Shipping from China to Australia can happen via sea and air, with express options for urgent shipments.

Ocean freight is the most affordable but the least efficient choice. Air freight is fast, but shipping prices are higher. The type of shipping you choose should strike a balance between cost and efficiency, based on your needs.

At Twings Supply, we’re here to help make your experience importing from China to Australia as smooth as possible. Contact us today for advice, assistant, and support throughout the process.

What are the Options for Shipping From China to Australia?

what methods are there for shipping from china to australia

Shipping from China to Australia can be done by sea or air, with an option for express shipping.

Sea Freight: Cost-effective for large shipments.
Air Freight: Suitable for time-sensitive goods.
Express Shipping: Fastest option for urgent deliveries.

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight (also known as sea freight) is the most economical way to ship goods from China to Australia. It’s best for large shipments that are not time-sensitive. This method uses shipping containers and can be divided into full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL).

Full Container Load (FCL)

Full container load (FCL) rents an entire shipping container exclusively for a single shipment. This option is best for large quantities. FCL shipments minimize handling and reduce the risk of damage as the container remains sealed throughout the journey.

Less Than Container Load (LCL)

Less-than-container load (LCL) is best for smaller shipments that don’t require a full container. Multiple shipments from different parties share space within the same container. It’s cost-effective for smaller loads, but the goods may be handled more frequently.

Air Freight

Air freight is one of the fastest ways to transport goods from China to Australia. It’s used for smaller shipments of time-sensitive or high-value items. The speed of delivery depends on the specific service chosen within air freight.

Standard air freight takes 8 to 10 days, as it includes extra time for customs clearance and local delivery. Air express freight reduces transit times to approximately 3 days for urgent shipments that cannot wait for standard processing.

This method uses commercial or cargo planes, which follow strict schedules. While it offers faster delivery, air freight is more expensive than sea freight and has limits on the size and weight of cargo.

Express Shipping Services

Express shipping is the fastest way to transport goods from China to Australia. It’s managed by courier companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS, which handle customs clearance and deliver directly to the recipient’s address.

Delivery takes 3 to 5 business days. Shipping times may vary slightly due to customs processes, the distance between pickup and delivery points, and seasonal demand.

Express shipping is more expensive than air freight or sea freight. This method works best for small parcels, as it comes with size and weight limits.

How much does Shipping From China to Australia Cost?

Freight rates from China to Australia depend on the method used, the shipment size, and the destination. Sea freight is the most affordable option, while air freight and express shipping are more expensive but faster.

Shipping Method	FCL Sea Freight	LCL Sea Freight	Air Freight	Express
Cost	It will cost approximately $2,000 for a 20-foot container It will cost about $3,950 for a 40-foot container.	It will cost between $25 and $35 per cubic meter.	$3.53 per kilogram to Sydney and Melbourne $6.70 per kilogram to Brisbane	$50 to $100 for a 5 kg package.

Please note that these are approximate costs and can vary based on factors such as fuel prices, seasonal demand, and specific service providers.

For the most accurate and up-to-date rates for a freight forwarder from China to Australia, contact Twings Supply today. Our team is ready to provide solutions to meet your shipping needs.

What Affects Shipping Rates From China to Aus?

Shipping rates from China to Australia increase with larger or heavier cargo and longer distances. The final cost also depends on the type of goods being shipped, the chosen shipping method, and the shipment size.

Shipment Size and Weight

Carriers base charges on the greater of two measures: the actual weight of the shipment or the space it occupies. Heavier items or bulky goods require more resources, increasing costs.

Distance and Route

Longer distances or routes with more stops can lead to higher rates. Direct shipping routes are more cost-efficient.

Customs Fees and Import Taxes

The type of goods determines the duties and taxes imposed by Australian customs. Higher duties for certain products or permits for restricted items can raise overall shipping costs.

Service Levels

Shipping services that offer faster delivery or guaranteed arrival times come at a higher cost. Standard shipping options are cheaper but take longer.

Fuel Surcharges

Shipping companies adjust rates based on changes in fuel prices. When fuel prices increase, extra charges are added, raising the overall cost of transportation.

Seasonal Demand

Shipping costs increase during busy periods, such as the holiday season, when demand for freight services is high. Off-peak times usually have lower rates due to reduced demand.

Insurance

Adding insurance for shipments increases costs. The cost of insurance depends on the value of the goods and the coverage level chosen.

How long does Freight From China to Australia Take to Arrive?

Shipping time takes between 1 and 36 days, depending on your chosen form of transportation.

Sea freight takes between 22 and 36 days to travel from port to port, depending on customs procedures, weather disruptions, the shipping route selected, or Chinese National Holidays.

Air freight is faster, from 5 to 10 days. Express shipping is the fastest option, delivering goods in 1 to 3 days.

What are the Main Shipping Routes From China to Australia?

Shipping routes from China to Australia connect major shipping ports in China to ports in Australia. These routes traverse the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Shanghai to Sydney: This busy route links Shanghai, China’s largest port, to Sydney, one of Australia’s primary entry points for electronics, textiles, and machinery.
Ningbo to Melbourne: Cargo from Ningbo is transported directly to Melbourne, Australia’s largest container port, supporting retail and manufacturing industries.
Shenzhen to Brisbane: This route connects Shenzhen in southern China to Brisbane, which handles goods like furniture and electronics for Queensland’s markets.
Guangzhou to Fremantle (Perth): This route links Guangzhou with Fremantle, serving Western Australia’s mining and agricultural sectors.
Tianjin to Adelaide: Goods such as wine, minerals, and industrial machinery travel this route from Tianjin to Adelaide, South Australia’s main port.

Shipping From China to Australia FAQs

How do you choose a good freight forwarder from China to Australia?

Choose a forwarder with experience in shipping to Australia. Look for clear pricing, responsive support, and services like customs handling and insurance. Check reviews to confirm they meet delivery schedules.

A freight forwarder with strong connections in both countries can simplify the shipping process and handle potential challenges effectively.

Do you need a license to import Chinese goods Into Australia?

You don’t always need a license to import goods into Australia. Some items, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products, may require permits or approvals. Confirm if your goods fall under restricted or controlled categories before shipping.

What are Incoterms and how do they affect the cost of freight from China To Australia?

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are rules that define whether the buyer or seller is responsible for costs like shipping, customs, and insurance. They impact freight costs by determining responsibility for the goods transfers.

For example, some terms make the seller cover transport, while others require the buyer to pay. Choosing the right Incoterm affects the total price of shipping.