In today’s thriving global trade environment, German companies are increasingly engaging in close and frequent trade with Chinese goods. Shipping from China to Germany has become more important than ever. However, the complexities and intricacies of the shipping process can often be overwhelming.
Shipping Cost from China to Germany [August 2025]
The shipping cost from China to Germany varies depending on the shipping method you choose. You can select the option that best fits your needs regarding timing and cost. Please see the updated shipping rates from China to Germany below.
| Shipping Type | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
|
Sea Freight 20 FCL |
$2760 |
Price sensitive cargo |
|
Sea Freight 40 FCL |
$3750 |
Large Cargo, Price sensitive |
|
Sea Freight – LCL |
$210 per m³ |
For cargo less than 20 FCL |
|
Air Freight |
$3.9/kg |
Shipment 1000+kg |
|
Rail 20 FCL |
$5200 |
Balance time and freight |
|
Rail 40 FCL |
$7400 |
Balance time and freight |
The freight price mentioned above is for reference only and may vary slightly depending on the different departure and destination ports.Contact us for detailed price now.
Shipping Time from China to Germany
Shipping time is crucial for businesses, and selecting the right shipping duration is extremely important for maintaining efficient operations. Below is the shipping time from China to Germany (updated August 2025).
| Shipping Type | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
Sea Freight |
35-40 Days |
Not insensitive Shipment for Transit Time |
|
Air Freight |
5-7 Days |
Sensitive for Transit Time |
|
Rail Freight |
18-22 Days |
Balance between shipping time and cost |
Sea Freight from China to Germany
Sea freight is the most economical shipping method from China to Germany, making it ideal for heavy or high-volume cargo. Choosing the right shipping option can save you a significant amount of money. Below are the shipping costs from China to Germany for August 2025.
| Items | Price | Transit Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
|
20 FCL |
$2670 |
35-40 Days |
Large-volume, Cost-efficiency |
|
40 FCL |
$3750 |
35-40 Days |
Large-volume, Cost-efficiency |
Advantages of Shipping Cargo by Sea from China to Germany
Reduced Risk of Damage: Marine shipping is generally less stressful on goods compared to air transport, where rapid changes in cabin pressure can damage sensitive items. Shipping by sea allows for a more stable and controlled environment for your cargo.
Cost Efficiency: Sea freight typically offers lower shipping rates compared to air freight, making it ideal for bulk shipments and lower-value items. This is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to optimize shipping costs.
Capacity for Large Shipments: Ships can carry significant cargo volumes, allowing you to consolidate multiple smaller shipments into one. This not only saves on transportation costs but also reduces the carbon footprint per unit.
Flexibility with Cargo Types: Sea freight can accommodate a wide range of cargo types, from heavy machinery and equipment to textiles and consumer goods. Specialized containers, like refrigerated ones for perishables, are also available.
Things to Consider When Choose a Good Sea Freight Forwarder
Experience and Reputation: Look for a freight forwarder with substantial experience in international shipping, particularly in the China-Germany route. Research their reputation through customer testimonials and online reviews.
Service Range and Expertise: Ensure the forwarder offers a comprehensive range of services, including customs clearance, warehousing, insurance, and cargo tracking. Their expertise can save you from potential headaches.
Transparent Pricing: A reputable forwarder should provide clear and transparent pricing, outlining all potential fees, including documentation, taxes, and surcharges. This helps avoid any unexpected costs later on.
Customer Service: Exceptional customer service is crucial. Choose a freight forwarder who is responsive, easy to communicate with, and willing to offer tailored solutions to meet your specific shipping needs.
In conclusion, shipping goods by sea from China to Germany is a strategic choice for cost-conscious businesses looking to move large quantities of cargo. By carefully selecting a reliable freight forwarder, you can ensure a seamless shipping experience that supports your operational goals.
Air Freight from China to Germany [August 2025]
Air freight is undoubtedly the fastest shipping method from China to Germany, making it ideal for high-value, time-sensitive, or smaller cargo. If you need urgent deliveries, air shipping remains the best choice due to its speed and reliability.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
|
Delivery Time |
5-7 Days |
|
Use Cases |
Urgent Shipments, High Value Products |
|
Standard Package (5kg) |
$100-$200 |
|
DDP Service |
Includes: Tax, duty, Delivery fee, fast custom clearance and predictable costs |
Advantages of Air Freight from China to Germany
Speed & Efficiency
Air freight is the fastest shipping method, with transit times typically ranging from **3 to 5 days**, depending on the route and carrier.
Ideal for urgent shipments, perishable goods, and high-value products.
Extensive Flight Network
There are multiple direct flights from China to Germany, ensuring flexible scheduling and faster transit. Major routes include:
Beijing (PEK) → Frankfurt (FRA) (Air China, Lufthansa)
Beijing (PEK) → Munich (MUC) (Lufthansa)
Shanghai (PVG) → Frankfurt (FRA) (China Eastern, Lufthansa)
Shanghai (PVG) → Munich (MUC) (Lufthansa)
Guangzhou (CAN) → Frankfurt (FRA) (China Southern)
Qingdao (TAO) → Frankfurt (FRA) (Seasonal flights)
Nanjing (NKG) → Frankfurt (FRA) (Seasonal flights)
These direct routes provide better pricing and transit times compared to connecting flights.
Security & Stability
Air cargo is highly secure, with strict handling protocols, reducing the risk of damage or theft.
Airlines and freight forwarders offer real-time tracking, ensuring full visibility of shipments.
Best for High-Value & Sensitive Cargo
Ideal for electronics, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, and time-sensitive industrial parts
Temperature-controlled options are available for perishable goods.
Key Considerations for Air Freight
Restricted Items
Airlines have strict regulations on **battery-powered, magnetic, or liquid products**.
Always check with your freight forwarder or airline before shipping.
Customs Clearance
Proper documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, air waybill) is crucial for smooth customs clearance in Germany.
Some goods may require special permits (e.g., CE certification for electronics).
Choosing the Right Air Freight Forwarder
When selecting an air freight partner, consider:
✅ Network Reach – The forwarder should have strong partnerships with major airlines (Lufthansa Cargo, Air China Cargo, etc.)
✅ Customs Expertise – Can they handle German and EU customs efficiently?
✅ Competitive Pricing – Are they offering the best rates without hidden fees?
✅ Transit Time – Do they guarantee fast and reliable deliveries?
✅ Customer Service – Do they provide 24/7 support and real-time tracking?
Rail Freight From China to Germany [August 2025]
| Shipping Option | Cost | Transite Time | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
|
20 FCL |
$5,300 (Hamburg), $5,500 (Munich) |
18-22 Days |
Medium sized product, Need fast delivery than sea shipping. |
|
40 FCL |
$7,700 (Hamburg), $8,500 (Munich) |
18-22 Days |
Larger shipments seeking a balance between cost and transit time |
Rail shipping occupies a unique position between air and sea freight, striking a balance between cost and transit time. It offers a compelling alternative for businesses that require reliable and timely logistics but want to avoid the high costs associated with air transportation or the longer shipping times typical of sea freight.
Advantages of Rail Freight from China to Germany
Cost-Effectiveness: Rail freight is generally more economical than air shipping. It combines reasonable pricing with faster transit times, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to manage logistics costs effectively.
Relatively Fast Transit Times: Rail shipping offers a quicker transit time compared to sea freight. For shipments from China to Germany, rail can often deliver goods in around 12 to 16 days, significantly faster than ocean shipping, which can take several weeks.
Capacity and Volume: Trains can carry large volumes of goods, making rail freight suitable for bulk shipments. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that need to transport significant quantities of products efficiently.
[1]: Exploring customs regulations can save you time and money by ensuring compliance and smooth shipping processes.
[2]: Exploring this link will help you find reputable freight forwarders with proven experience in international shipping.
Why Cooperate with Keystone
Value-added Services in China
1. Express Customs Clearance
Pre-review documents for fast customs clearance (6 hours vs standard 2-3 days). Minimizes port detention risks, ideal for time-sensitive cargo
2. End-to-End China Logistics
Door-to-port (FCL/LCL solutions) Includes short-term warehousing with value-added services (labeling, sorting, etc.)
3. 24/7 Emergency Support
Immediate response for customs inspections/document issues/port congestion. Dedicated agent with SLA guarantee (fee waiver if service timeout)
4. Intelligent Cost Optimization
Route planning, load optimization & long-term contracts to reduce costs.
Door to Door Service
In addition to our branches at major ports in China, we also have offices in France, Belgium and Germany. Belgium is known for its favorable customs clearance process, and we operate our own customs brokerage, warehouse, and fleet there.
1.Custom Clearance
If your clients have special products that encounter difficulties with customs clearance in Germany, we can assist with customs clearance in Belgium.
2. Warehousing
For products that require disassembly, sorting, and further delivery, we have our own warehouses in France, Germany and Belgium available for use.
3. Amazon FBA Delivery
Regarding Amazon FBA deliveries, we have a strong partnership with Amazon’s fleet, enabling us to deliver goods directly to Amazon’s warehouses across Europe.
4. Last Mile Delivery
We also operate our own fleet, capable of handling last-mile deliveries straight to your clients’ specified addresses.
