Italy and China have maintained a close trading relationship for many years. Italy ranks as China’s fourth-largest trade partner in the European Union, while China stands as Italy’s largest trading partner in Asia. In 2024, the bilateral trade volume reached an impressive $72.543 billion, with both countries experiencing growth in their export figures.
As trade between the two nations continues to expand, the importance of logistics is also increasing, particularly in facilitating efficient transportation from China to Italy.
Shipping Cost from China to Italy [August 2025]
| Shipping Mode | Shipping Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
|
Sea Freight 20 GP |
$2900 |
Medium Cargo Shipment |
|
Sea Freight 40 GP |
$4300 |
Large Cargo Shipment |
|
Rail Freight 40 HQ |
$8400 |
Large Cargo & Quickly |
|
Rail Freight LCL |
$220/CMB |
Small-Medium Cargo |
|
Air Freight |
$4.2/kg |
Small and Medium, Time Sensitive |
The prices listed above are for reference only. Actual pricing may vary based on different departure and destination ports. For detailed price, please feel free to contact us.
Shipping by Sea:
– For a 20-foot General Purpose (GP) container, the shipping cost is $2900, which is suitable for medium cargo shipments.
– A 40-foot General Purpose (GP) container costs $4300, designed for larger cargo shipments.
Shipping by Rail:
– The cost for a 40-foot High Cube (HQ) rail freight is $8400, offering a faster service for large cargo.
– For less than container load (LCL) shipping via rail, the cost is $220 per cubic meter (CMB), ideal for small to medium cargo.
Shipping by Air:
– Air freight is priced at $4.2 per kilogram, catering to small and medium shipments that are time-sensitive.
Shipping Time from China to Italy [August 2025]
| Ship Mode | Transit Time |
|---|---|
|
Sea Freight |
20-30 Days |
|
Rail Freight |
18-25 Days |
|
Air Freight |
4-6 Days |
|
Express Shipping |
3-4 Days |
Different shipping modes offer varying shipping times, so it’s essential to select the right option based on your cargo’s size and whether it is time-sensitive. When choosing a shipping method, consider the balance between shipping time and cost.
For urgent shipments, air freight may be more suitable, despite its higher expense. Conversely, if time is less critical, sea freight can offer a more economical solution. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific needs and budget constraints.
Shipping from China to Italy by Sea Freight [August 2025]
If your cargo consists of large, non-time-sensitive items, sea freight is the ideal shipping option. This method offers the most economical rates for transporting goods from China to Italy.
For instance, shipping a 20-foot GP container typically costs around $2,900, while a 40-foot GP container is approximately $4,300.
The expected transit time ranges from 20 to 30 days, making it a reliable choice for businesses looking to save on shipping expenses without the pressure of urgent delivery.
| Shipping Mode | Cost | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
|
Sea Freight 20 GP |
$2900 |
20-30 Days |
|
Sea Freight 40 GP |
$4300 |
20-30 Days |
The Main Ports in China
Tianjin Port: Tianjin Port, near Beijing, is one of northern China’s largest ports. It serves as a major gateway for cargo to and from the capital region, equipped with container shipping facilities and extensive logistics support.
Qingdao Port: Qingdao Port, in Shandong Province, is a busy facility known for its efficient operations and modern infrastructure. Its strategic location along the Yellow Sea makes it ideal for trade with Northeast Asia.
Shanghai Port: Shanghai Port is the world’s busiest, located at the Yangtze River’s mouth. It is a vital trade hub, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and extensive shipping routes, essential for global commerce.
Ningbo Port: Ningbo Port, in Zhejiang Province, is one of China’s oldest ports, specializing in container shipping. Its deep-water terminals support large vessels, enhancing its capacity for trade with Europe and North America.
Shenzhen Port: Shenzhen Port, near Hong Kong, is a key center for trade and logistics, known for advanced technology. It handles a variety of goods, especially electronics, supporting the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone’s growth.
Guangzhou Port: Guangzhou Port, in southern China, is a major facility on the Pearl River Delta. It serves as a key trade point with Southeast Asia, handling diverse cargo types, including containers and automobiles.
The Main Ports in Italy
Genoa: It is Italy’s largest and busiest port, primarily handling container traffic and shipbuilding activities. It serves as a key maritime gateway for imports and exports.
Livorno: Livorno is a vital port in Tuscany, known for its efficient cargo services and strategic location. It plays a significant role in shipping goods to central Italy and offers ferry connections to nearby islands.
Naples: The historic Port of Naples is one of Italy’s oldest ports, crucial for both cargo and passenger ferries. It provides connections to nearby islands and serves as a major hub for Mediterranean travel.
Civitavecchia: Civitavecchia is the main port serving Rome, located just north of the city. It supports both commercial cargo and tourism, offering convenient transport options to the capital.
Trieste:
Trieste Port, in northeastern Italy, is important for trade with Central and Eastern Europe. It features a deep-water harbor, making it suitable for large vessels and diverse cargo handling.
Venice: The Port of Venice is renowned for its unique setting and historical significance. While primarily serving passenger ferries and cruise ships, it also handles some cargo traffic, making it a blend of commerce and tourism.
Shipping from China to Italy By Air Freight [August 2025]
The air cargo routes between China and Italy are well-developed, providing excellent logistics conditions for trade between the two countries. If your goods are high in value and time-sensitive, air freight is a perfect choice.
Here are some of the key routes from China to Italy:
– Beijing (Capital International Airport) to Milan (Malpensa Airport)
– Shanghai (Pudong International Airport) to Milan (Malpensa Airport)
– Guangzhou (Baiyun International Airport) to Rome (Fiumicino Airport)
– Shenzhen (Bao’an International Airport) to Rome (Fiumicino Airport)
| Items | Note |
|---|---|
|
Shipping Cost |
$4.2/kg |
|
Transit Time |
4-6 Days |
|
Idea Shipping for |
High value cargo & Time sensitive |
Advantage of Air Freight from China to Italy
Numerous Direct Flights: There are many direct flights from China to Italy, ensuring convenient and swift transportation.
Timeliness: Air freight offers excellent timeliness, with deliveries typically reaching Italy within just 4 to 6 days.
Increased Efficiency: The rapid turnaround enhances the efficiency of goods movement, which is crucial for businesses aiming to maintain a competitive edge.
Security Measures: Stringent security measures in place for air cargo ensure that shipments are well protected during transit, providing businesses with peace of mind.
Rail Freight from China to Italy [August 2025]
The China-Europe Railway transportation network is continuously expanding, providing more options for cargo transport between China and Europe. Freight trains have been established between many Chinese cities and major cities in Italy, creating convenient logistics channels.
For example, goods can be transported by rail from cities like Chongqing, Wuhan, and Chengdu in China to Italian cities such as Milan and Bologna. This railway transportation method is generally faster than sea freight, making it suitable for goods that have time-sensitive requirements.
Overall, the China-Europe Railway not only facilitates trade between China and Italy but also offers an efficient and stable solution for cargo transportation.
| Shipping Mode | Cost | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
|
Rail Freight 40 HQ |
$8400 |
18-25 Days |
|
Rail Freight LCL |
$220/m³ |
18-25 Days |
Rail transportation from China to Italy is highly convenient. You can ship goods in full containers or as individual parcels, depending on your needs. The pricing and timeliness of railway transport strike a great balance, making it an efficient choice for shipping.
Choose Best Freight Forwarder China to Italy
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.
