Spain is China’s fifth-largest trading partner within the European Union, while China is Spain’s largest trading partner outside the EU. In 2024, the bilateral trade volume reached $50.1 billion. China’s main exports to Spain include machinery and electronics, vehicles, clothing, furniture, and toys, while Spain primarily imports meat, minerals, and pharmaceuticals from China.
As trade between the two nations continues to expand, the importance of logistics is also increasing, particularly in facilitating efficient transportation from China to Span.
Shipping Cost From China to Spain [August 2025]
The prices for different shipping methods can vary significantly. Please choose the appropriate transportation method based on the characteristics of your cargo and your urgency requirements. For different transportation methods, please refer to the prices listed below.
| Shipping Mode | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
|
Sea Freight 20GP |
$2900 |
For medium cargo, Not time sensitive |
|
Sea Freight 40GP |
$4300 |
For large cargo, Not time sensitive |
|
Rail Freight 40HQ |
$8250 |
Large Cargo, Time sensitive |
|
Rail Freight LCL |
$220/m³ |
Smaller B2B Cargo |
|
Air Freight |
$3.9/kg |
Ideal for agent & high value cargo |
The price is for reference only. It varies based on different departure and destination ports. Please contact us for details.
Shipping Time from China to Spain [August 2025]
Different transportation methods have varying transit times. Sea freight has the largest capacity and is also the most cost-effective option. If your cargo has strict time requirements, you may consider air freight. Rail transport offers a balance between cost and transit time.
| Shipping Mode | Shipping Time | Note |
|---|---|---|
|
Sea Freight |
25-30 Days |
Slow transit but Cheap |
|
Rail Freight |
18-22 Days |
Balance between speed and cost |
|
Air Freight |
4-7 Days |
High Value & Time sensitive |
Trends, Seasonality & Spanish Port Insights
Summer Surcharges: Barcelona and Valencia are experiencing high seasonal demand, leading to limited space and potential handling fees. Always confirm with your forwarder for the latest information.
Rail as a Strategic Choice: Utilizing rail freight to Madrid can help bypass port slowdowns. Additionally, less-than-container load (LCL) options are increasingly popular among smaller importers in Spain’s interior.
Booking Windows: To secure rates and availability for July, book both sea and air freight at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
Regional Differences: Coastal cities may experience longer wait times, while deliveries via rail to Madrid are typically faster and more reliable this season.
Sea Freight Shipping from China to Spain [August 2025]
The main shipping routes from China to Spain include:
Eastern Coastal China to Spain: These routes primarily depart from ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen, with common destinations including Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid. These are typically container shipping routes, with transit times ranging from 30 to 45 days.
Southern China (such as Guangzhou and Hong Kong) to Spain: This route usually passes through the South China Sea, and the transit time is similar to the eastern route, often via the Suez Canal to reach Europe.
China-Europe Railway Express: While primarily a rail transport option, some of these services also offer sea-rail combined transport, where goods are shipped from China by rail to Europe and then transported to Spain via short-sea shipping.
| Sea Freight | Cost | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
|
20 GP |
$2900 |
25-30 Days |
|
40 GP |
$4300 |
25-30 Days |
|
LCL Shipping |
$215/m³ |
25-30 Days |
PS: The price if for reference,for detailed quotation please feel free to contact us
Air Freight Shipping from China to Spain [August 2025]
There are many flights from China to Spain, making air freight more convenient.
Direct Flights: Some airlines offer direct flights from major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, to key cities in Spain, like Madrid and Barcelona. This is the fastest air transport option, typically taking around 10 to 15 hours.
Connecting Flights via Other European Cities: Many flights choose to make a stopover in major European hubs, such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Paris, before continuing on to Spain. While this may extend the total transit time, it also provides more flight options.
| Air Freight | Note |
|---|---|
|
Shipping Cost |
$3.9/kg (1000kg+) |
|
Transit Time |
4-7 Days |
|
Best for |
High Value cargo, Time sensitive |
Advantage of Air Freight
- Speed: Air freight typically takes 4-7 days to receive cargo, making it significantly faster than sea and rail freight. This rapid transit time accelerates the turnover of goods and allows businesses to respond quickly to market demands.
- Safety: Air freight is generally considered safer than other modes of transportation. The reduced handling of cargo, along with stringent security protocols at airports, minimizes the risk of damage or loss during transit.
- Reliability: Airlines usually operate on strict schedules, which means that shipments are more likely to arrive on time. This reliability is crucial for businesses that depend on timely deliveries to meet customer expectations.
- Less Inventory Holding: Because air freight is faster, companies can hold less inventory in stock. This reduces storage costs and allows for a more streamlined supply chain, ultimately improving cash flow.
Rail Freight from China to Spain [August 2025]
Rail freight is an alternative to sea and air freight, offering a balanced option in terms of shipping time and cost. Additionally, rail transport is less affected by weather conditions compared to sea and air freight.
Rail is particularly ideal for medium-volume or B2B shipments where timing is important but cost constraints exist. Industries such as electronics, machinery, and automotive parts can benefit the most from this option.
| Shipping Type | Cost | Transit Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
|
40 HQ |
$8300 |
18-25 Days |
Medium to large cargo, faster delivery than sea freight |
|
LCL |
$215/m³ |
18-25 Days |
For small shipment |
Rail freight comparing Air and Sea freight
Express shipping can significantly enhance business operations by accelerating the flow and turnover of goods, which is immensely beneficial for commercial activities. When comparing rail freight to other shipping methods, here are some key features to consider:
Transit Times: Rail transport delivers goods in 18-25 days, which is faster than sea freight (35-46 days) but slower and cheaper than air freight (4-7 days).
Cost Efficiency: Rail rates are relatively stable compared to the volatile pricing of air freight, while also offering a quicker option than sea freight for non-coastal deliveries.
Seasonal Reliability: Rail transport is less impacted by issues such as July port strikes or disruptions related to the Suez Canal, ensuring consistent deliveries to locations like Madrid and inland Spain.
For Spanish importers in July 2025, rail freight emerges as a smart alternative, especially when coastal ports face congestion or air shipping becomes prohibitively expensive.
Choose Best Freight Forwarder China to Spain
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.
