The increase in shipping from China to Switzerland reflects the growing trade relations between the two countries, with bilateral trade reaching $67.75 billion in 2024.
China primarily exports machinery and electronic products, as well as chemical industry goods to Switzerland, while the main imports from Switzerland consist of jewelry, precious metals, and related products. As trade between the two nations continues to expand, international logistics plays a crucial role in facilitating these transactions.
Shipping Cost from China to Switzerland [August 2025]
There are two primary shipping methods available for transporting goods from China to Switzerland: sea freight and air freight. Each option has its advantages, allowing you to choose the most suitable one based on factors such as cost, delivery time, and the nature of your shipment. Evaluate your specific needs to make an informed decision.
| Shipping Mode | Cost | Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
20 FCL |
$3000 |
35-40 Days |
Cost-effective, Bulk cargo |
|
40 FCL |
$4400 |
35-40 Days |
Cost-effective, Bulk or Heavy Cargo |
|
Air Freight |
$4.5/KG |
4-6 Days |
For high-value and urgent products |
PS:The price provided is approximate and not the final quotation. The final price will depend on specific details such as your cargo, the port of departure, the destination port and etc.
The shipping options available for transporting goods vary significantly in terms of cost and transit time.
For bulk cargo, a 20-foot container (20 FCL) is offered at a cost of $3000, with a transit time of 25 to 30 days, making it a cost-effective choice.
A larger 40-foot container (40 FCL) is also available, priced at $4,400 and maintaining the same transit time of 25 to 30 days, suitable for either bulk or heavy cargo.
In contrast, for high-value and urgent products, air freight is the best option, charging $4.50 per kilogram with a much shorter transit time of only 4 to 6 days. Each mode of transport has its advantages, catering to different shipping needs.
Shipping Time from China to Switzerland [August 2025]
| Shipping Type | Shipping Time | Advice |
|---|---|---|
|
Sea Freight |
35-40 Days |
From China – Antwerp – Basel |
|
Air Freight |
4-6 Days |
For high value cargo |
|
Rail Freight |
18-25 Days |
Balances cost and speed, offering a middle-ground. |
|
Express Shipping |
3-5 Days |
For urgent small packs |
- Sea Freight
Shipping Time: 35-45 Days
This option is suitable for transporting goods from China to Antwerp and then to Basel. - Air Freight:
Shipping Time: 4-6 Days
Recommended for high-value cargo that requires quick delivery. - Rail Freight:
Shipping Time: 18-25 Days
Strikes a balance between cost and speed, providing a middle-ground solution for shipping. - Express Shipping:
Shipping Time: 3-5 Days
Ideal for urgent small packages needing fast delivery.
Shipping from China to Switzerland by Sea [August 2025]
Switzerland’s main inland ports are Basel and Zurich. Cargo ships from China cannot reach these ports directly; they typically transit through the ports of Rotterdam or Antwerp, and then use inland waterways to reach Basel or Zurich. This is made possible thanks to the well-developed inland shipping network in Europe.
| Shipping Mode | Cost | Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
20 FCL （To Basel） |
Approx $3000 |
35-40 Days |
Cost-effective, Bulk cargo |
|
40 FCL（To Basel） |
Approx $4400 |
35-40 Days |
Cost-effective, Bulk or Heavy Cargo |
Our company has its own team in Belgium, which makes it highly convenient for us to arrange transfer services. We can also handle customs clearance in Belgium, ensuring a smooth process before transferring goods for land transportation. This allows us to provide efficient and timely logistics solutions for our clients, minimizing delays and optimizing the supply chain. With our local expertise and resources, we are committed to ensuring that shipments arrive at their final destinations swiftly and securely.
Shipping from China to Switzerland by Air Freight [August 2025]
Many of our clients operate on Amazon and have strict time requirements for their shipments, necessitating quick turnover of goods. In such cases, air freight is an ideal solution, as its speed and efficiency effectively address these challenges.
Additionally, we have clients engaged in traditional trade who may also opt for air freight under certain circumstances. If a client urgently needs a product, or if the product has a high value but is relatively lightweight, they typically choose air freight as well. This option allows them to meet tight deadlines and ensure their business runs smoothly. Overall, air freight serves as a vital service for various types of clients, helping them meet their logistical needs effectively.
The shipping cost from China to Switzerland is approximately $4.50 per kilogram, but this rate applies to shipments weighing over 1,000 kilograms. For shipments below this threshold, the price per kilogram tends to be slightly higher.
This pricing structure is designed to accommodate bulk shipments, making it more economical for businesses that require large quantities of goods. If you are shipping smaller amounts, it is important to consider these higher costs, as they can significantly impact your overall logistics budget.
Express Shipping from China to Switzerland [August 2025]
If you are running an online shop and shipping from China to Switzerland or engaging in dropshipping from China, this logistics solution is perfect for you.
As a UPS agent, we enable you to print shipping labels using our UPS account in China. You can then send your packages together to our EU warehouse via air freight. Once the items arrive, we will unpack and sort them into smaller packages. After that, UPS will come to pick them up and deliver them to wholesale customers across various EU countries. This process streamlines your shipping operations and helps ensure timely delivery to your clients.
Rail Freight Shipping from China to Switzerland [August 2025]
Rail freight is an effective shipping alternative for transporting goods from China to Switzerland, striking a balance between cost and transit time. This method has surged in popularity among businesses seeking efficient logistics. The China-Europe Railway Express plays a vital role in this shift, enhancing trade between China and Europe.
With significantly shorter transit times compared to sea freight and more affordable rates than air freight, rail transport is an ideal choice for companies looking to optimize their shipping strategies.
The extensive network of the China-Europe Railway Express connects key Chinese cities to various destinations across Europe, ensuring timely delivery and improved accessibility.
As demand for reliable logistics solutions grows, rail freight is becoming a mainstream option, fostering stronger trade relations and greater economic collaboration between China and Europe. This method not only meets the needs of businesses but also supports the ever-evolving landscape of international trade.
Choose the Best Shipping forwarder from China to Switzerland
Choosing a good logistics agent is crucial, as they can handle all the complex issues for you, allowing you to worry less and save a significant amount of time.
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.
