Shipping Cost from China to Egypt

Shipping Cost from China to Egypt(Updated May 2025)

Air Freight

1. Weight: Goods weighing 1000 kilograms or more (1000 kgs+).

2. Destination: The destination is CAI.

3. Cost: Charged per kilogram, the cost is $3.8 per kg.

Sea Freight - LCL (Less - than - Container - Load)

1. Billing Method: Charged per cubic meter (per cbm).

2. Destination: The destination is Port Said.

3. Cost: The cost per cubic meter is $99.

Sea Freight - 20 - foot General - Purpose Container (20GP)

1. Container Specification: 20 - foot General - Purpose Container (20GP).

2. Destination: The destination is Port Said.

3. Cost: The transportation cost is $3180.

Sea Freight - 40 - foot General - Purpose Container (40GP)

1. Container Specification: 40 - foot General - Purpose Container (40GP).

2. Destination: The destination is Port Said.

3. Cost: The transportation cost is $4180.

Shipping Methods and Costs

Sea Freight 

Sea freight is one of the main ways to ship goods from China to Egypt. It’s great for large volumes of cargo because it’s cost-effective. There are two types: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less Than Container Load (LCL).

Sea Freight from China to Egypt

Let's talk about the differences between FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less Than Container Load).

FCL (Full Container Load)

• When to Use: Use FCL when you have enough goods to fill an entire container.
• Cost: Per unit of goods is relatively low. Since you rent the whole container, when you divide the total cost by the number of goods, it becomes more affordable.
• Control: You have full control over the container. You can choose the type (like regular, refrigerated) and size (20ft, 40ft) according to your needs, and handle the packing and sealing on your own.
• Safety and Speed: It's safer because there's only your goods in the container, reducing the risk of theft or damage. And during loading and unloading at the port, it's faster as there's only one set of goods to handle, so the delivery is more efficient.

LCL (Less Than Container Load)

• When to Use: Use LCL when you don't have enough goods to fill a container. Small - and medium - sized enterprises, cross - border e - commerce sellers often choose this.
• Cost: Per unit of goods is higher. The charged based on the space your goods occupy in the container, and there are more operational steps involved, so the cost goes up.
• Control: You can't choose the container type or size by yourself. You have to follow the freight forwarder's arrangement for packing.
• Safety and Speed: Less safe. With many different owners' goods in one container, problems may occur, like some goods damaging or smelling bad. Also, it's slower because the container needs multiple loading, unloading, and sorting processes at the port.

Cost of shipping a container(20ft/40ft) from chian to Egypt

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Shipping from China to Egypt | Air & Sea Freight Rates

Shipping From China To Egypt

Air Freight

The big plus of air freight is speed. It can get your goods from China to Egypt in just 3 to 5 days. It is perfect for time-sensitive, high-value, or perishable goods like electronics or fresh fruit. In April 2025, the air freight cost for shipments over 1,000 kg was about $3.5 per kilogram from China to Cairo. Air freight is more expensive, so we need to weigh the value and urgency of their goods. Also, airlines have limits on weight and size, so it’s important to check these rules before shipping.

Express Services

Express services are the fastest, with delivery in just 1 to 3 days. They’re best for small, urgent shipments. But they’re also the priciest, with rates around $4 to $6 per kilogram from China to Egypt. Express offer door-to-door service, handling all transport and customs clearance. This is very convenient but costly. You should choose this option based on your specific needs.

Factors Affecting Shipping Costs

Weight and Volume

For both sea and air freight, the weight and volume of your goods really matter. In sea freight, LCL is charged by volume, while FCL is based on container size. Air freight usually charges by the greater of the actual weight or volumetric weight (length × width × height ÷ a specific factor). So, if you have large but light goods, they might be charged by volumetric weight. Companies should plan ahead and package goods efficiently to cut costs.

Fuel Surcharge

Fluctuations in fuel prices directly impact shipping costs. When fuel prices rise, shipping companies increase fuel surcharges, which are passed on to customers. It’s a good idea for businesses to keep an eye on fuel market trends and understand the fuel surcharge policies of shipping companies to better estimate costs.

Customs Duties and Taxes

Egypt charges tariffs and value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods. Different types of goods have different rates. For example, electronics might have a tariff of 10% to 30%, textiles 5% to 20%, and VAT is a flat 14%. Before shipping, companies need to know the HS codes of their goods to accurately calculate duties and taxes. This helps avoid cost overruns or delays due to customs issues.

Shipping Process and Tips

International Shipping Masterclass: Packaging, Customs & Risk Management

1. Packaging Like a Pro

Your packaging determines whether goods arrive intact. Here's what experienced shippers do:

• Fragile items get double-walled boxes with bubble wrap/foam padding - don't skimp here
• Label properly - "Fragile" stickers alone won't cut it. Add handling icons (this side up, no stacking)
• Paperwork precision is key - commercial invoices must match physical goods exactly
• Pro tip: Take photos of packaged goods before shipping for insurance claims

2. Navigating Customs Smoothly

Customs delays cost money. Avoid common pitfalls:

• Essential docs checklist: Commercial invoice, packing list, air waybill, certificates (FCC, FDA etc if applicable)
• Declare proper value - customs audits are increasing. "Gift" declarations often backfire
• Specialty goods alert: Batteries? Cosmetics? Check regulations 2 weeks before shipping
• Time-saver: Use a licensed customs broker - they prevent 80% of clearance issues

3. Protecting Your Shipment

• Assume something will go wrong - because it often does:
• Insurance isn't optional - 0.3% premium beats 100% loss. Get "all risks" coverage for high-value goods
• Real-time tracking is mandatory, not nice-to-have. Demand GPS updates from your forwarder
• Inspect immediately upon delivery - most claims require notification within 24 hours

Moves:

• Build relationships with 2-3 reliable forwarders for price comparisons
• For time-sensitive goods, pay extra for priority customs clearance
• Keep digital copies of all shipping docs for 3+ years

Remember: The 1 hour you spend preparing properly saves 10 days of headache later. Need specific advice for your shipment? Our logistics team specializes in China-US routes - reach out anytime.With over a decade of expertise in China-US logistics, we provide the most cost-effective shipping solutions for cross-border e-commerce and trading businesses.

Why choose Presou Logistics?

Our Core Advantages in US Routes

• Unbeatable Ocean Freight Rates
• Best prices nationwide for FCL (Full Container Load) & LCL (Less than Container Load)
• Full coverage of major US ports: West Coast / East Coast / Southern US

Why Choose a Freight Forwarder

Freight forwarders play a key role in shipping. They have the experience and know-how to handle different types of shipments. They can help you choose the best shipping method based on your needs and budget. They also assist with customs clearance and coordinate with shipping companies and customs officials. When choosing a freight forwarder, look at their reputation, service quality, pricing, and local resources in Egypt. You can check customer reviews or ask around to find a reliable partner.