Shipping Cost from China to Saudi Arabia
China and Saudi Arabia are becoming closer trading partners thanks to the "Belt and Road" Initiative. Saudi Arabia needs lots of different things, and China can make and send all kinds of goods. From big machines to everyday items, China has it all. Chinese products are good quality and not too expensive. This makes them perfect for the Saudi market. Plus, China has lots of experience in making all sorts of things. This means it can send the right products to Saudi Arabia.
Those items need to be purchased from China
Import Category |
Specific Popular Products |
Machinery |
Electrical and mechanical products |
Furniture |
Office furniture, medical furniture |
Electronics |
Mobile phones, computers |
Chemicals |
Plastics, fertilizers |
Textiles |
Clothing, home textiles |
Food |
Rice, sugar, seasonings |
Why Choose China as a Supplier?
There are many reasons why Saudi Arabia imports from China. Chinese products are good value for money. They are made well and cost less than products from some other countries. China makes a huge variety of products. This means it can supply almost anything Saudi Arabia needs. China is also good at making high-tech products. This helps Saudi Arabia get the latest technology. The economies of China and Saudi Arabia fit well together. Saudi Arabia has lots of oil, and China is good at making things. This makes trade between the two countries work well.
How to Finding a Reliable Supplier?
When people start to Purchase goods from China, Saudi businesses need to find a good supplier in China. They can use websites like Alibaba to find potential suppliers. They can also go to trade shows in China or visit factories directly. Seeing the supplier's facilities and talking to them in person can help build trust. Once they find a supplier, they need to sign a detailed contract. This contract should cover everything from the type and quantity of goods to the delivery date. It should also clearly state what each party is responsible for.
Payment Methods
Common payment methods include:
Telegraphic Transfer (T/T): Fast and straightforward.
Letter of Credit (L/C): More secure, protecting both buyer and seller.
The best method depends on trust levels and contract terms.
The difference between different modes of transportation
Transportation Method |
Suitable for |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Shipping |
Large and heavy goods |
Relatively cheaper |
Slower |
Air Freight |
High-value or time-sensitive goods |
Faster |
More expensive |
Express Delivery |
Smaller shipments |
Fast delivery speed, convenient for small quantities |
Higher cost per unit, limited to smaller volumes |
Shipping cost from China to Saudi Arabia
Below is an updated breakdown of shipping costs from China to Saudi Arabia for May 2025:
Air Freight:
Suitable for goods weighing 1000 kilograms or more, with the destination being Dammam. The original price was $5 per kilogram, and it's now $4.75 per kilogram.
How much does it cost to ship a 40 - foot container to Arabia?
- Sea Freight - 20 - foot General - Purpose Container (20GP):
- When the destination is Dammam, the cost has decreased from $1230 to $1160
- When the destination is Jeddah, the cost has decreased from $2680 to $2550
How much does it cost to ship a 40 - foot container to Arabia?
- Sea Freight - 40 - foot General - Purpose Container (40GP):
- When the destination is Dammam, the cost has decreased from $1800 to $1700
- When the destination is Jeddah, the cost has decreased from $3450 to $3270.
- Less - than - Container - Load (LCL): Charged per cubic meter, for the Saudi Arabia region. The original price was approximately between $100 - $200, and now it's between $95 - $190.
Note that these shipping prices aren't fixed. They can fluctuate due to factors like fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, and changes in trade regulations. When arranging freight, it's essential to stay updated on the latest rates and fully consider these variable factors.
Factors affecting shipping costs
Freight prices are very different. It depends on how heavy and big the goods are, how far they need to go? and which way you choose to ship them? For example, sending a 20-foot container to Dammam costs about $1,100. Sending a 40-foot container to Jeddah may cost around $3,400. Air shipping is more expensive, but it’s faster. Knowing these costs helps a lot when you plan your budget.
Shipping Choices
- The right shipping method depends on the goods, urgency, and budget:
- Sea freight: Best for large, heavy shipments (slower but cheaper).
- Air freight: Faster but more expensive, ideal for urgent or high-value goods.
- Express shipping: Suitable for small, time-sensitive packages.
Freight Cost Factors
- Shipping costs vary based on:
- Weight and size of the shipment.
- Distance between China and Saudi ports.
Cost differences between modes of transport
For example, a 20ft container to Dammam may cost around 1,100,whilea40ftcontainertoJeddahcouldbe1,100,whilea40ftcontainertoJeddahcouldbe3,400. Air freight is pricier but much faster.
Looking to ship goods from China? Presou Logistics provides affordable 20ft and 40ft container shipping to the Middle East, Africa, and the U.S. We handle both sea and air freight with complete door-to-door service.
Saudi Customs Process
When goods arrive, importers must submit:
- Commercial invoice (listing product values).
- Packing list (detailing shipment contents).
- Certificate of origin (confirming where goods were made).
- Proper documentation ensures smooth customs clearance.