Shipping costs always play a significant role in determining the imported products’ profitability and competitiveness. The following content will show the detailed shipping costs from China to Australia in different modes. You also can learn what will affect the freight costs and how to reduce them.
Table of Contents
- Air freight cost per kg Australia from China
- Sea freight cost from China to Australia
- Door-to-door shipping cost from China to Australia
- The cheapest shipping from China to Australia
- How much are the import duties to Australia from China?
- How does Incoterms affect shipping from China to Australia price?
- Tips for reducing shipping costs from China to Australia
- Trusted freight forwarder China to Australia
- Frequently Asked Questions
Air freight cost per kg Australia from China
Air freight from China to Australia is popular due to its speed and reliability. As more airlines operate and return to normal, the current air freight rate to Australia is around $4-$7 per kg.
So, how to calculate the total air freight cost for your shipment?
The first step you need to do is to determine the chargeable weight of your cargo. It is generally determined by the actual or volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight).
How to calculate the actual weight?
To find the actual weight of your air cargo, you need to weigh it using a scale or balance. You should include the packaging materials and additional accessories that will ship together to get the correct weight.
How to calculate volumetric weight?
Typically, it is calculated based on the dimensions of the cargo. The basic formula is:
Volumetric Weight = (Length x Width x Height) / Volumetric conversion: 6000
You should notice that the volumetric conversion would change to 5000 if shipping from China to Australia by express. For the details, you can check with your carrier or freight forwarder.
Once you have obtained both the actual weight and volumetric weight, compare the two. The higher of the two weights will be considered the chargeable weight for your air freight shipment.
Sea freight cost from China to Australia
Sea freight is an excellent choice if you would look for cost-effective and reliable shipping options from China to Australia. Depending on the size of your shipment, you can choose between less than container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL).
What are the FCL shipping costs from China to Australia?
FCL shipping to Australia implies that your cargo takes over an entire container. It is charged at a flat rate regardless of whether your container is full or not. You can check the below sheet to obtain the 20-foot or 40-foot container shipping rate from China to Australia:
| POL | POD | 20’Container (USD) | 40’Container (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | Sydney | 315 | 565 |
| Shenzhen | Melbourne | 315 | 565 |
| Shenzhen | Brisbane | 315 | 565 |
The rates will be updated from time to time. For the latest shipping rates, please contact an expert logistics provider.
What are the LCL shipping costs from China to Australia?
LCL shipment allows you to pay only for the space your goods occupy, making it beneficial for smaller volumes. It is an easy way to cut expenses throughout your supply chain. The following table will display LCL sea freight rates from China to Australia:
| POL | POD | USD/CBM |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | Sydney | 5 |
| Shenzhen | Melbourne | 5 |
| Shenzhen | Brisbane | 5 |
| Shenzhen | Adelaide | 8 |
The rates will be updated from time to time. For the latest shipping rates, please contact an expert logistics provider.
FCL freight is suitable if you have sufficient goods to fill an entire shipping container. Furthermore, FCL will arrive earlier than LCL shipping due to the extra process that LCL goes through.
Door-to-door shipping cost from China to Australia
Door-to-door delivery is a comprehensive logistics option to deliver cargo to your specific destination directly. It encompasses the entire shipping process, including pick-up, customs clearance on both ends (China and Australia), delivery, etc. Generally, it can be divided into DDP and DDU.
DDP, known as Delivery Duty Paid, refers to your shipping partner will pay all expenses associated with the delivery of your goods. Such as customs clearance fees and duty, insurance fees, and local charges.
DDP shipping cost from China to Australia by air
| Destination zip code | 50-99kg (USD/KG) | 100kg (USD/KG) | 300kg (USD/KG) | 500kg (USD/KG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2, 3 at the beginning | $6.13 | $5.99 | $5.72 | $5.58 |
| 4, 5 at the beginning | $6.83 | $6.69 | $6.41 | $6.27 |
| 6, 7 at the beginning | $7.53 | $7.39 | $7.11 | $6.97 |
The rates will be updated from time to time. For the latest shipping rates, please contact an expert logistics provider.
DDP shipping cost from China to Australia by sea
| Destination zip code | 100kg (USD/KG) | 300kg (USD/KG) | 500kg (USD/KG) | 1000kg (USD/KG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2, 3 at the beginning | $1.81 | $1.60 | $1.53 | $1.46 |
| 4 at the beginning | $2.16 | $2.09 | $1.81 | $1.74 |
| 5 at the beginning | $2.30 | $2.23 | $2.09 | $2.02 |
| 0, 6, 7 at the beginning | $2.79 | $2.65 | $2.44 | $2.37 |
The rates will be updated from time to time. For the latest shipping rates, please contact an expert logistics provider.
On the other hand, DDU means Delivery Duty Unpaid. In this term, the carrier still will clear customs on your behalf in China and Australia, but you should pay the commodity duty yourself.
DDU shipping cost from China to Australia by air
| Destination zip code | 50-99kg (USD/KG) | 100kg (USD/KG) | 300kg (USD/KG) | 500kg (USD/KG) | 1000kg (USD/KG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2, 3 at the beginning | $5.44 | $5.30 | $5.02 | $4.88 | $4.74 |
| 4, 5 at the beginning | $6.13 | $5.99 | $5.72 | $5.58 | $5.44 |
| 6, 7 at the beginning | $6.83 | $6.69 | $6.41 | $6.27 | $6.13 |
The rates will be updated from time to time. For the latest shipping rates, please contact an expert logistics provider.
DDU shipping cost from China to Australia by sea
| Destination zip code | 100kg (USD/KG) | 300kg (USD/KG) | 500kg (USD/KG) | 1000kg (USD/KG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2, 3 at the beginning | $1.05 | $0.98 | $0.98 | $0.84 |
| 4 at the beginning | $1.46 | $1.39 | $1.32 | $1.25 |
| 5 at the beginning | $1.6 | $1.53 | $1.46 | $1.39 |
| 0, 6, 7 at the beginning | $2.02 | $1.95 | $1.88 | $1.81 |
The rates will be updated from time to time. For the latest shipping rates, please contact an expert logistics provider.
The cheapest shipping from China to Australia
Sea shipping is the cheapest way to ship goods from China to Australia when you have a large amount. Contrary to this, if your cargo is delicate, expensive, or urgent, air freight to Australia is usually the better option.
In addition, cargo consolidation can help you further reduce transportation costs if you deliver smaller or bulk cargo. For instance, you can efficiently use container space with LCL or LTL freight at a competitive price.
To gain the cheapest shipping from China to Australia, don’t hesitate to negotiate with freight forwarders to secure the best shipping rates. A reputable freight agent, like Airsupply, always has integrated with hundreds and thousands of carriers. And can leverage their multiple logistics solutions to obtain better prices.
How much are the import duties to Australia from China?
While most Chinese-originating goods will be eligible for ‘Free’ rates, you still should pay other relevant duties if needed. Such as GST (Goods and Services Tax), cost recovery charges, etc. When shipping to Australia from China, these tariff rates may vary based on the type of goods.
The Australian Border Force has published tariff classifications, which list the detailed tariff rates of each goods. Generally speaking, the tax rate depends on the Harmonized System (HS) codes.
It is essential to research the specific duty rates that apply to your goods before importing them into Australia. It can help you get the potential fees involved and factor them into your budget.
What are Incoterms & how do they affect shipping costs from China to Australia?
Incoterms, internationally recognized terms, define the obligations, risks, and costs between buyers and sellers. They clarify who is responsible for various aspects, such as arranging transportation, obtaining insurance, and handling customs formalities.
Several commonly used Incoterms for shipping from China to Australia include DDP, EXW, FOB, and CIF. Each Incoterm has specific implications for shipping prices. As they determine which party pays for the costs like transportation, insurance, and customs duties.
For example, with EXW, you (as a buyer) should bear all transportation costs and risks, resulting in higher shipping costs. In contrast, your shipment carrier ( as a seller) will cover shipping and insurance costs under CIF terms. You may receive a competitive price because the freight carriers have more resources and channels in the shipping industry.
Consider your requirements and seek professional advice to select the most suitable Incoterm for your China to Australia shipping.
Tips for reducing shipping costs from China to Australia
Book in advance
Sea freight is the cheapest shipping from China to Australia but with a long delivery duration. Book in advance allows you to take advantage of cost-saving and reduce the stress of delays.
Consolidate shipments
You can negotiate better rates with shipping carriers by consolidating multiple shipments into larger ones. Proper planning and coordination help optimize container space and reduce shipping costs from China to Australia.
Optimize packaging and weight
Excess weight and inefficient packaging can lead to higher shipping costs. You can use appropriate package materials that provide sufficient protection while minimizing the overall weight. Meanwhile, you should utmost your package to reduce the volumetric weight charges of your shipments.
Off-peak delivery
In the peak season, shipping carriers often face a shortage of transportation resources to meet the surge in demand. This imbalance between supply and demand allows carriers to command higher rates for logistics services. So whenever possible, it is better to ship during the off-season.
Work with a freight forwarder
Partnering with a reliable freight forwarder is instrumental in keeping down shipping costs. They can provide cost-saving solutions, negotiate favorable rates with carriers, and ensure efficient logistics management.
Airsupply - Your trusted freight forwarder China to Australia
With a close global shipping network, Airsupply supports 20,000/year shipments and has a 4,000 TEU annual capacity. They aim to be the leading freight agent in China, powered by innovative technology and strong integration ability.
Airsupply can match you with expert logistics projects tailored to your shipping budget and requirement. What’s more, their one-stop Amazon FBA shipping option allows you to improve your supply chain for your e-commerce business. For more exclusive services, contact ASL official team now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is responsible for customs clearance when imported to Australia?
The responsibility for customs clearance can vary based on the agreed shipping terms between the buyer and seller. Some Incoterms, such as DDP, place the obligation for customs clearance on the seller, while others, like EXW, take it on the buyer. It is crucial to agree upon responsibilities in the sales contract or agreement between the parties involved in the shipment.
Q2: What items cannot be imported to Australia?
There are restrictions on certain types of goods when shipping from China to Australia. Here are some examples:
Weapons and firearms: Firearms, ammunition, certain types of knives, etc.
Illicit drugs: Narcotics, controlled substances, etc.
Hazardous materials: Chemicals, explosives, radioactive materials, and other dangerous goods require special permits and compliance with safety regulations.
Counterfeit goods: Counterfeit designer products or unauthorized copies of copyrighted material, etc.
If you are unsure whether your items are prohibited or restricted, you can contact Airsupply.
Q3: How long does it take to ship from China to Australia?
Shipping time from China to Australia may vary depending on the transporting method and specific route. Typically, ocean freight may take 14 to 35 days, while air shipments may take 1 to 5 days.
