Ocean and Air Freight From China to India

In 2020, India's imports from China totaled approximately $67 billion (USD), positioning India as China's ninth-largest export partner. Despite border tensions in the Himalayas affecting bilateral trade, the Indian economy continues to heavily rely on Chinese imports.

If your business involves importing electronics or other goods from China to the Indian subcontinent, you may benefit from efficient cross-border logistics. Whether you are an experienced importer or a first-timer seeking guidance on China-India shipping, this article provides valuable information to help you choose the most suitable method and mode of shipping for your freight.

Options for Shipping Freight From China to India:

Due to the vast geographical distance between the two countries, most businesses opt for ocean or air freight for importing from China to India. Ocean freight is generally the more cost-effective choice, while air freight is reserved for urgent shipments or high-value, delicate, or perishable goods.

Ocean Freight From China to India:

1. Less than Container Load (LCL): If you frequently export smaller consignments of goods, LCL shipping is a cost-effective option. Instead of renting a whole container, LCL allows you to consolidate your merchandise with other shippers' goods in a shared container from India to China.

2. Full Container Load (FCL): For larger-scale imports from China to India, FCL shipping is more time-efficient and cost-effective when calculated on a cost-per-unit basis. FCL requires filling a shipping container, and the shipping cost for the freight inside is generally lower than the equivalent LCL fees for the same volume.

Air Freight from China to India:

When time is of the essence, air freight is the preferred option as it drastically reduces transit time. Air shipping is particularly suitable for emergency shipments, small quantities, high-value goods, or perishable items that require swift delivery.

Shipping Costs from China to India:

To assess the cost of shipping your freight from China to India accurately, it's recommended to obtain a quote from an online freight forwarder. Various factors, such as demand for ocean and air freight capacity, fuel costs, availability of capacity, type of goods, amount of freight, and handling charges at ports or airports, will influence the shipping cost.

For general cost considerations, keep in mind:

• For shipments around 100 kilograms, comparing quotes for both air and ocean shipping may not show a significant difference. Air freight's speed could be a reasonable option without a substantial price increase.

• As the weight increases beyond 100 kilograms, ocean freight becomes more cost-effective, unless fast shipping is crucial.

• For ocean freight, FCL shipping offers lower pro-rata costs if you have a sizable quantity of cargo to export from China to India.

• LCL shipping is ideal if you ship goods in small quantities and don't need to isolate your merchandise from other shippers' consignments.

Shipping Time from China to India:

Transit times for ocean and air freight shipments:

•  Ocean freight from China to India takes between 15 and 30 days.

•  Air freight typically takes 3 to 8 days.

Customs Clearance in China and India:

Importing goods between China and India involves complying with customs rules in both countries. To simplify the customs clearance process, many businesses prefer working with reputable freight forwarders who have expertise in handling the required procedures and documentation.

Choosing Between Ocean and Air Freight:

Ocean Freight:

• Most popular and cost-effective method for importing from China to India.

• Suitable for various cargo types and quantities.

• Longer transit times, so planning in advance is necessary.

• Two options: Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL).

• LCL is ideal for smaller freight quantities, while FCL is suitable for larger volumes or delicate goods requiring isolation.

• Freight consolidation and deconsolidation may extend LCL shipping times.

Air Freight:

• Expensive but fast and ideal for urgent shipments, high-value goods, or perishables.

• Especially useful if the consignor or consignee is near an international airport, particularly if inland and far from seaports.

• Tight security measures in the air transport industry make it suitable for sensitive shipments.

• Useful as a backup during peak seasons when ocean freight delays are likely.

Port and Airport Guides:

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

China, known for its vast industrial prowess and global trade, boasts an impressive network of cargo ports, facilitating the movement of goods worldwide. Among these, some significant ports of origin stand out due to their strategic locations and extensive capacities. 

• GUANGZHOU Port:
Located strategically on the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou serves as South China's largest comprehensive ocean port. This port is a prime choice for supply chains requiring export shipping from the province of Guangdong. Notably, it connects suppliers with importers across America, Europe, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. Recent expansions have boosted its international container connections to an impressive 119. Owned by Guangzhou Port Group Company Ltd., this port handles over 21.9 million TEUs annually.

• TIANJIN Port:
Situated around 170 kilometers southeast of Beijing, Tianjin claims the title of the world's ninth-largest container port and the largest in Northern China. Its six container terminals and 159 berths, with 102 suitable for ships over 9,000 tonnes, make it a formidable player in the maritime landscape. An upgrade to a smart port transformed it, enabling remote operation of 31 ship-to-shore cranes, each capable of offloading 32 shipping containers per hour. Owned by Tianjin Port Group Ltd., it handles over 16 million TEUs annually.

• WUHAN Port:
Wuhan Port sits at the confluence of the Yangtze and Hanjiang Rivers, boasting a vast network of 244 berths. Functionally, the port complex is divided into 15 areas, each specialized in handling specific cargo types. Remarkably, Wuhan Port processes 80 percent of all shipping containers moving into and out of Hubei Province. With an annual container volume exceeding 500,000 TEUs, it is owned by Wuhan Port Group Company Ltd.

• DALIAN Port:
As China's northernmost ice-free port, Dalian plays a critical role in the region as the busiest multipurpose port in Northeastern China. Its strategic location on Bohai Bay earned it the nickname "Gateway to The Pacific." Importers relying on suppliers in Northern China find Dalian an ideal port of loading. Dalian Port Corporation Ltd. owns it, and it handles over 9.7 million TEUs annually.

• NINGBO-ZHOUSHAN Port:
Boasting one of the world's most efficient container terminals, Ningbo-Zhoushan is renowned for its rapid vessel loading and discharge capabilities. Importers looking for alternatives to the busier Shanghai Port often choose Ningbo-Zhoushan. Ranked as the world's fourth-busiest port, it has plans to strengthen its container handling operations. This port is owned by Ningbo Zhoushan Port Co., Ltd., and it handles over 26 million TEUs annually.

Apart from these top five cargo ports, China offers several other options for exporters looking to move goods to India. Others ports include Shenzhen, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shantou, Shanghai, Lianyungang, Qinzhou, Xiamen, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Qingdao, and Tianjin.

Cargo Ports of Arrival in India:

India, a bustling economy with a growing appetite for imports, hosts several major cargo ports facilitating the entry of goods from across the globe. Let's explore some of the key ports of arrival in India, along with their features and connectivity to China.

• NHAVA SHEVA Port:
Claiming the title of India's largest port, Nhava Sheva handles over 50% of the country's containerized freight. Originally commissioned as an overflow for Mumbai Port, it achieved a remarkable throughput of 5 million TEUs in a year. Ideal for imports destined for Nashik, Pune, Mumbai, and other destinations in Maharashtra, Nhava Sheva benefits from a dedicated special economic zone inaugurated in 2020. It is owned by the Government of India, handling over 5 million TEUs annually.

• MUNDRA Port:
Nestled in the Gulf of Kachchh, Mundra ranks among the world's top 40 container ports. As India's largest privately owned port, it boasts four container terminals and operates more than 35 international container-shipping services. Its strategic location facilitates the movement of goods to the hinterland of Northwest India. Mundra Port is owned by the Adani Group and handles over 4.2 million TEUs annually.

• CHENNAI Port:
As the second-largest container port in India, Chennai serves the Tamil Nadu region and enjoys connections to China's export market through various direct ocean-freight services. The infrastructure includes two container terminals, and it was India's first port to house a dedicated container facility. Owned by Chennai Port Trust under the Ministry of Shipping, it handles over 1.5 million TEUs annually.

• HALDIA Port:
Recognized as one of the world's most environmentally friendly ports, Haldia operates as a green port. Its emphasis on sustainability includes running all heavy-lifting vehicles and equipment on bio-diesel. Over the years, its channel draft has increased, accommodating larger, heavily laden vessels. Serving regions in the Northwest of India, Haldia is owned by the Kolkata Port Trust, handling over 150,000 TEUs annually.

• VISAKHAPATNAM Port:
Strategically positioned between Kolkata and Chennai, Visakhapatnam serves as an ideal entry port for goods destined for India's central regions. It boasts an inner and outer harbor, offering a total of 27 berths. The inner harbor covers 100 hectares, complemented by 21 berths, while six additional berths are available in the outer harbor. Visakhapatnam Port Trust owns it, handling over 350,000 TEUs annually.

Flying Your Freight: Airports as Alternate Routes

Besides maritime transportation, air cargo plays a crucial role in facilitating rapid and efficient trade between China and India. Let's explore the major airports in China that serve as origins for air freight to India.

• SHENZHEN Airport:
Shenzhen Airport, handling over 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually, stands among the world's busiest cargo airports. Located close to Shenzhen City, it offers direct routes to India via Chinese cargo carrier SF Airlines.

• GUANGZHOU Airport:
China's third-largest cargo-handling airport, Guangzhou, processes approximately 1.8 million tonnes of cargo yearly. With three runways, it ranks as the world's 17th-busiest cargo airport, offering direct flights to several international airports in India.

• CHENGDU Airport:
As China's fifth busiest airport for cargo, Chengdu handles over 660,000 tonnes of cargo annually. It serves over 50 international and 170 domestic destinations, connecting to Delhi and Chennai in India through operators like FedEx Express and Korean Air Cargo.

• BEIJING Airport:
Located near Central Beijing, Beijing Airport's cargo terminals handle over 1.8 million tonnes of air freight annually. Direct flights operate to destinations in India, including Delhi and Mumbai.

• SHANGHAI-PUDONG Airport:
Ranked among the three busiest cargo airports globally, Shanghai-Pudong handles around 3.35 million hectares of cargo annually. It plays a vital role in exporting goods from China to India and connects to airports like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

For exporters seeking entry points in India, major airports include Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. These airports are strategically located to serve specific regions and offer various facilities and direct flights to and from China.

Why Ship Freight From China to India with PDS?

PDS advanced digital platform makes it convenient to import from China to India, whether through FCL, LCL, or air freight. Some benefits of using PDS include:

• Instant and transparent quotes for ocean and air freight.

• Online booking, payment, and shipment tracking.

• 24/7 customer support from global logistics experts.

• Compliance software to meet regulatory requirements.

• Customs clearance experts to facilitate smooth border crossings.

By utilizing PDS services, businesses can streamline their shipping processes and enjoy efficient, cost-effective, and reliable freight transportation from China to India.

FAQs

1) How much is air freight from China to India?
The cost of air freight from China to India can vary based on several factors such as the weight and dimensions of the cargo, the departure and destination airports, and the current market conditions. Generally, air freight is considered a faster mode of transportation, making it ideal for time-sensitive or high-value shipments.

2) How much is air freight from China to India per kg?
The air freight rate from China to India per kilogram can fluctuate depending on the airline or freight forwarder you choose, the type of goods being shipped, and any additional services required. However, it is essential to obtain real-time quotes from reputable carriers to get accurate and up-to-date pricing for your specific shipment.

3) What is the cost of container freight from China to India?
The cost of container freight from China to India depends on various factors, including the type and size of the container, the origin and destination ports, the nature of the cargo, and the chosen shipping route. Generally, container shipping offers a more cost-effective option for larger shipments compared to air freight. 

4) How much is ocean freight from China?
The cost of ocean freight from China varies depending on several factors, such as the size and type of cargo, the shipping route, the chosen carrier, and any additional services requested. 

5) Is air freight cheaper than the sea?
Generally, ocean freight is more cost-effective than air freight for shipping goods from China to India, especially for larger and less time-sensitive shipments. Air freight is often used for urgent deliveries or high-value products due to its faster transit times, but it comes with a higher price tag compared to sea freight. In terms of cost per kilogram or cost per cubic meter, sea freight rates are considerably lower than air freight rates. However, each shipping method has its advantages and limitations.

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