Trade relations between China and Ireland have gradually deepened in recent years. As part of the European Union, Ireland is one of China’s major trading partners in Europe. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the cost of shipping from China to Ireland to help optimize transportation options.

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Introduction to Ireland

Ireland is an island country located in Western Europe, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea, and its geographical location is of great strategic significance. It is also an important international logistics and financial center, especially in the global pharmaceutical industry. With the continuous expansion of trade between China and Ireland, the demand for transportation has increased.

Shipping from China to Ireland

Logistics transportation between China and Ireland is mainly carried out by sea and air, and the choice is made according to the characteristics of the goods.

Sea Freight

Due to the large transportation volume and relatively low cost, it is particularly suitable for the transportation of bulk goods. Sea transportation is the most commonly used mode of transportation from China to Ireland, and is mainly divided into the following two types of transportation services

• Full container transportation (FCL): This method is used when a single shipper has enough goods to fill an entire container. Full container transportation generally provides lower unit transportation costs because the entire container is only used by one shipper, thereby reducing the risk of delays.
• Less than Container Load (LCL): This option is for shippers with smaller shipments that don’t fill an entire container. While LCL offers flexibility and lower upfront costs, it often results in higher unit costs due to additional handling charges and possible consolidation delays.
• Comprehensive Analysis: FCL vs LCL Shipping

Air Freight

Air freight is the preferred mode of transport for time-sensitive goods such as electronics, fashion items, etc. Although air freight is more expensive, it is faster and suitable for urgent shipments.

Factors Affecting Shipping Costs from China to Ireland

The cost of shipping from China to Ireland is generally determined by the mode of transport, but is also affected by the following factors:

Cargo Weight and Volume

Shipping costs are generally calculated based on the volume and weight of the cargo. Ocean freight costs are usually calculated based on volume or weight, while air freight charges are based on the greater of the volumetric weight and actual weight.

Routes

Direct routes are usually cheaper, but if detours are required, the costs may increase.

Seasonal Factors

International shipping has peak and off-seasons, and peak seasons (such as around Christmas) have high demand for transportation, resulting in higher costs. The low season is relatively low.

Port and terminal charges

Port and terminal charges include the costs associated with loading and unloading containers at the port of origin and the port of destination. These charges may vary depending on the location, facilities and regulations of the port.

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Shipping Cost from China to Ireland

The cost of shipping from China to Ireland is mainly composed of the following parts:

Transportation cost

This part of the cost includes the cost of transportation itself, which is usually calculated based on factors such as the weight, volume, and distance of the goods.

Insurance cost

For international transportation, there may be certain risks during the transportation of goods, so it is very necessary to purchase transportation insurance. The insurance cost usually depends on the value of the goods and the mode of transportation.

Port charges

Includes the loading and unloading costs of goods in China and Ireland, port taxes, etc.

Tariffs and import taxes

As a member of the European Union, Ireland imposes certain tariffs and value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods. The specific tax rate depends on the type and value of the goods.

Sea Freight Cost from China to Ireland

Shipping costs from major Chinese ports (such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou) to Dublin Port in Ireland vary depending on LCL and FCL shipping. The following is a common range of costs from China to Ireland:

POL (port of loading)	POD (port of discharge)	LCL shipping cost	20ft container cost	40ft container cost
Shanghai	Dublin	$55-$135	$1550-$2850	$3000-$5000
Shenzhen	Dublin	$60-$145	$1600-$3000	$3050-$4850
Qingdao	Dublin	$50-$150	$1750-$2950	$3050-$5050
Ningbo	Dublin	$65-$140	$1500-$2900	$3150-$4850
Shanghai	Cork	$65-$135	$1550-$2750	$3050-$4700
Shenzhen	Cork	$50-$135	$1600-$3000	$3000-$5000
Qingdao	Cork	$60-$145	$1650-$2950	$3050-$4750
Ningbo	Cork	$55-$145	$1500-$2950	$2950-$4850
Shanghai	Belfast	$50-$150	$1750-$2750	$3150-$4950
Shenzhen	Belfast	$65-$150	$1550-$2850	$3000-$4900
Qingdao	Belfast	$60-$145	$1600-$2800	$3100-$4800
Ningbo	Belfast	$65-$135	$1750-$3000	$3050-$4950

Air Freight Cost from China to Ireland

Air freight costs are usually calculated based on the actual weight of the goods and the volumetric weight. The volumetric weight is calculated as: length × width × height ÷ 6000 (in centimeters). The following is the cost range for shipping from China to Ireland:

Departure Airport (China)	Arrival Airport (Ireland)	Cost Range (USD/kg)
Shanghai Pudong	Dublin	$6.0 – $10.0
Guangzhou Baiyun	Dublin	$5.2 – $9.8
Beijing Capital	Dublin	$6.5 – $8.8
Shanghai Pudong	Shannon	$5.5 – $9.0
Guangzhou Baiyun	Shannon	$6.3 – $9.5
Beijing Capital	Shannon	$5.5 – $8.8
Shanghai Pudong	Cork	$6.0 – $8.5
Guangzhou Baiyun	Cork	$6.5 – $10.8
Beijing Capital	Cork	$5.0 – $9.0

Find out about shipping rates from China to Europe with the following articles:

Shipping from China to Lebanon | Sea & Air Freight Rates

Shipping from China to Jordan | Sea & Air Freight Rates

Shipping from China to USA | Sea & Air Freight Rates

How to Save Shipping Cost from China to Ireland

The following strategies can effectively reduce costs and get preferential prices:

Optimize packaging
An important factor in costs is volume weight, so reducing the volume of cargo packaging can effectively reduce transportation costs.

Optimize logistics planning
Planning and booking transportation routes in advance, reducing the number of transfers and choosing routes reasonably can effectively save costs.

Reduce additional costs
Check whether it is possible to avoid unnecessary additional costs, minimize the transfer links, and avoid additional expenses.

Choose the right time for transportation
Avoid transportation during peak transportation periods (such as Spring Festival, Christmas, etc.), and choose transportation off-seasons to reduce freight costs.

Negotiate with logistics companies
Cooperating freight forwarding companies can negotiate costs based on long-term cooperation and obtain lower transportation prices.

Factors to Choose Presou Logistics

Choosing an experienced and reliable freight forwarder is essential to effectively manage shipping costs. A good freight forwarder can help you navigate the complexities of international shipping, identify cost-saving opportunities, and provide tailored solutions for your logistics needs.

Key Considerations:

• Experience and Expertise: A freight forwarder with a proven track record in shipping from China to Ireland.
• Shipping Partner Network: Having relationships with shipping companies can get you better prices and service.
• Transparent Pricing: Look for a carrier that offers clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees so you can budget accurately.
• Customer Support: Excellent customer service is essential to resolving issues promptly and ensuring your logistics operations run smoothly.

The logistics and transportation costs from China to Ireland are affected by many factors. This article will help you reduce transportation costs and improve transportation efficiency. By planning in advance and optimizing logistics solutions, you can get more favorable transportation costs.