China and Dubai (UAE) have close trade relations and strong transportation demand. However, global transportation costs are constantly changing. This article will provide a detailed analysis from multiple perspectives to help businesses or individuals understand the transportation costs from China to Dubai, enabling them to plan logistics costs more reasonably.

You may also be interested in: How long does it take to transport goods from China to Dubai and Shipping from China to UAE | Most affordable shipping cost

Magical Dubai

Dubai is a prosperous metropolis in the UAE, which has developed from an inconspicuous trading port into a global center for finance, tourism, technology, and culture. With its strong economy and ambitious projects, it continues to attract international attention, and the economy continues to grow steadily, which is also inseparable from the rise of global trade and the shipment of goods from China to Dubai(UAE).

The city also stands out for its sustainability and innovation, receiving over 8.5 million international tourists during the same period, showcasing its strength in the tourism industry and commitment to environmental sustainability in rapid economic development.

Shipping from China to Dubai

Depending on the nature of the goods, time requirements and budget, the transportation methods from China to Dubai are mainly divided into the following two types:

Sea Freight

Sea Freight is the most common mode of transportation, with relatively low freight rates, suitable for bulk goods, especially oversized and overweight goods. Common types of sea transportation services are as follows:

• Full Container Load (FCL): suitable for large-volume cargo transportation, the shipper can exclusively use the entire container. Common container types: 20 feet, 40 feet and 40 feet high cabinet.
• Less than Container Load (LCL): Applicable to small-volume goods, sharing a container with other shippers’ goods, effectively reducing transportation costs.

You may also be interested in: Comprehensive Analysis: FCL vs LCL Shipping

Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation, with strong timeliness and high safety, and is suitable for transporting high-value, small-volume goods. Common air freight services are as follows:

• General air freight: Applicable to general goods, with short transportation time and moderate cost.
• Express air freight: Applicable to small-piece goods with extremely strong timeliness, provided by international express companies (such as DHL, FedEx, UPS), with higher prices but the fastest speed.

What factors affect the cost from China to Dubai

Type of transported goods

The cost of general goods such as clothing and furniture is lower, while special goods such as cold chain food and dangerous goods require additional equipment or services, resulting in higher costs.

Transportation distance

Different ports and airports have different distances to Dubai, resulting in different costs

Fuel surcharge

The fuel surcharges for sea and air transportation fluctuate with international oil prices. When fuel prices rise, transportation costs will increase significantly.

Seasonal factors

During peak seasons (such as around the Chinese New Year or during peak international trade periods), demand for sea and air freight increases and prices may rise

Freight forwarding service fees

The quotation of freight forwarding companies usually includes service fees such as transportation, customs clearance, and document processing, which vary depending on the scope of services provided. Choosing a professional freight forwarding company like Presou Logistics, the quotation is very reliable.

Shipping Cost from China to Dubai

Understanding the costs involved is essential for budgeting when shipping from China to Dubai. Some typical cost components include:

• Basic freight: the main cost of sea or air freight.
• Fuel surcharge: adjusted according to international oil price fluctuations.
• Destination port charges: including unloading fees, storage fees, etc.
• Document fees: the cost of handling shipping documents.
• Tariff: Calculated based on the type of goods and declared value. Dubai has a zero tariff policy for some goods. The value-added tax (VAT) is usually 5%.

Mode of transport	Cost Range
20ft container by sea	$1,000-$1,500
40ft container by sea	$1,500-$2,500
LCL Shipping	$80-$120 / cubic meter
General air freight	$5-$8 / kg
Express air freight	$8-$12 / kg

Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Dubai

The cost of shipping a full container from China to Dubai varies slightly from different ports in China. Here are the detailed shipping costs:

Departure Port	20ft Container Cost Range	40ft Container Cost Range
Shenzhen Port	$1,000-$1,200	$1,500-$2,000
Guangzhou Port	$1,000-$1,300	$1,600-$2,100
Shanghai Port	$1,200-$1,500	$1,800-$2,300
Ningbo Port	$1,200-$1,500	$1,800-$2,300
Qingdao Port	$1,300-$1,600	$2,000-$2,500
Tianjin Port	$1,400-$1,700	$2,100-$2,600

DDP Shipping Cost from China to Dubai

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means that the seller bears all costs until the goods are delivered to the buyer’s designated location, and all costs including transportation fees, tariffs, value-added tax (VAT), customs clearance fees, etc. have been paid.

Service Type	From	To	LCL cost	20-foot container (FCL)	40-foot container (FCL)
Sea Freight DDP	China	France	$100 – $150/CBM	$2,000 – $3,000	$3,000 – $4,000
Air Freight DDP	China	France	$8 – $14/kg

Recommended Reading：DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia

How to Save Cost from China to Dubai

To save money on shipping from China to Dubai, you can optimize the logistics process through the following strategies

Optimize packaging and boxing

Reduce the volume and weight of goods, especially for LCL shipping, the cost per cubic meter or per ton is calculated

Plan and book in advance

Avoiding holidays (such as Spring Festival, Christmas and other peak transportation periods can help save costs.

Choose a reasonably priced freight forwarder

Different freight forwarding companies have different quotes on freight, surcharges and services. It is recommended to choose the most competitive solution by comparing prices, asking prices and negotiating with multiple freight forwarders.

Optimize tariffs

Ensure that the declaration of goods meets customs requirements to avoid additional costs caused by incorrect declarations. Make reasonable use of trade agreements to ensure possible tariff reductions or zero rates.

Consolidate goods

If there are multiple customers or batch orders, you can consolidate the goods for transportation to reduce air or shipping costs.

Presou Logistics – Best Freight Forwarder from China to Dubai

With years of global logistics experience, Presou Logistics is your trusted partner for reliable and efficient shipping from China to Dubai. We work with the best airlines and shipping companies in China to ensure the highest quality shipping at competitive prices.

When you entrust your shipment to us, you can enjoy a range of advantages:

• Fast and transparent online quotes: We will quote you by providing clear and easy-to-understand price information.
• Expert handling of IMO or dangerous goods: We specialize in the safety of dangerous and sensitive goods and comply with all regulations.
• Seamless delivery to Amazon FBA in Dubai: We offer a hassle-free solution to ship your products directly to Amazon FBA centers in Dubai, simplifying your e-commerce operations.
• Document support: Our dedicated team assists you in filling out and submitting the necessary shipping documents, relieving you of the administrative burden.
• Simplify customs procedures: Presou Logistics has obtained the Customs AEO Certification Body, which can facilitate the handling of most customs requirements for you, minimize complexity, and ensure smooth customs clearance in the UAE.
• 24/7 customer support: Our customer support team is available 24/7 via email, phone or chat to answer your questions and concerns promptly.
• Full compliance with shipping regulations: Rest assured that your shipment will be handled in full compliance with local and international shipping regulations, ensuring a smooth shipping process.

Documents Required for Shipping from China to Dubai

The customs clearance process is crucial to ensure that your shipment passes smoothly through UAE customs. To do this, several important documents are required, including:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin
• Bill of Lading (for ocean shipments) or Airway Bill (for air shipments)

Based on the information provided, it's clear that for a smoother and more compliant import process from China to Dubai, certain additional documents might be necessary. These documents ensure that the goods meet health, safety, and regulatory standards.

By gaining a thorough understanding of the required documentation and procedures, both individuals shipping personal belongings and companies transporting large-scale goods can enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the shipping process from China to Dubai.