Shipping from China to the Gulf: sea, air and express

Sea freight

The usual choice for heavy or bulky goods. A full container (FCL) is used by one shipper; a shared container (LCL) suits smaller shipments, which are consolidated with other cargo. Sea freight is the slowest option but the lowest cost per unit for large volumes.

• Typical port-to-port time from Chinese ports to the main Gulf ports is a few weeks; add time for loading, customs and delivery at both ends.
• Main Gulf ports include Jebel Ali (UAE), Dammam and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Hamad (Qatar), Shuwaikh (Kuwait), Sohar (Oman) and Khalifa Bin Salman (Bahrain).

Air freight

Faster, usually a matter of days rather than weeks once the goods are at the airport, and priced by weight or volume, whichever is greater. Suitable for valuable, light or urgent goods. Some items, such as batteries and liquids, have special rules.

Express courier

Door-to-door service by an international courier: the simplest option for samples and small parcels, typically delivered within days. It becomes expensive for heavier shipments.

Who arranges what: Incoterms

• EXW: you collect the goods at the factory and arrange everything after that.
• FOB: the supplier delivers the goods on board at the Chinese port; you arrange the sea freight and what follows.
• CIF: the supplier pays freight and insurance to your port; you handle import clearance.
• DDP: the seller delivers to your door with duties paid. Check carefully who the importer of record is.

Documents

• Commercial invoice and packing list.
• Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air).
• Certificate of origin, if your country requires it or it reduces duties.
• Conformity certificates required in your country (for example SABER in Saudi Arabia).

Plan around Chinese holidays

Factories and logistics in China slow down around Chinese New Year and the National Day holiday in early October. Place orders early enough that production and shipping are not delayed by these periods.

Ask for current quotes

Freight prices change often with fuel, season and demand. Ask a freight forwarder for a current quote for your exact volume, weight, ports and Incoterm instead of relying on old prices.