Shipping from China to Australia is vital in global supply chains, especially for businesses importing electronics, textiles, furniture, and consumer goods. However, freight costs can vary significantly depending on shipping method (ocean or air), cargo volume, container size, port-to-port routes, and seasonal demand. Whether you’re a first-time importer or a seasoned business owner looking to optimize logistics, understanding the cost structure is essential for accurate budgeting and competitive pricing. In this guide, we’ll break down the key components influencing shipping costs and help you estimate what you can expect to pay when shipping from China to Australia in 2025.
Factors affecting freight rates from China to Australia
1. Mode of transport: Choose ocean freight (low cost, suitable for large shipments) or air freight (fast, high price). Ocean freight is divided into full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL). Express delivery is the fastest but most expensive.
2. Characteristics of goods: Freight charges depend on the weight, volume, and type of goods. Heavy or bulky goods incur higher costs. Special goods (such as dangerous goods) incur additional charges. High-value goods require insurance.
3. Distance and Route: Longer distances and complex routes (requiring transshipment) increase costs. Direct routes are generally cheaper and faster.
4. Destination Port: Different ports in Australia have varying costs and local operational expenses.
5. Fuel Surcharge (BAF): Fluctuations in fuel prices can increase freight rates.
7. Market supply and demand and seasonality: Freight rates increase during peak periods (e.g., before holidays or during peak seasons), and peak season surcharges may apply.
8. Additional fees: Besides basic freight rates, various charges such as port handling fees, document fees, and demurrage fees may apply.
9. Customs Duties and Taxes: Importing goods into Australia requires payment of customs duties and GST (typically 10% of the total value of the goods, freight, insurance, and duties). Goods below AUD 1,000 are generally exempt from responsibilities (except for specific items).
10. Insurance Fees: To mitigate transportation risks, cargo insurance fees are typically required.
What is the air freight cost from China to Australia?
| ≥45kg | ≥100kg | ≥300kg | |
| Air freight to Sydney Airport (SYD) | $6.10-6.71 | $4.57-5.17 | $4.29-4.80 |
| Air freight to Melbourne Airport (MEL) | $6.10-6.71 | $4.57-5.17 | $4.29-4.80 |
| Air freight to Brisbane Airport (BNE) | $6.10-6.71 | $4.57-5.17 | $4.29-4.80 |
Sea Freight Cost from China to Australia
The cost of ocean freight from China to Australia is affected by a variety of factors, and the cost is usually charged separately according to the service mode (FCL and LCL).
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Container from China to Australia
FCL is suitable for large quantities of goods, or when the goods just fill a whole container. The cost usually includes the rental cost of a full container, and the size and weight of the goods will not affect the cost. You can choose 20ft or 40ft containers, and different types of containers have different costs.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Sydney | $2050-$3350 | $3500-$5000 |
| Shenzhen | Sydney | $1900-$3500 | $3450-$4950 |
| Ningbo | Sydney | $2000-$3400 | $3650-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Melbourne | $1950-$2450 | $3350-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Melbourne | $1900-$3300 | $3500-$5000 |
| Ningbo | Melbourne | $2050-$3650 | $3450-$5050 |
| Shanghai | Brisbane | $1800-$3500 | $3650-$4850 |
| Shenzhen | Brisbane | $1900-$3400 | $3500-$4800 |
| Ningbo | Brisbane | $1850-$3350 | $3750-$4950 |
| Shanghai | Fremantle | $1950-$2450 | $3350-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Fremantle | $1900-$3400 | $3650-$4850 |
| Ningbo | Fremantle | $2000-$3400 | $3500-$4800 |
What is the door-to-door shipping cost from China to Australia?
The door-to-door shipping cost varies depending on the distance between the origin and destination, the weight and volume of the goods, and the mode of transportation.
| Departure Port | Destination | Shipping Time | Shipping Cost | |
| Sea Freight Door-to-Door | China | Australia | 30-40days | ＄110/CBM |
| Air Freight Door-to-Door | China | Australia | 10-15days | ＄3.8-6/kgs |
If you are interested in the cost of shipping to other countries? Please read below：
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Kenya?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Slovakia
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Thailand?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Nigeria?
How Much Does Shipping Cost from China to Ireland
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to New Zealand?
How to Reduce Shipping Costs from China to Australia
Controlling freight is the key to increasing profits in international trade. Here are some suggestions to reduce shipping costs from China to Australia:
Plan delivery time in advance
Plan delivery time reasonably to avoid peak seasons (such as Chinese New Year and Christmas season in Australia)
Book in advance
Booking seats in advance can lock in lower prices and avoid price increases caused by last-minute arrangements.
Choose the right mode of transportation.
For large quantities, choose full container shipping, and flexibly use LCL or economic air transportation for small amounts.
Choose a professional freight forwarder
A professional freight forwarder can assist in arranging the right mode of transportation and customs clearance procedures to avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs.
Optimize cargo packaging
Package goods reasonably, especially when shipping by air, to reduce volume and weight and avoid unnecessary freight costs.
Tax refund management
Maximize China’s export tax rebate and optimize Australia’s import GST declaration.
Shipping from China to Australia: Step-by-Step Guide
When you plan to ship goods from China to Australia, it is very important to understand the entire shipping process. This is conducive to the smooth and safe transportation of the goods. The following is the process of the shipping process, designed to provide you with comprehensive guidance to help you successfully complete the shipping process from China to Australia.
Step1：Importers contact a reliable freight forwarder to obtain a quote
Before contacting the freight forwarder, you need to specify the quantity, size, and weight of the goods you deliver. Choose the appropriate mode of transportation according to the specific situation of the goods. If you don’t know how to choose, just give detailed information to your freight forwarder, and the experienced freight forwarder will make the most economical transportation plan for you.
Step2：Preparation of goods and related documents
Your freight forwarder will communicate with your supplier to ensure that the goods and documents are prepared. The freight forwarder plays a crucial bridging role in this process. They will assist in picking up the goods from the factory and ensure the completeness of the required documents. Important documents include the goods inventory, commercial invoice, packing list, transportation insurance documents, etc.
Step3：Booking of space through a carrier
After the confirmation documents are ready, the freight agent will book the cargo space with the carrier. They will coordinate with the carrier and provide the necessary documentation and information to ensure the smooth transport of the goods.
Step4：Pick-up and transport of goods to the departure point
The freight forwarder will coordinate the pickup times with your supplier and select suitable transportation methods to transport your goods to the departure point.
Step5：Submit customs declaration
The freight forwarder will submit the prepared customs declaration documents and applications to the Chinese Customs.
Step6：Cargo loading and transportation
When the goods arrive at the point of departure, the loading staff will load them into your space.
Step7：Unloading and customs clearance
After the goods arrive at the destination, customs clearance procedures will be followed in accordance with Australian customs regulations.
Step8：Cargo delivery
The final step is to deliver the goods to you. International transportation is a complex process. You need to coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders, and carriers. Solve the problems in time to ensure the smooth transportation and delivery of the goods.
