Key takeaways
Overview of Shipping Costs: Shipping a 20-foot container to Turkey typically costs between $850 and $4,100, while a 40-foot container ranges from $2,000 to over $7,000. Prices vary based on the origin country, time of year, and specific services selected.
Essential Customs Documents: Accurate and complete documentation is critical for successful international shipping. The key documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. Additional permits or certificates may also be required depending on the type of goods.
Understanding Freight Cost Calculations: Freight charges depend on multiple factors such as cargo weight and volume, shipping distance, and the mode of transport (FCL vs. LCL). Extra fees like fuel surcharges and port handling charges can also apply. For a precise estimate, using online freight calculators or consulting a professional freight forwarder is best.
Cost of Shipping from China to Turkey
The cost of shipping goods from China to Turkey depends on several key factors, including the mode of transport, the weight and volume of the shipment, the specific origin and destination points, and any additional services required.
Basic Freight: The base shipping cost is calculated based on the goods’ weight, volume, and transportation distance.
Port and Terminal Fees: These include charges for loading and unloading, warehousing, and terminal operations at the origin and destination ports.
Customs Clearance Costs: Fees associated with export and import customs clearance, including document processing and inspections.
Insurance Costs: Insurance is calculated based on the declared value of the goods to provide financial protection against loss or damage during transit.
Transit Fees: Additional costs may arise at transit points, such as fees for temporary storage, reloading, or handling during the journey.
Cost of Sea Freight from China to Turkey
Sea freight from China to Turkey primarily departs from major ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen. It arrives via the Mediterranean route at key Turkish ports like Istanbul and Izmir. The average transit time is approximately 20 to 35 days. Below is the typical cost range for shipping from China to Turkey:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL Shipping cost | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Istanbul | $50-$150 | $1850-$2450 | $3000-$3800 |
| Shenzhen | Istanbul | $50-$145 | $1800-$2600 | $3050-$3750 |
| Qingdao | Istanbul | $50-$140 | $1850-$2750 | $3050-$3750 |
| Ningbo | Istanbul | $55-$150 | $1850-$2700 | $3050-$3650 |
| Shanghai | Mersin | $50-$145 | $1950-$2450 | $3050-$3800 |
| Shenzhen | Mersin | $60-$145 | $1900-$2700 | $3000-$4000 |
| Qingdao | Mersin | $65-$140 | $1850-$2550 | $3050-$3900 |
| Ningbo | Mersin | $55-$145 | $1800-$2550 | $3050-$3850 |
| Shanghai | Izmir | $50-$145 | $1850-$2750 | $3050-$3750 |
| Shenzhen | Izmir | $60-$140 | $1850-$2450 | $3000-$4000 |
| Qingdao | Izmir | $50-$145 | $1900-$2700 | $3000-$3800 |
| Ningbo | Izmir | $50-$150 | $1850-$2700 | $3050-$3850 |
Cost of Air Freight from China to Turkey
Air freight from China to Turkey is available from major airports such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, with direct or connecting flights to Istanbul. While air shipping is significantly faster, typically taking 3 to 7 days, it is more expensive than sea freight. Below is the typical cost range for air transportation based on consolidated shipments:
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Turkey) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Istanbul Ataturk | $4.50 – $7.00 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Istanbul Ataturk | $5.00 – $7.50 |
| Beijing Capital | Istanbul Ataturk | $4.50 – $6.80 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Ankara Esenboga | $5.50 – $8.00 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Ankara Esenboga | $6.00 – $8.50 |
| Beijing Capital | Ankara Esenboga | $5.50 – $7.80 |
To give you a better idea of international shipping expenses, here are some sample shipping costs to other countries:
How Much Does Shipping Cost from China to Switzerland
How Much Does Shipping Cost from China to Korea
How Much Does Shipping Cost from China to Ireland
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to New Zealand?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Germany?
Documents required for shipping from China to Turkey
When shipping internationally to Turkey, having complete and accurate documentation is crucial for ensuring that your goods clear customs smoothly. Document requirements may vary slightly depending on the type of goods and country of origin, but the following are some core and common documents:
Commercial Invoice: This is one of the most important documents, detailing the names of the buyer and seller, a description of the goods, quantity, unit price, total price, trade terms (e.g., FOB, CIF), country of origin, and payment terms. Multiple copies are typically required, and it may need to be signed and stamped by the exporter, or even certified by a chamber of commerce or the Turkish consulate.
Packing List: This document provides a detailed list of the contents of each package, including quantity, gross weight, net weight, and dimensions. It assists customs officials in verifying the goods and ensures consistency with the information on the commercial invoice.
Bill of Lading (B/L): This is the transport contract and serves as proof of ownership of the goods. For sea transport, an airwaybill is issued; for air transport, an airwaybill is issued. It specifies the shipper, consignee, goods description, port of departure, and port of destination.
Certificate of Origin: This document certifies the country where the goods were manufactured or produced. It is an important document for Turkish customs to determine applicable tariff rates and trade policies. It is typically issued by the Chamber of Commerce of the exporting country.
Key Factors Affecting Shipping Costs from China to Turkey
Shipping costs between China and Turkey can vary significantly depending on several key factors:
- Shipping Method and Service Level:
- Air freight is typically faster but more expensive than sea or road freight. Within each mode, service levels—such as express, economy, door-to-door, or port-to-port—also impact the total cost. Choosing the right service depends on your budget, delivery timeframe, and handling needs.
- Weight and Volume of Goods:
- Both weight and volume play a critical role in cost calculation:
- Air freight charges are based on actual weight or volumetric weight (whichever is greater), calculated as:
- (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 5,000.
- Sea freight costs depend on container type (for FCL) or cubic meters (for LCL).
- Road freight is typically charged by tonnage or pallet size.
- Origin and Destination Points:
- Shipping between major ports or cities, like Shanghai to Istanbul, is generally more cost-effective due to better infrastructure and more frequent service. Routes involving remote or less-developed areas can increase shipping time and cost due to limited transport access and added logistics.
- Customs Duties and Taxes:
- Importing into Turkey involves customs clearance, which may incur duties, VAT, and other fees not included in the shipping quote. The importer or consignee typically pays these upon arrival, although some freight forwarders offer prepayment or DTP (Delivered Taxes Paid) options.
- Insurance and Surcharges:While optional, cargo insurance is strongly recommended to protect against damage or loss. Premiums are usually a small percentage of the declared value. Additionally, surcharges may apply due to fuel costs, exchange rate volatility, seasonal demand, or security requirements. These vary by carrier and should be reviewed carefully before booking.
