China has become one of the main UK import markets. Imports from China to the UK have grown at an annualized rate of 13.3%, from $3.17B in 1995 to $92.5B in 2022. Computers, broadcasting equipment, and cars are the most often imported Chinese goods into the United Kingdom. Before importing, you must check the transportation options and decide which best suits your cargo. In this article, we’ll introduce you to shipping from China to the UK.
Shipping from China to the UK – Means of transport
Sea freight from China to the UK
If you prioritize low prices over short transit time, sea transport may be your way to go. It’s suitable, especially for goods that need to be transported in containers and don’t need to reach their destination quickly. Due to its relatively reasonable price and the possibility of shipping cargo in a container, it’s the most often chosen means of transport in international trade.
When you choose sea freight, you have to decide between FCL and LCL transport. FCL (Full Container Load) means that one sender/recipient uses a container’s total capacity. It’s an option suitable for large loads that occupy a lot of space. LCL (Less Container Load) stands for sharing a container with other importers/exporters. This option is more beneficial for shipping more miniature goods in smaller amounts.
Main cargo seaports in China
- Shanghai
- Shenzhen
- Ningbo-Zhoushan
- Guangzhou
- Qingdao
Main cargo seaports in the UK
- Felixstowe
- Southampton
- London
- Immingham
Airfreight from China to the UK
Air transport is very costly compared to other forms of transportation. However, we recommend choosing it in particular cases. First, it’s fitting for transporting goods with a short expiry date, like food or flowers, or other products that must be delivered quickly, e.g., pharmaceuticals. Airfreight is often chosen to transit jewelry, cars, and other valuable cargo because it’s the safest way to do it.
Keep in mind that its safety and speed come at a very high price. That’s why it’s important to think through all the pros and cons before making a final decision.
Main cargo airports in China
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Beijing Capital International Airport
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport
Main cargo airports in the UK
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- East Midlands Airport (EMA)
- Manchester Airport (MAN)
Rail freight from China to the UK
If you’re looking for an alternative to the previously presented forms of transport, rail freight may be a suitable choice. It’s cheaper than the expensive airfreight and faster than sea transit. Moreover, like sea freight, it also enables shipping your cargo in containers.
The main route for rail freight between China and the UK is the Yiwu—London railway line. It’s the second-longest railway freight route in the world, covering approximately 12,000 kilometers. It forms part of the New Silk Road. By choosing this line, your load should be delivered in about 18 days.
With rail freight, you can also deliver your goods to Felixstowe Port from these Chinese cities:
- Chengdu (19 days)
- Chongqing (19 days)
- Wuhan (18 days)
- Xian (19 days)
- Yiwu (18 days)
How much does shipping from China to the UK cost?
The final cost of shipping will vary depending on the cargo’s type and size, the method of transport, and the distance. The crucial role in shipping costs from China to the UK will also have a chosen forwarder. Therefore, we encourage you to compare at least a few offers from various freight operators. You can find them on ShipHub. Fill in the form on the official website, and the available forwarders will send you their offers. Through ShipHub, you’ll quickly receive an in-depth quote on your shipment.
Shipping from China to the UK – summary
- Depending on your cargo’s type and other factors, you can choose between sea transport, airfreight, and rail freight when shipping from China to the UK.
- If you mostly care about the low price and need to transit goods in a container, sea freight might be your best option.
- On the other hand, if you value fast delivery and safety most, consider choosing air freight.
- Rail freight is a perfect alternative to both these methods, combining a reasonable price and transit time with the possibility of container shipping.
- Before making a final decision, compare at least a few offers from different forwarders on ShipHub.
- Make sure to check our article about importing from China!
Read our other guide on shipping from Turkey to the UK.
