In today’s globalized world, the movement of goods across vast distances has become integral to international trade. One of the most significant trade routes is from Shanghai, China, to Antwerp, Belgium. This link connects the economic powerhouses of Asia and Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods, technology, and culture between the two continents. What are the best ways of shipping from Shanghai to Antwerp?
Sourcing from Shanghai
Having a significant position among China’s main industrial hubs, Shanghai plays a crucial part in the country’s domestic manufacturing activities, particularly within heavy industry. The primary goods that Shanghai is widely known for exporting include electrical and electronic devices, automobiles, and machinery.
Methods of shipping from Shanghai to Antwerp
When it comes to transporting goods from Shanghai to Antwerp, there are three options available: rail freight, sea, and air shipping. The selection of which method to use depends on various factors, including the budget allocated for transportation expenses, how time-sensitive the delivery is, and the nature of the products being shipped.
Sea shipping from Shanghai to Antwerp
Sea shipping is a crucial method in global trade that has its advantages and disadvantages. It is a cost-effective option for transporting large and heavy loads over long distances, and it is also environmentally friendly compared to air travel. However, it can be slower and may experience delays due to adverse weather conditions and port-related problems.
Biggest seaport in Shanghai
The Port of Shanghai is an impressive seaport that has a total of 125 docks and 19 terminals. In 2019, this bustling port handled an astounding 43.6 million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers and 542.46 million tons of cargo. It is no wonder that the Port of Shanghai is considered the largest seaport in the world.
Biggest seaport in Antwerp
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is located in Flanders, in Antwerp, the most populous city center in Belgium. With 26 terminals, it has the largest warehouse capacity in Europe, with more than 5.3 million square meters of warehousing area. Weekly, the port handles the arrival of vessels with an impressive capacity of over 20,000 TEU.
Air shipping from Shanghai to Antwerp
Air shipping plays an important role in modern logistics, but it has pros and cons. Its main advantage is its speed, which makes it ideal for delivering time-sensitive goods and perishable items. However, it can be more costly than other forms of transportation, and there are concerns about its carbon emissions and impact on the environment
Biggest cargo airport in Shanghai
Ranked as China’s second-largest airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is situated approximately 30 km from the city center, specifically in the Pudong district. The airport boasts an annual cargo handling capacity exceeding 3.1 million tons, establishing itself as a significant hub in China’s transportation network. It plays a vital role as a central point for loading and unloading goods in the country.
Biggest cargo airport in Antwerp
Playing a vital role as a pivotal cargo transportation gateway, Antwerp International Airport holds strategic significance in the movement of goods to and from the prominent European trade center, Antwerp. Its prime location enhances its role in facilitating efficient logistics and connectivity. As of 2019, the airport facilitated a substantial cargo volume totaling over 2,600 tons.


Rail freight from Shanghai to Antwerp
When it comes to shipping, rail freight is often faster and more efficient than sea shipping. Although it may be more expensive, it can be a more cost-effective alternative to air freight for certain types of cargo. The China-Europe rail network has improved infrastructure and connectivity along its routes, benefiting both the countries of origin and destination.
Unfortunately, there is no direct route available from Shanghai to Antwerp. You would have to ship cargo via Yiwu, which is approximately 290km away from Shanghai, to Liege, about 130km from Antwerp.

How much does it cost to ship from Shanghai to Antwerp?
The expense of transporting goods from Shanghai to Antwerp exhibits notable fluctuations contingent upon the selected mode of transportation, the size of the cargo, its dimensions, weight, and any supplementary services needed. For the sake of streamlining this process, we strongly suggest making use of the user-friendly ShipHub form. Not only is this form provided at no cost, but it also boasts an uncomplicated navigational structure. All you need to do is consult the provided illustration and complete the form.


