The sea freight costs from China to France are: US$2,050 to US$4,550 for a 20-foot container, and US$2,650 to US$5,850 for a 40-foot container; LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping costs are approximately US$50 to US$150 per cubic meter; air freight costs are approximately US$4 to US$9 per kilogram, and rail transport costs are US$200 to US$400 per cubic meter. In addition, Basenton also provides DDP/door-to-door services to simplify the logistics process.
China and France have close trade relations, with frequent exchanges of goods between the two countries. In recent years, bilateral trade has grown steadily. In 2025, Sino-French trade relations remained strong, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Data shows that in the first ten months of 2025, bilateral trade reached US$68.75 billion, a year-on-year increase of 4.1%. From January to October 2025, China exported US$39.7 billion to France (a year-on-year increase of 7.0%), with major export sectors including electronics, machinery, textiles, and furniture.
Currently, China serves as France’s largest import market outside the European Union and its fourth-largest source of imports globally. Every year, numerous individuals and businesses need to export goods from China to France; consequently, shipping costs are a topic of significant interest to everyone involved.
The following are reference market freight rates from China to France as of 2026 (actual costs may vary depending on cargo type, season, available capacity, and delivery address):
20-foot Full Container Load (FCL): $2,000 to $4,500 per container
40-foot Full Container Load (FCL): $2,600 to $5,800 per container
Less than Container Load (LCL): $50 to $150 per cubic meter
Air Freight: $4.00 to $9.00 per kilogram
Rail Freight: Approximately $1.60 to $3.80 per kilogram
DDP Freight: $150 to $350 per cubic meter, or $5 to $12 per kilogram
Basenton Logistics is a leading freight forwarding company for shipments from China to France, offering comprehensive logistics services—including sea freight, air freight, and Door-to-Door (DDP) services—for cargo traveling between the two countries.
shipping from China to France
Freight plays a vital role in facilitating trade and connecting cross-border manufacturers, suppliers and consumers. There are only three modes of shipping from China to France:
Sea freight:
Sea freight shipping is the most cheapest way to ship goods from China to France. , and shipping from China to France usually takes around 25-45 days. Ocean freight offers flexibility in container size, including full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) options. France has many ports, such as Le Havre (FRLEH), Marseilles-Fos (FRFOS), Dunkirk (FRDKR), Bordeaux (FRBOD), and Nantes-Saint-Nazaire (FRNTE).
Air freight:
When time is of the essence, air freight is the first choice. It allows for faster shipping times, typically 3-10 days. Although air freight is more expensive than sea freight, it is suitable for high-value, perishable or time-sensitive cargo. Major airports in China, such as Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport, are important hubs for air cargo to France. France has multiple airports, such as: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris Orly Airport (ORY), Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS), Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), etc.
Rail freight:
Rail transport is becoming increasingly popular due to its shorter transit time than sea transport and lower cost than air transport. The “China-Europe Railway Express” connects major cities in China with various destinations in Europe, including France. This model is particularly beneficial for inland areas of China, providing an effective alternative to traditional sea or air transport.
Some common goods shipped from China to France include electronic and electrical equipment, textiles and clothing, machinery and industrial equipment, furniture and home furnishings.
Shipping cost from China to France in 2026
| Shipping Method | Shipping From China to France (Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea freight (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 2,400 for a 20ft container |
| Sea freight (40ft Container) | Approx. USD 3,050 for a 40ft container |
| Sea freight (LCL) | Approx. USD 80 to 180 per cubic meters (m3) |
| Air Freight | Approx. USD 500 for 100kg (Approx. USD 5 per kilo) |
| Rail Freight | Approx. USD 8,500 to USD 11,500 for a full container load |
| Door-to-Door Shipping | Approx. USD 5 to 10 per kgs or approx. USD 300 per m3 |
| DDP Air Freight | Approx. USD 4.5 to 12 per kgs |
| DDP Sea Freight | Approx. USD 100 to 300 per cbm (m3) |
| DDP Rail Freight | Approx. USD 200 to 400 per cbm (m3) |
| Express Shipping | Approx. USD 10.5 per Kgs |
The final cost of shipping from China to France depends on several factors. Before preparing a quote, your freight forwarder may ask for the following details:
- What category is your shipment?
- Your preferred shipping method (FCL, LCL, air freight)
- The weight and dimensions of your shipment
- Origin and destination
- Service type (e.g. port-to-port, door-to-door)
For goods weighing less than 100 kilograms, the cost difference between air freight and LCL sea freight is not large. Above 100 kilograms, the cost difference begins to widen. Although much slower, sea freight can quickly become much more economical than air freight when there is greater weight and size involved.
Cost of shipping 20ft & 40ft container from China to France
How much does it cost to ship a container from China to France? The average price to ship a container from China to the France is US$2,050 to US$5,850.
Shipping costs to ship an entire container from China to France depend on the size of the container (20ft or 40ft) and the timetable route, please contact Basenton Logistics for detailed rates for shipping your container from China to France major France container ports.
Cost Of Shipping 20ft Container From China To France
The average price to ship a 20ft container from China to France is from $2050 to $4550. The shipping timeline to ship a 20 foot container from China to France ranges depending on the route.
Cost Of Shipping 40ft Container From China To France
The average price to ship a 40ft container from China to France is from $2650 to $5850. The shipping timeline to ship a 40 foot container from China to France ranges depending on the route.
CONTAINER SHIPPING RATES FROM CHINA TO FRANCE (Ports of Le Havre, Marseille, and Fos)
Regarding container shipping from China to French ports, the primary routes originate from the ports of Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Tianjin, bound for Le Havre, Marseille, and Fos. Listed below are the average rates for container shipping from China to France. These figures represent the most competitive pricing for loading and transporting 20-foot and 40-foot containers (FCL) from major Chinese ports to France, applicable to a wide variety of cargo types—including furniture, automotive parts, apparel, machinery, and equipment.
| Container shipping service from China to France | Type of container | Ocean freight rates from China to France: |
|---|---|---|
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai China to France. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2350 20FT average price from: $2950 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen China to France. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2550 20FT average price from: $3250 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Ningbo-Zhoushan China to France. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2450 20FT average price from: $3050 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong China to France. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2750 20FT average price from: $3350 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Guangzhou China to France. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2650 20FT average price from: $3250 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Qingdao China to France | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2650 20FT average price from: $3350 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Tianjin China to France | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2750 20FT average price from: $3450 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Dalian China to France | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2850 20FT average price from: $3550 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Xiamen China to France | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2650 20FT average price from: $3350 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Yingkou China to France | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2850 20FT average price from: $3650 40FT |
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Air Freight Cost From China To France Per KG
Air freight prices from China to the France are around $4-9 per kilogram.
| Departure Airport in China | Arrival Airport in France | Estimated Cost (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | $4.0 – $9.5 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | $4.8 – $9.2 |
| Shenzhen Bao’an International (SZX) | Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) | $4.5 – $9.0 |
| Beijing Capital International (PEK) | Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) | $4.2 – $9.8 |
| Hong Kong International (HKG) | Toulouse–Blagnac Airport (TLS) | $4.6 – $9.8 |
Shipping costs are more affordable when you ship in bulk.
The air freight cost for 200 kg from China to France is about 800-1200 USD.
Railway transportation cost from China to France
The cost of shipping goods by rail from China to France depends on the chosen delivery method. If you manage to fill an entire container with your items, many carriers offer a flat rate with no extra charges due to weight. Generally, the cost of a 40ft container is between $8000 and $11500. The cost per cubic meter of rail transportation is generally between $200 and $400.
| Departure Station in China | Arrival Station in France | FCL (40ft Container) |
|---|---|---|
| Xi’an Rail Terminal | Valenton Terminal, Paris | $7,000 – $11,200 |
| Chengdu Rail Terminal | Lyon Rail Terminal | $7,800 – $11,000 |
| Chongqing Rail Terminal | Le Havre Rail Terminal | $7,600 – $11,400 |
| Zhengzhou Rail Terminal | Marseille Rail Terminal | $7,900 – $11,100 |
| Suzhou Rail Terminal | Paris Rail Terminal | $7,500 – $11,300 |
Express Shipping Cost from China to France
Express shipping is typically used for samples, small packages, e-commerce orders, or goods requiring fast delivery. Shipments originate from major Chinese cities (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hangzhou, etc.) and can be delivered directly to major French cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, and Toulouse. The overall transit time is generally 2-5 business days, and the price is typically $10 to $20 per kilogram.
| Courier Service | Cost (USD/kg) | Transit Time (Days) |
|---|---|---|
| DHL | $10–$15 | 2–5 |
| FedEx | $12–$20 | 2–5 |
| UPS | $11–$18 | 2–5 |
Note: Express shipping prices usually include door-to-door delivery, but do not include French import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT).
The cost is mainly influenced by the following factors:
- Chargeable weight (actual weight or volumetric weight)
- Courier company (DHL / UPS / FedEx, etc.)
- Fuel and peak season surcharges
- Delivery area
Break Bulk Shipping Cost from China to France
| Cargo Type | Charging Basis | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Cargo | Per Metric Ton | USD 45 – 90/MT | Depends on stowage |
| Machinery & Equipment | Per Revenue Ton (RT) | USD 90 – 200/RT | RT = 1MT or 1CBM |
| Construction Machinery | Per Revenue Ton | USD 160 – 320/RT | Case-by-case |
| Long-Length Cargo | Per Revenue Ton | USD 140 – 260/RT | Lifting required |
Note: French ports, particularly Marseille and Le Havre, are highly experienced in handling heavy equipment and project cargo.
Break bulk shipping is suitable for goods that cannot be loaded into standard containers, such as:
- Steel, pipes, and plates
- Industrial equipment and production line components
- Construction machinery and large equipment
- Oversized, overweight, and irregularly shaped cargo
- Project cargo
These types of goods are usually transported by general cargo ships or project cargo vessels, requiring professional lifting, lashing, and in-hold securing solutions.
Ports and Transit Times for Break Bulk Shipping from China to France
- Common export ports: China → Shanghai / Ningbo / Tianjin / Qingdao / Guangzhou
- Main receiving ports: France → Marseille / Le Havre / Dunkirk
- The transportation time is usually 35–55 days, depending on the shipping schedule and project complexity.
This article was compiled by Basenton Logistics and first published on its website. Please indicate the source as Basenton when reproducing or copying this information on other websites.
RORO shipping prices from China to France
The RORO shipping rates from China to France (US$1,500 – US$3,000 per vehicle) are designed for wheeled vehicles such as cars or trucks.
| Route | Cost Range (USD/vehicle) | Transit Time (Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Qingdao to Marseille | $1,500–$2,500 | 30–38 |
| Shanghai to Le Havre | $1,600–$2,800 | 32–39 |
| Shenzhen to Dunkirk | $1,800–$3,000 | 31–39 |
Note: Actual RORO shipping costs depend on size, volume, port, and current shipping schedule.
For personal vehicles, Basenton Logistics only provides transportation services from China to French ports; customers are responsible for handling customs clearance procedures in France themselves.
What are the factors that affect the shipping price from China to France?
- Freight Type: Cost depends on whether you are shipping by sea, air, or land (rail or road). Sea freight is generally more cost-effective than air freight, but slower.
- Container size: If you ship by sea, the size and type of container you use will affect the cost. Common container sizes include 20-foot and 40-foot containers.
- Weight and Volume: The weight and volume of your shipment will affect the cost. Shipping charges are usually calculated based on weight or volume (whichever is greater).
- Distance: The distance from the origin in China to the destination in France will affect the cost. Longer distances usually result in higher shipping costs.
- Shipping Route: The specific shipping route and ports involved will affect costs. Some ports may have higher handling fees than others.
- Shipping time: Faster shipping methods like air freight will usually cost more than slower shipping methods like ocean freight.
- Fuel Prices: Fluctuations in fuel prices can affect shipping costs because they impact a carrier’s overall operating costs.
- Duties and Taxes: You may be required to pay duties and taxes when you arrive in France, which will increase the overall cost.
To find out about shipping costs from China to the rest of Europe, you can click:
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How Long does it take to Ship from China to France
Shipping goods from China to France takes 30-45 days by sea, 3-10 days by air, and 16-22 days by freight train.
Actual shipping times will vary and depend on a variety of factors such as shipping method, supplier address, destination, service and route selected, weather, seasonal changes in shipping markets, etc.
| Departure Port in China | Arrival Port in France | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Port | Port of Marseille | 35-40 days |
| Ningbo Port | Port of Le Havre | 36-42 days |
| Shenzhen Port | Port of Fos-sur-Mer | 30-40 days |
| Guangzhou Port | Port of Dunkirk | 32-41 days |
| Qingdao Port | Port of Marseille | 33-45 days |
Door-to-Door Shipping from China to France
Door-to-door shipping services from China to France have become a common choice for many cross-border trading companies and e-commerce sellers. This model starts with pickup from the supplier’s warehouse in China and covers the entire process, including export customs declaration, international transportation, French import customs clearance, and final delivery to the designated address. Customers do not need to contact multiple service providers separately, making the entire logistics process more efficient and unified.
Major import ports in France include Le Havre, Marseille, and Fos-sur-Mer. Air freight mainly enters through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Delivery methods vary depending on the city; for example, delivery to Paris and surrounding areas is more efficient, while some remote areas require additional truck transportation. Professional logistics teams typically select the most suitable route based on the delivery address.
Sea freight door-to-door is suitable for furniture, machinery, building materials, and bulk goods transportation, with relatively low overall costs. Air freight door-to-door is suitable for electronics, fashion items, samples, or orders with high time requirements. For cross-border e-commerce customers, overseas warehouses or express delivery can be combined to achieve more flexible logistics arrangements.
DDP Shipping from China to France
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping is becoming increasingly popular in trade between China and France, especially for companies unfamiliar with European import procedures. Under this model, the shipping company handles export customs declaration, international transportation, French customs clearance, and payment of tariffs and VAT; the consignee simply waits for delivery.
As an EU member state, France has strict requirements for documentation and compliance of imported products. Some products require CE certification, material specifications, or documents conforming to EU standards. Inaccurate declaration information may lead to customs inspection or delays. The advantage of DDP service lies in the professional team’s advance review of documents, reducing customs clearance risks.
Through DDP service, clients can more accurately estimate overall logistics costs. Transportation costs, taxes, and delivery fees are usually determined before shipment, helping companies with pricing and budget management.
DDP Shipping Cost From China To France
DDP shipping, or Delivered Duty Paid, means the seller bears all costs and risks in the destination country, including shipping costs, insurance, tariffs and other import fees. For the buyer, this means that there is no need to pay any additional fees or go through cumbersome customs clearance procedures after the goods arrive in France.
| From | To | Transit time | LCL cost | |
| Sea Freight DDP | China | France | 25 to 30 days | $250 per cbm |
| Air Freight DDP | China | France | 7 to 15 days | $5.5 to 12.00 per kgs |
Freight Forwarder from China to France
A freight forwarder is a third-party company that helps customers handle the transportation of goods. It is engaged in international freight transportation and related services. They act as a bridge between shippers and carriers, providing one-stop logistics services including booking, packing, customs declaration, customs clearance, warehousing, transportation, distribution, etc. With their expertise and rich experience, freight forwarding companies are able to develop the best logistics solutions for customers, reduce transportation costs, and improve transportation efficiency.
When you ship from China to France with Basenton Logistics, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Fast and easy-to-understand online quotes and bookings.
- Assistance in filling out and submitting necessary shipping documents.
- Easier customs formalities, as we handle most of the requirements for you.
- Your entire shipping process is managed in one place.
- 24/7 support via email, phone, or chat.
- Compliance with local and international shipping regulations.
