Tanzania is located east of Africa’s Great Lakes, north of Mozambique, south of Kenya, and bounded by the Indian Ocean coastline to the east. It is the 13th largest country in Africa and the 31st largest in the world. (2021) China-Tanzania bilateral trade has developed rapidly, with the trade volume reaching US$6.74 billion, a year-on-year increase of 47.1%. Among them, Tanzania’s exports to China were US$606 million, a year-on-year increase of 47.3%, and the growth rate was faster than the African average.

If you are an importer in Tanzania, read on and discover the complete guide to shipping from China to Tanzania. We will try our best to cover every aspect you may encounter when doing business with China, shipping methods, time, cost, how to choose the best shipping method and how a freight forwarder can help you with shipping from China to Tanzania.

China and Tanzania have close trade relations and a large amount of goods are transported between the two countries. There are a variety of transportation options available, each with its own benefits and considerations.

Sea freight from China to Tanzania

If you are on a tight budget and are looking for the cheapest way to ship goods from China to Tanzania, sea shipping is an affordable solution. Sea freight is usually transported in containers via container ships and sometimes via bulk carriers or roll-on-roll-off ships.
One of the characteristics of sea transport is its low cost and, due to its large capacity, it can transport bulk cargo, oversized or overweight cargo. What’s more, almost everything can be shipped by sea, even those cargoes classified as dangerous goods by airlines and railroads. In summary, sea transport is economically and environmentally superior to other modes of transport, especially for long-distance transport of bulk cargo or large equipment.

• FCL (Full Container Load): Shipping a container filled specifically for one customer from China to Tanzania. Generally speaking, we provide FCL shipping services to Tanzania with 20-foot containers and 40-foot containers (20GP, 40GP and 40HQ). Full container shipping is more cost effective.
• LCL (Less Than Container Load): Sharing a container with other customers who are shipping goods to the same destination at the same time. Of course, due to the extra work (consolidation, unpacking, warehousing, paperwork, etc.), the final cost per unit is higher than the full box, and the shipping time is longer. LCL is a great option for small businesses. If your goods are not large enough to fill an entire container, we can always provide LCL (less than one container shipping) service from China to Tanzania.

In addition to conventional FCL and LCL transportation, if you want to transport OOG goods from China to Tanzania, we recommend that you use flat rack or open top container solutions. When transporting temperature-sensitive products, we can provide refrigerated container solutions. For large bulk cargo, vehicles and wheeled cargo, breakbulk and ro-ro ships are the answer.

The voyage from China to Tanzania usually takes about 25-35 days, depending on the specific route and weather conditions. Tanzania’s main ports are the Port of Dar es Salaam (TZDAR), Tanzania’s largest and busiest, and the Port of Zanzibar (TZZNZ), an important entry point for cargo destined for Tanzania.

Air freight from China to Tanzania

For time-sensitive or high-value shipments, air freight is the first choice. It offers faster shipping times, usually taking around 2 to 5 days from China to Tanzania. Another advantage of air freight is that it ensures a higher level of security, which is why most people prefer air freight when shipping high-value products from China to Tanzania. Although air freight is more expensive than sea freight, it has the advantages of shorter delivery times and improved safety.

Tanzania’s major airports include Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), a major air cargo hub that serves numerous international routes and handles large volumes of cargo; and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), another important air cargo portal.

The variety of goods shipped from China to Tanzania reflects the diversity of trade between the two countries. Some common items shipped include electronic and electrical equipment, textiles and clothing, machinery and industrial equipment, and automotive parts.

Basenton Logistics has established strong cooperative relationships with major airlines and established a huge air cargo network, providing daily and weekly cargo flights to Tanzania from major airports in China.

When shipping by air with us, we offer the best shipping solutions and fastest routes that meet your needs and guarantee a relatively cost-effective manner.

How much does it cost to ship from China to Tanzania (Updated 2025)

Shipping Method	From China to Tanzania (Cost)
Sea Freight (20ft Container)	Approx. USD 2,550 for a 20ft container
Sea Freight (40ft Container)	Approx. USD 3,250 for a 40ft container
Sea Freight (LCL)	Approx. USD 200 per cubic meters (m3)
Air Freight	Approx. USD 550 for 100kg (Approx. USD 5.50 per kilo)
Door-to-Door Shipping	Approx. USD 5 to 10 per kgs or approx. USD 200 – 350 per m3
DDP Air Freight	Approx. USD 5.5 to 12 per kgs
DDP Sea Freight	Approx. USD 200 to 350 per cbm (m3)
Express Shipping	Approx. USD 10.5 per Kgs

The final cost of importing from China to Tanzania depends on several factors. Before preparing a quote, your freight forwarder may ask for the following details:

• Nature of 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 200 kilograms, the cost difference between air freight and LCL sea freight is not large. Beyond 200 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 TANZANIA

• The average price to ship a container from China to Tanzania is from $2550 to $5500 US Dollars.
• The shipping price to ship a full container from China to Tanzania ranges depending on the size of the container (20ft or 40ft), and the schedule route, please contact Basenton quotation team to receive a detailed rate to ship your container from China to the major container ports in Tanzania.

How much does it cost to ship a 20ft container from China to Tanzania, the average price to ship a 20ft container from China to Tanzania is from $2550 to $4250. The shipping timeline to ship a 20 foot container from China to Tanzania ranges depending on the route.

How much does it cost to ship a 40ft container from China to Tanzania, the average price to ship a 40ft container from China to Tanzania is from $3250 to $5250. The shipping timeline to ship a 40 foot container from China to Tanzania ranges depending on the route.

HOW MUCH DOES CONTAINER SHIPPING COST FROM CHINA TO TANZANIA

These are the average prices to ship a container from China Tanzania with the cheapest rates for loading and shipping containers from the major ports in China to Tanzania for 20ft and 40ft containers (FCL) with all types of cargo such as: commercial cargo, vehicles, or personal effects for international shipments from China to Tanzania.

Container shipping service from China to Tanzania	Type of container	Ocean freight rates from China to Tanzania:
How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai China to Tanzania.	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $2650 20FT average price from: $3550 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen China to Tanzania.	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 Tanzania.	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $2850 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong China to Tanzania.	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $3050 20FT average price from: $3950 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Guangzhou China to Tanzania.	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 Qingdao China to Tanzania	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $2950 20FT average price from: $3950 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Tianjin China to Tanzania	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $3050 20FT average price from: $4050 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Dalian China to Tanzania	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4250 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Xiamen China to Tanzania	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $3050 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Yingkou China to Tanzania	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $3250 20FT average price from: $4250 40FT

AIR FREIGHT COSTS FROM CHINA TO TANZANIA

When flying your goods from China to Tanzania, the cost of air freight shipping hinges on a few factors: the departure city, the airport you’re landing at in Tanzania, and the weight and volume of your shipment. Typically, you can expect to pay between USD 4 to USD 10 per kilogram. Remember, these prices can vary based on the specific air cargo carrier and route you choose.

Departure Airport	Arrival Airport	Cost Range (USD/kg)
Shanghai Pudong	Dar es Salaam	$4.50 – $7.50
Guangzhou Baiyun	Dar es Salaam	$4.00 – $7.80
Beijing Capital	JDar es Salaam	$4.50 – $7.80

If you are interested in the cost from China to other countries in Africa, you can click on the link:

Door to door shipping costs from China to Tanzania

Door to door shipping costs from China to Tanzania depend on many factors, including mode of transport (sea or air), weight, volume and delivery location. On average, about 30% will be added to the normal airport fee, which can be used as a reference:

• Sea door to door: US$250-450 per cubic meter
• Air door to door: US$6 to US$12 per kilogram

What is the cheapest way to ship from China to Tanzania?

The cheapest shipping method from China to Tanzania is usually by sea. Sea freight generally has lower shipping costs compared to air freight and land freight. The large bulk transportation capacity reduces the transportation cost per unit of goods. Additionally, ocean shipping has lower fuel costs and other shipping surcharges.

Although shipping by sea takes longer, it is more economical if your goods are not time-critical and can be planned in advance. Ocean shipping is suitable for large cargo, bulk cargo or cargo that needs to be transported over long distances.

How long does it take to ship from China to Tanzania

Shipping from China to Tanzania takes 25 to 35 days, and air shipping takes 3 to 7 days. The number of days may vary if you choose different origins, destinations, services and routes.

How to ship from China to Tanzania

• Step 1: Contact the freight forwarder; priority will be given to China.
• Look for freight forwarders from China or Tanzania, while Tanzania freight forwarders are most likely to rely on local freight forwarders in China. Working directly with a Chinese freight forwarder is simpler, most of the complexity and uncertainty of international shipping lies in the origin, not the destination.
• More information on “Why you should work with a local freight forwarder in China”
• Step 2: Submit shipping details and get a shipping quote from China
• Step 3: Connect the freight forwarder with the supplier and the freight forwarder will handle the shipment and keep you updated
• Step 4: Purchase cargo insurance (optional)
• Step 5: Arrange Customs Clearance Or you can use our hassle-free door-to-door shipping services from China to Tanzania.

Best Shipping Company from China to Tanzania

Basenton Logistics is a Chinese freight forwarding company that delivers all your items to specific destinations. Shipping costs from China to Tanzania are very affordable and when you let us know what items you need moved we will make sure you get them to your doorstep as quickly as possible. We provide you with customized one-stop freight services by sea, land and air. These freight services are available for individuals, small and large businesses.

As one of China’s top shipping companies, Bassenton prides itself on providing fast, safe and reliable freight services. We have a highly skilled and meticulous team that can expertly provide you with all freight services. This is because of their excellent work experience and genuine credibility. Our customer service professionals respond promptly to your freight emergencies.

Basenton Logistics’ freight case link from China to Tanzania: