Shipping from China to Libya


Shipping from China to Libya

How to import from China to Libya

When importing from China to Libya, there is a set of steps that you need to take, from the moment you decide to import until the goods arrive at your warehouse, and they are as follows:

  1. Decide which goods you want to import: Choose the goods you want to import from China carefully. It is necessary to ensure that the goods are not prohibited in your country and that they meet all the necessary safety and quality standards.
  2. Ensure that the goods you have chosen can be imported: Not all goods can be imported into every country. Be sure to check the import rules and restrictions in your country.
  3. Classify your goods and calculate the total cost: You will need to classify your goods according to the Harmonized System (HS). This will help you calculate the total cost, which includes the price of goods, transportation fees, customs duties, and insurance.
  4. Find your supplier in China and place an order: Find a reliable supplier in China and place your order. Make sure to communicate clearly with the supplier to avoid any misunderstandings.
  5. Arrange the transportation of your goods: There are several ways to transport your goods from China, including sea freight, air freight, land freight, and express courier. Choose the method that best suits your needs and budget.
  6. Keep track of your goods and prepare for their arrival: Keep track of your goods and prepare for their arrival. Be sure to arrange transportation from the port to your warehouse or store.
  7. Get your shipment: Once the goods arrive, you will need to clear customs and pay the necessary duties and taxes. After that, you can collect your shipment and start selling!

Shipping from China to Libya | Sea freight or air freight

Shipping from China to Libya can be a challenge, but it can also be a great opportunity, whether you choose sea or air freight, success in this area requires careful planning, a deep understanding of rules and regulations, and the ability to adapt to logistical challenges.

Sea freight from China to Libya

Sea freight is the most popular option for international freight, thanks to its ability to handle large and heavy loads at a much lower cost than air freight. When you ship by sea, you choose the most cost-efficient option for international shipping, especially if the goods you want to ship are heavy or bulky.

Sea freight from China to LibyaSea freight from China to Libya

When to ship by sea?

Sea freight is the perfect choice in many cases. Here’s why:

  • Large quantities of goods: If you want to ship large quantities of goods, sea freight is the most cost-effective option. Marine vessels are capable of carrying thousands of containers in a single voyage, making them ideal for large cargo.
  • Heavy cargo: Sea freight is the perfect choice if the goods you want to ship are very heavy. Ships are able to carry heavy weights at a much lower cost than air freight.
  • Cost: In general, sea freight is less expensive than air freight. If you are looking to save costs and do not have time pressure, sea freight can be the best option for you.
  • Sustainability: Sea freight is also a more sustainable option than air freight. Ships consume less fuel compared to airplanes, making them a more environmentally friendly option.

Of course, you should take into account that sea freight takes longer than air freight. So, if speed is your first priority, you might want to consider other shipping options.

Libya’s seaports

There are many commercial sea ports in Libya, including:

  • Tripoli Port: Located in the capital, Tripoli, it is a medium-sized port that receives many international shipments. It is characterized by its strategic location and good infrastructure.
  • Port of Benghazi: Located in the city of Benghazi, it is also a medium-sized port. It is characterized by its proximity to major markets and the availability of logistics.
  • Misrata Port: Located in the city of Misrata, it is one of the largest ports in Libya. It is characterized by its ability to handle large and heavy charges.
  • Khoms Port: Located in the city of Khoms, it is a medium-sized port. It is characterized by its location close to the main roads and modern infrastructure.
  • Port of Tobruk: Located in the city of Tobruk, it is a medium-sized port. It is characterized by its proximity to the Egyptian border, which makes it a major entry point for goods coming from Egypt.
  • Ras Lanuf Port: Located in Ras Lanuf, it is a medium-sized port. It is characterized by its ability to handle large oil shipments.

shipping Time from China to Libya

The time it takes to ship from China to Libya depends on several factors, including the distance between the Chinese port and the Libyan port, weather conditions, and customs delays. However, sea freight between these two countries can be expected to take between 20 to 30 days.

It is worth noting that these times are only estimates and may be affected by variable factors such as weather conditions, tariff delays and other logistical factors.

Port of Departure Port of Arrival Typical Transit Time
Port of Shanghai Port of Tripoli 25-30 days
Port of Shenzhen Port of Misrata 22-28 days
Port of Ningbo Port of Benghazi 24-32 days
Port of Guangzhou Port of Zuwara 23-29 days

Sea freight Costs from China to Libya

These prices vary based on several factors such as shipping type, container size, and distance between ports. Here’s an overview of these pricing:

1. Shipping Type:
  • FCL (Full Container Shipping): Ranges between $2,000 – $4,800 per container.
  • LCL (Shared Container Shipping): Depending on the size of the shipment, the cost per cubic meter ranges from $80 to $150.
2. Container size:
  • 20 feet: about $2,000 – $3,800.
  • 40 feet: about $3,000 – $4,800.
4. Additional Charges:
  • Customs duties and taxes: depend on the value of the goods and local organization.
  • Clearance and inspection fees: Additional fees may be added for inspections and clearance operations.

It is essential that you reach out to a reliable shipping company or logistics agent for accurate details and a tailored quote to your shipment needs.

air freight from China to Libya

Air freight from China to Libya is a fast and efficient way to transport goods. It is characterized by saving time compared to other shipping methods and the correctness of its choice depends on several factors.

Shipping from China to Libya by airShipping from China to Libya by air

When to ship by air?

Air freight is the ideal option in the following cases:

  1. Speed: If the goods you want to ship need fast arrival, air freight is the best option. Air freight can reduce the time it takes to transport from weeks (in case of sea freight) to just days.
  2. Value: High-value goods such as electronics, medicines, and jewelry are often air-shipped to reduce the time they are at risk.
  3. Size and weight: Small, lightweight goods are often more cost-effective when freight by air.
  4. Remote locations: Air freight can be the only option to reach some remote locations.
  5. Reliability: Flights are often more structured and have more accurate schedules compared to sea freight, reducing the chances of delays.
  6. Insurance and storage: Since air freight takes less time, the total cost of insurance and storage is lower.

Air freight can be much more expensive than sea freight, so you should always balance the need for speed of delivery with cost.

Air Ports Libya

Here is a list of the most prominent commercial airports in Libya and a key feature of each:

  1. Mitiga International Airport – Tripoli: It is the largest airport in Libya and a major air transport hub.
  2. Benina International Airport – Benghazi: It is strategically located and serves the eastern region of Libya.
  3. Al-Abraq International Airport – Al-Bayda: It is an important transport hub between eastern and western Libya.
  4. Tobruk International Airport – Tobruk: It serves the border city and is considered an important point of contact with Egypt.
  5. Misrata International Airport – Misrata: It is a major hub for transport and trade in the western region of Libya.
  6. Sebha International Airport – Sebha: It is located in the heart of the desert and is an important transportation center in the south.

How long does a cargo plane take from China to Libya?

  • The fastest way to get from China to Libya by plane takes around 19 hours, with flights departing from Beijing International Airport (PEK) and arriving at Misrata International Airport (MRA).
  • There are flights that depart 2-4 times a week on this route.
  • Turkish Airlines operates on this route regularly with flights departing 2-4 times a week.
Origin Airport Destination Airport Time
Shanghai Pudong Libya 3-6 days
Beijing Capital Libya 4-7 days
Guangzhou Baiyun Libya 3-5 days

Air freight rates from China to Libya

  • Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of international air freight was around $2.50-$5.00 per kilogram, depending on the type of cargo and space available.
  • Costs rose sharply in February 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began to cause severe disruptions to sea freight and consumer demand, with air freight costing reaching a range of $4.00-$8.00 per kilogram.
  • In early 2024, prices fell to around $4.00-$9.00 per kilogram, still higher than pre-pandemic prices, likely due to rising fuel and labor costs.

Freight forwarding companies from China to Libya

When looking for sea and air freight companies from China to Libya, you should consider several factors such as quality, speed, and cost. When searching online, we found these two for you:

  • Basenton: It is one of the most prominent companies that provide shipping services from China to Libya. It is distinguished by its fast and safe services. Company information here.
  • Bestfreight Shipping: At Bestfreight Shipping, we offer a full suite of logistics solutions tailored to your unique needs, encompassing sea freight, air freight, rail freight, Amazon FBA logistics, customs clearance, and insurance.

Shipping rates from China to Libya

The final cost of shipping from China to Libya depends on many different factors. These factors include:

  • Weight and volume: The shipping cost is calculated based on the actual weight or volumetric weight of the shipment (the largest of them).
  • Shipping method: air freight, sea freight, or land freight.
  • Additional services: such as insurance, or customs services.
  • Distance: The distance between the shipping point and the delivery point.
Shipping from China to LibyaShipping from China to Libya

Shipping costs for 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Libya

Container shipping service from China to Libya Type of container Ocean freight rates from China to Libya
How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai China to Libya 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $2750 20FT
average price from: $3550 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen China to Libya 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $2750 20FT
average price from: $3250 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Ningbo-Zhoushan China to Libya 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $2800 20FT
average price from: $3650 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong China to Libya 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 Guangzhou China to Libya 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $2550 20FT
average price from: $4050 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Qingdao China to Libya 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 Tianjin China to Libya 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $2950 20FT
average price from: $3850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Dalian China to Libya 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $2950 20FT
average price from: $3650 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Xiamen China to Libya 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $2750 20FT
average price from: $3750 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Yingkou China to Libya 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $2850 20FT
average price from: $3850 40FT
  • Air freight: The cost of air freight can be in the range of 4 – 10 USD per kilogram. But these prices change based on market conditions.
  • Sea freight: Sea freight is usually much cheaper. The price of a 20-foot container may range from 2,000 – 3,800 USD, depending on market conditions.

For specific and accurate pricing, we recommend the following:

  1. Communicate with shipping companies directly: Shipping companies can provide more accurate estimates based on your shipping requirements.
  2. Use online cost estimation tools: There are many sites and apps that can provide initial estimates of shipping cost.

Always remember to research and compare the different shipping offers from China to Libya before making your decision. This will ensure that you get the most competitive prices and the best for your needs.





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