As someone frequently engaged in international trade between Malta and China, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with shipping costs. In 2025, the expenses for shipping goods from Malta to China can vary widely based on several factors.
Sea Shipping: A Cost – Effective Option
Shipping from China to Malta by sea is often the go – to choice for many, especially when dealing with large volumes of non – urgent goods. Malta has two major ports, the Port of Valletta and Marsaxlokk Port, which play crucial roles in facilitating these shipments.
Full Container Load (FCL)
If you have a substantial amount of cargo, say you’re exporting a large quantity of Maltese handicrafts or local produce, FCL might be the way to go. In 2025, the cost of shipping a 20 – foot container from Malta to major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Ningbo can range from $1,750 to $3,250. A 40 – foot container, on the other hand, may cost between $2,375 and $4,480. The advantage of FCL is that your goods have the entire container to themselves, reducing the risk of damage during transit. The transit time for sea freight typically ranges from 30 – 40 days after the ship departs, making it suitable for goods where time is not of the essence.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
For small – to – medium – sized businesses in Malta looking to export a smaller quantity of goods, LCL (Less than Container Load) is a great option. You can share a container with other shippers. In 2025, the cost for LCL is approximately $50 – $100 per cubic meter for small shipments. This option is not only cost – effective but also offers flexibility. However, do keep in mind that the transit time for LCL shipments is usually a bit longer, around 35 – 45 days, as the container needs to be filled with multiple shipments before it can set sail.
Special Containers
Certain types of products require special handling during shipping. Refrigerated containers are essential if you’re shipping items like fresh Maltese cheese or locally – caught seafood that need to be kept at a specific temperature. Flat – rack containers, on the other hand, are used for oversized items such as large sculptures or machinery parts. Although these special containers come at an additional cost, they ensure the safe transportation of your goods.
Roll – on / Roll – off (RoRo) and Break Bulk Shipping
RoRo ships are designed for wheeled cargo. If you’re exporting vehicles or some types of heavy machinery from Malta to China, this could be the ideal shipping method. Break bulk shipping is suitable for goods that cannot be containerized, such as large – scale art installations or certain industrial equipment.
Air Shipping: Fast but Expensive
Air shipping from China to Malta is the quickest way to transport goods, but it comes at a significantly higher price. Flights from Malta International Airport (MLA) to major Chinese airports like Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), or Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) can take around 20 hours and 25 minutes. In 2025, for air freight, if your shipment is over 1000 kg, the cost can be around $4.615 per kg. Express shipping, which is even faster for urgent deliveries, can range from $5 – $15 per kg. This mode of shipping is best for high – value, time – sensitive goods like high – end Maltese jewelry or precision medical equipment.
Factors Affecting Shipping Prices
- Cargo Size and Weight: Naturally, larger and heavier shipments will cost more, regardless of whether you choose sea or air shipping. For example, shipping a large piece of industrial machinery will be far more expensive than sending a small box of Maltese souvenirs.
- Shipping Distance: The fixed distance between Malta and China affects the base cost. However, different routes (especially in sea shipping) can have varying costs due to factors like the number of trans – shipments.
- Seasonality: Peak shipping seasons, such as the period before major Chinese festivals like Chinese New Year or during high – demand periods in Malta, can drive up prices. This is because of increased competition for shipping space.
- Fuel Prices: Fluctuations in global oil prices directly impact shipping costs. Higher fuel prices mean higher surcharges for both sea and air freight.
- Port Fees: Charges at Maltese origin ports and Chinese destination ports can add significantly to the overall cost. These fees cover services like handling, storage, and security at the ports.
Tracking Your Shipment
Most reliable shipping companies offer tracking services. Whether you choose sea or air shipping, you can usually track your shipment online. For sea shipping, companies often provide updates on the vessel’s location, expected arrival time, and any trans – shipment details. In air shipping, you can track the flight status, including departure, transit, and arrival times. This helps you plan and manage your inventory more effectively, and gives you peace of mind knowing where your valuable cargo is at all times.
Recommended China Top Forwarder
When it comes to shipping from Malta to China, I highly recommend China Top Forwarder. They are an officially registered NVOCC and have over two decades of experience in the industry. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including ocean freight, air freight, customs clearance, warehousing, and insurance. Their team of experts is well – versed in handling the complexities of international shipping between Malta and China. They have a global network that covers over 100 countries, ensuring seamless transportation of your goods. They also provide convenient online quotation and tracking services, making it easy for you to stay updated on your shipment.
Contact
To get started with your shipping from Malta to China, you can reach out to China Top Forwarder through the following channels:
- Email: info@chinatopforwarder.com
- Website: [https://chinatopforwarder.com/send-inquiry/]
Their customer service team is available to answer any questions you may have regarding shipping methods, costs, timelines, and tracking. With China Top Forwarder, you can be confident that your goods will be transported safely, efficiently, and at a competitive price.