In 2025, shipping rates from China to Greece vary widely based on method, cargo size, and route. Here’s a practical breakdown:
1. Sea Freight Rates (Most Cost-Effective for Bulk)
- FCL (Full Container Load):
- 20ft container: $4,000–$6,000 (e.g., Shanghai to Piraeus), ideal for 20+ tons of goods like furniture or machinery.
- 40ft container: $6,500–$8,500, suitable for larger shipments.
- Peak season surcharge (Sep–Dec): Adds 10–20% to base rates.
- LCL (Less than Container Load):
- $120–$200 per cubic meter for smaller orders (e.g., 5m³ of textiles costs $600–$1,000).
- Transit time: 25–40 days via Suez Canal, plus 1–3 days for customs.
2. Air Freight Rates (Fast but Pricier)
- General cargo: $5–$15 per kg (e.g., 100kg electronics cost $500–$1,500).
- Urgent shipments: $15–$25 per kg for same-week delivery.
- Transit time: 1–3 days door-to-door, plus 1 day for customs clearance.
3. Additional Costs to Factor In
- Customs Duties: Greece applies EU tariffs (0–10% based on HS code) and 24% VAT on total value (cargo + freight).
- Port Fees: $300–$600 for loading in China, $400–$800 for unloading in Greece.
- Insurance: 1–2% of cargo value for sea freight, 0.5–1% for air (recommended for high-value goods).
4. Cheapest Options & Tips
- Go for LCL sea freight if your cargo is under 15m³.
- Book off-peak (Apr–Jun) to save 10–15% on sea rates.
- Consolidate orders with a forwarder to split container costs.
Track Your Shipment
Most carriers offer online tracking:
- Sea freight: Use Maersk or COSCO’s portals with your bill of lading number.
- Air freight: Track via DHL/FedEx with your AWB number.
Recommendation: China Top Forwarder
For tailored rates and end-to-end service:
- Sea/air freight quotes: They compare routes to find the best price (e.g., via Thessaloniki to cut inland costs).
- Duty optimization: Expertise in China-EU FTA rules to reduce tariffs.
- 24/7 tracking: Unified portal for real-time updates.
Contact China Top Forwarder for a personalized quote.