As a businessperson frequently involved in shipping goods from China to Malta, I’ve had my fair share of experiences exploring different routes. In 2025, understanding the popular routes is crucial for efficient and cost – effective shipping.

Sea Routes: The Workhorses of Bulk Shipping

Shipping from China to Malta by sea remains the go – to option for large – volume and non – time – sensitive cargo. Malta has several key ports, with Valletta and Marsaxlokk being the most prominent. These ports are well – equipped to handle a wide range of goods, from consumer products to heavy machinery.

The Shanghai – Valletta Route

One of the most common sea routes starts from Shanghai, one of China’s largest and busiest ports. Shipping lines regularly operate voyages from Shanghai to Valletta, the capital city of Malta. This route typically takes around 30 – 35 days. The reason for its popularity is two – fold. Firstly, Shanghai serves as a major manufacturing and distribution hub in China, making it convenient for exporters to load their goods. Secondly, Valletta’s strategic location in the Mediterranean allows for easy distribution of goods across Malta and neighboring regions. The cost for a 40 – foot full container load (FCL) on this route in 2025 ranges from $2,500 to $4,000, depending on factors like the shipping line, season, and additional services required.

The Shenzhen – Marsaxlokk Route

Another popular sea route is from Shenzhen, a city known for its booming electronics and manufacturing industries, to Marsaxlokk. Marsaxlokk, with its natural deep – water harbor, is well – suited for handling large – scale cargo. This route usually has a transit time of 32 – 37 days. It’s favored by businesses shipping electronics, textiles, and consumer goods. For a 20 – foot FCL, the price in 2025 is approximately $1,800 – $3,000. Sea freight offers the advantage of being able to transport large quantities of goods at a relatively lower cost per unit compared to other methods. However, it’s important to note that factors such as fuel surcharges, port congestion, and peak shipping seasons can affect both the cost and shipping from China to Malta time.

Air Routes: For Speed and Urgency

When time is of the essence, air shipping from China to Malta becomes the preferred choice. Although it comes at a higher cost, the speed it offers can be invaluable for high – value, time – sensitive items like electronics components, medical supplies, or fashion products.

The Beijing – Malta International Airport Route

Flights from Beijing Capital International Airport to Malta International Airport are quite popular. Airlines such as Air China operate regular services on this route. The flight time is around 19 – 20 hours in the air, and with the additional time for airport handling and customs clearance, the entire process usually takes 3 – 5 days for standard air freight. For express air freight, it can be as fast as 1 – 3 days. The cost for air freight is calculated based on the weight and volume of the cargo. In 2025, for shipments weighing over 1000 kg, the rate is around $4.615 per kg. For smaller, more urgent shipments, the cost can range from $5 – $15 per kg.

The Guangzhou – Malta International Airport Route

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport also has regular flights to Malta. This route is favored by businesses in southern China. The flight time is approximately 17 – 18 hours, and the overall transit time for air freight is similar to the Beijing route. The advantage of this route is its proximity to manufacturing regions in southern China, reducing the time and cost of transporting goods to the airport.

Tracking Your Shipment

Regardless of the route you choose, shipping from China to Malta tracking is essential. Most shipping lines and airlines offer online tracking services. For sea freight, you can monitor the vessel’s location, estimated arrival time, and port handling updates. Air freight tracking provides real – time information on the flight’s progress, including departure, layovers, and arrival. This allows you to plan your inventory, inform your customers, and make any necessary adjustments in case of delays.

Recommended: China Top Forwarder

Over the years, I’ve found China Top Forwarder to be an excellent partner for shipping from China to Malta. They have in – depth knowledge of all the popular routes. They can help you choose the most suitable route based on your cargo type, volume, and urgency. Their team takes care of all aspects of the shipping process, from customs clearance to insurance. For example, they can negotiate better rates with shipping lines or airlines due to their long – standing relationships. They also provide end – to – end tracking, ensuring you’re always in the loop about your shipment’s status.

Contact

If you’re looking to ship from China to Malta and want to explore the best routes for your needs, reach out to China Top Forwarder.

• Email: info@chinatopforwarder.com
• Website: https://chinatopforwarder.com/send-inquiry/

Tell them your shipping requirements, and their experienced team will guide you through the process, helping you make the most informed decisions about your shipping route, cost, and delivery time. With China Top Forwarder, you can ensure a smooth and efficient shipping experience from China to Malta in 2025.