20ft & 40ft Container Shipping Costs from China to Belgium continue to rise in importance as global trade expands in 2025. As Belgium increases its demand for electronics, machinery, and consumer products, understanding the full logistics picture has become essential for importers. Antwerp Port, one of Europe’s largest logistics hubs, plays a vital role in international shipping, connecting China to Belgium and the rest of the European Union market.
For importers, knowing the latest 20ft and 40ft container shipping costs from China to Belgium is crucial to plan budgets, manage shipping expenses, and ensure smooth delivery to the final destination.
When shipping from China, businesses can choose from multiple shipping methods — including sea freight, air freight, rail freight, and door-to-door shipping. A professional freight forwarder helps coordinate every step—from booking and customs clearance to final delivery—ensuring cost-effective and reliable logistics.
Shipping Costs from China to Belgium (Updated 2025)
| Shipping Method | Estimated Cost (China → Belgium) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 1,800 | 30–35 days |
| Sea Freight (40ft Container) | Approx. USD 2,650 | 35–40 days |
| LCL Sea Shipping (per CBM) | Approx. USD 60–120 / CBM | 35–45 days |
| Rail Freight (FCL) | Approx. USD 3,000–3,800 | 18–22 days |
| Air Freight | Approx. USD 4.20–6.00 / kg | 3–7 days |
| DDP Door-to-Door Shipping | All-inclusive pricing (duties & VAT included) | 7–45 days |
Note: 2025 reference rates. Actual quotes may vary depending on carrier, route, and season.
This updated pricing table highlights the most common shipping containers used for container shipments from China to Belgium — mainly 20ft and 40ft containers.
Using standardized containers ensures safe transport, predictable freight rates, and easier customs clearance at major ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Antwerp.
Sea Freight from China to Belgium (FCL & LCL Options)
20ft Container Shipping Cost (FCL)
A 20ft container is ideal for small to medium-sized shipments, offering about 33 cubic meters of capacity. The average cost to ship is around USD 1,800–2,200 with a transit time of 30–35 days. It’s the most common option for commercial importers due to its affordability and predictable freight rates.
40ft Container Shipping Cost (FCL)
A 40ft container offers nearly double the volume of a 20ft unit, costing USD 2,650–3,200 on average. It’s perfect for bulk shipments, offering better cost effectiveness per cubic meter.
LCL Shipping (Less than Container Load)
If your cargo is small, LCL shipping allows you to share container space with others. The rate from China to Belgium is around USD 60–120 per CBM, making it a great choice for smaller shipments.
When transporting machinery or oversized cargo, specialized containers like open-top or flat-rack units are available. These require additional space and handling, so ocean freight rates may be higher.
Other Shipping Methods: Air, Rail, and Door-to-Door
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest shipping method, typically 3–7 days from China to Belgium. Major departure hubs include Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong, and Guangzhou Baiyun, with arrivals in Brussels and Liège. Costs average USD 4.2–6.0/kg, ideal for urgent shipments or fragile goods that need efficient delivery.
Rail Freight
With the China–Europe Railway Express, rail freight offers a balance between speed and price. Transit times range from 18–22 days, faster than sea shipping but cheaper than air. It’s a reliable option for medium-sized shipments seeking cost-effective solutions.
Door-to-Door Shipping
Door-to-door shipping or Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) covers the entire process — pickup, customs clearance, shipping, and final delivery. A professional freight forwarder manages all customs procedures, ensuring smooth international shipping with no hidden additional fees.
Major Ports and Shipping Routes
Main China Loading Ports
China’s main export ports include Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Qingdao, and Xiamen. These hubs handle millions of shipping containers annually with weekly sailings to Antwerp and Zeebrugge.
Main Belgium Ports
Antwerp Port is the leading destination for container loads from China, supported by Zeebrugge and Ghent. Regular services by Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), Maersk, and COSCO maintain consistent ocean freight rates.
Shipping Routes
- Southern Route via Suez Canal: 30–40 days, most common for FCL.
- Northern Route (Rail + Ocean): 20–25 days, cost-effective for faster delivery.
Booking 2–3 weeks in advance helps secure steady freight rates and manage transportation costs during peak season.
Transit Times from China to Belgium
Accurate transit times are key to controlling shipping costs and keeping supply chains on schedule. The exact duration depends on the shipping method, carrier, and chosen freight forwarder.
- Sea Freight: 30–40 days (Shanghai or Ningbo to Antwerp)
- Rail Freight: 18–22 days via China–Europe Railway Express
- Air Freight: 3–7 days from China to Belgium
- Door-to-Door DDP: 7–45 days depending on service type
A professional freight forwarder helps monitor shipping schedules, manage customs procedures, and ensure timely delivery. For urgent shipments, air freight is preferred, while sea freight offers the most cost-effective solution for large container loads.
Key Factors Affecting Container Shipping Costs
Several key factors influence total container shipping costs from China to Belgium:
- Shipping Method and Container Size – Choosing between sea freight, air freight, or rail freight, and selecting a 20ft or 40ft container, directly affects your transportation costs.
- Port Fees and Handling Charges – Every shipment includes port fees, terminal handling charges, and customs clearance costs.
- Customs Duties and Taxes – Belgium applies import customs duties and 21% VAT on most imported goods.
- Global Oil Prices and Seasonal Demand – Fluctuations in global oil prices impact ocean freight rates during peak seasons.
- Insurance and Additional Fees – Insurance costs usually range from 0.3% to 0.8% of cargo value.
- Freight Forwarder Expertise – Working with a reliable freight forwarder ensures competitive freight rates, smooth customs clearance, and predictable shipping expenses.
For oversized cargo or special goods, additional charges apply for equipment, loading, and handling fees. Discuss these in advance with your freight forwarder to avoid surprises.
Explore more shipping guides:
- 20ft & 40ft Container Shipping Costs from China to the Netherlands
- 20ft & 40ft Container Shipping Costs from China to Germany
- 20ft & 40ft Container Shipping Costs from China to France
- 20ft & 40ft Container Shipping Costs from China to Egypt
- Shipping Costs for 20ft & 40ft Containers from China to Turkey
Customs Clearance and Import Procedures
Smooth customs clearance is essential for efficient international shipping. Belgium, as part of the EU, follows standardized customs regulations that require full and accurate documentation.
Documents Required:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Certificate of origin
- EORI number (importer ID)
Your freight forwarder manages both export customs clearance in China and import customs clearance in Belgium.
Having one professional freight forwarder handle the entire shipping process reduces delays, simplifies communication, and ensures cost-effective logistics services.
How to Reduce Shipping Costs
To effectively reduce shipping costs from China to Belgium:
- Book Early – Early booking helps lock in lower freight rates and avoid seasonal surcharges.
- Consolidate Shipments – Combine smaller orders into one container load to lower per-unit shipping expenses.
- Compare Carriers – Evaluate several shipping companies to find the best cost-effective route.
- Use Door-to-Door or DDP Services – Let a freight forwarder handle customs clearance, duties, and final delivery.
- Plan Around Peak Seasons – Avoid months before Chinese New Year when freight rates and port fees surge.
By following these steps and working with a professional freight forwarder, importers can achieve significant savings and predictable shipping costs.
Why Choose Tonlexing as Your Freight Forwarder
As an experienced freight forwarder in China, Tonlexing offers complete international shipping solutions, including sea freight, air freight, rail freight, and door-to-door shipping.
We handle every stage—from booking and customs clearance to final destination delivery—ensuring transparency and efficient delivery.
Our advantages include:
- Direct contracts with leading shipping companies and airlines
- Full and less than container load (LCL) services
- Real-time cargo tracking
- DDP and door-to-door shipping options
- Competitive freight rates and personalized support
Whether you need to ship a container to Antwerp or send urgent shipments by air, Tonlexing provides reliable, cost-effective solutions that simplify your logistics.
FAQs about Shipping from China to Belgium
How much does it cost to ship a 20ft or 40ft container from China to Belgium?
A 20ft container costs about USD 1,800–2,200, while a 40ft container costs USD 2,650–3,200. Prices depend on freight rates and shipping methods.
How much does it cost to ship smaller cargo?
For LCL shipping, the cost to ship is around USD 60–120 per CBM. It’s ideal for smaller or consolidated shipments.
How much does it cost to ship by air?
Air freight costs USD 4.2–6.0/kg, depending on volume and cargo type. Great for urgent shipments or high-value goods.
How much does it cost to ship door-to-door?
DDP door-to-door shipping includes customs, VAT, and delivery. This all-inclusive shipping method saves time and reduces risk.
How much does it cost to ship during peak seasons?
Expect higher shipping expenses during busy months like before Chinese New Year. Booking early helps reduce shipping costs.
What documents are required for customs clearance?
A commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are required. Your freight forwarder handles the customs clearance process.
What are the main shipping routes to Belgium?
Most container shipments go from Shanghai, Ningbo, or Shenzhen to Antwerp or Zeebrugge, either by sea freight or rail freight.
How to find the right freight forwarder?
Choose a reliable freight forwarder with transparent pricing, experience, and proven logistics services like Tonlexing.
How much does it cost to ship with insurance?
Insurance costs are about 0.3–0.8% of the cargo value and are recommended for all international shipping.
Ready to ship a container from China to Belgium?
Contact Tonlexing for a free quotation. We’ll help you ship a container quickly and affordably through sea, air, or door shipping.