China is Egypt’s largest trading partner.

Egypt is located at the junction of Africa, Asia and Europe. It faces Europe across the Mediterranean Sea to the north, connects directly to the hinterland of the African continent to the southwest, and connects to the West Asia region to the east. The Suez Canal connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the lifelines of global shipping.

Shipping from China to Egypt can be done by air freight or ocean freight. Importers and exporters equally use both methods, since both solutions have benefits and drawbacks depending entirely on your needs.

Import into Egypt

On October 1, 2021, Egypt officially launched the Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) system. Importers must submit all necessary transportation information and relevant data on transactions with foreign exporters through the National Unified Window (Nafeza) platform 48 hours before the goods arrive at the Egyptian port, otherwise the goods will be returned after arriving at the port.

The operating procedures of ACI are as follows:

• Egyptian importers or their customs brokers enter the relevant data of the goods through the ACI system of the Nafeza platform before shipment.
• Egyptian Customs issues a transport identification code, namely the ACI number, within 48 hours and informs the importer and exporter.
• The exporter transmits the relevant transportation documents and data in electronic form (ensuring that each document is equipped with an ACI number) and sends it to the importer.
• The importer confirms that the data sent by the exporter is correct.

After that, the goods leave the port, the importer pays the import taxes and fees, and the goods arrive at the Egyptian port.

Exporters, suppliers, and transporters must accurately grasp the relevant requirements to ensure that the information is reported accurately and in a timely manner.

Egypt does not set a threshold for import tariffs. Regardless of the value of the imported goods, taxes are levied. All import taxes are calculated based on the freight value, i.e., the CIF price, and are basically levied on an ad valorem basis. Egypt implements the internationally accepted Harmonized Customs System (HS), and the import tariffs for most commodities are between 5% and 40%.

Sea Freight from China to Egypt

Sea freight is the most affordable way of shipping if time is not an issue when you are shipping from China to Egypt. CFC has extensive experience with sea transport to Egypt depending on your specific requirements. We have agreed with the most excellent shipping and COSCO, CMA-CGM, MSC, Maersk, APL, Evergreen, Yang Ming, PIL, OOCL, etc. It guarantees the workability of CFC and the competitive shipping rate.

• port to port
• port to door
• door to port
• door to door

Top Container Ports in Egypt

There are five major commercial ports in Egypt which are Alexandria Port Alexandria and Dekheila port, Damietta Port, Port Said Port, Suez Port including Adabiya Port and Safaga Port.

Alexandria is the largest port in Egypt, and Port Said is the largest container transshipment hub.

• Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and the port city with the largest cargo throughput in Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean region.
• Port Said is located at the junction of Africa and Asia, the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. It is considered the entrance of the Suez Canal in the northeastern of Egypt.

The Suez Canal is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, with the canal’s traffic accounting for about 10% of global shipping and 25% of global container traffic.

Sea Freight Cost from China to Egypt

Determining the cost of shipping a container between China and Egypt can be complex, with prices widely fluctuating. Consideration needs to be given to the point of loading, point of destination, the nature of goods, the selected carrier, and reflecting upon monthly market dynamics.

For instance, the port-to-port container rate from FOB Shanghai China to Port Said is $2,000 for 1x20GP.

Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Egypt

The shipping time depends on many factors, such as the port of departure and destination, direct shipping and transshipment. For example, from Shanghai to Port Said, it takes 29 days for direct shipping and 36 days for transshipment.

Air Freight from China to Egypt

When shipping time-sensitive goods or high value commodities from China to Egypt, air freight proves to be a better solution. There are cases where we are having a pressing deadline or dealing with cargo which is perishable, shipping by sea can’t meet the timing requirement. If your supply chain has sufficient budget, and compared to cost, you are more concerned about the security, then air freight is your perfect choice.

• airport to airport
• door to airport
• airport to door
• door to door

Currently, EgyptAir has opened direct flights from Cairo to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Hangzhou, and Sichuan Airlines has opened direct flights from Chengdu to Cairo.

Top Airports in Egypt

Cairo International Airport (CAI) accounts for more than 90% of Egypt’s total international cargo. After O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, the Cairo International Airport is the second busiest airport in Africa.

Other major international airports are:

• HRG – Hurghada International Airport
• HBE – Borg El Arab International Airport
• SSH – Sharm El Sheikh International Airport

Air Freight Cost from China to Egypt

Shipping an air freight package between the US and Egypt typically costs between $6 – $8 per kg. However, pinning down the exact cost isn’t straightforward. This is because it is subject to several factors, such as the distance from the departure and arrival airports, the dimensions of the parcel, its weight, and the nature of the goods.

Our team specializes in providing tailored quotes, ensuring you receive the finest rates available. We handle every case individually, considering all factors and your specific needs.

Air Freight Transit Time from China to Egypt

The average times it will take to ship your goods to Egypt by air:

• Express: 3 to 6 business days
• Standard: 6 to 8 business days
• Economy: 8 to 12 business days

These times are estimates, and it is possible you may receive your shipment in less time. CFC works to get your packages delivered as quickly as possible.

Working with CFC

CFC provides the best shipping solution and shipping rate for shipping from China to Egypt. Each shipping mode has its own benefits, depending on the size and urgency of the shipment. The choice between them should be guided by both cost considerations and the specific needs of the cargo.

We can handle all your shipping needs from any city in China to Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Luxor, Port Said, Faiyum, Zagazig, Aswan, Hurghada, or any city in Egypt. Our custom and premium freight forwarding services come with flexible delivery options.

It’s vital to work with a freight forwarder who understands your needs and always carries out the best tailored shipping solution from China to Egypt.

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