Shipping from China to Finland: Air Freight and Ocean Freight

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Shipping from China to Finland: Air Freight and Ocean Freight

Businesses along with individuals who need to export goods between China and Finland benefit from multiple shipping methods which both improve efficiency and reduce costs. A clear understanding of shipping elements helps customers select between air freight or ocean freight modes.

The quick nature of air freight operations produces greater expense whereas ocean freight best serves bulk shipments. The service provides efficient shipping services mainly for small or valuable packages as well as speedy delivery of urgent items. Since air freight operates with lower capacity than ocean freight service costs tend to increase for larger volume shipments.

Bulk shipment needs ocean freight since it provides lower overall expenditures when moving cargo that doesn’t require urgent delivery. The timeline for ocean freight requires 3 to 5 weeks of transit time based on shipment paths and allows big quantity delivery at affordable per-unit rates.

When selecting your shipping method you need to consider three primary elements which are the shipment size together with delivery urgency and logistics expense. When shipping goods to Finland you need reliable freight forwarders or shipping companies who deliver customized solutions and help navigate customs while providing secure delivery.

The evaluation of both air and ocean freight methods allows companies to achieve important delivery criteria such as time efficiency and cost-effectiveness while ensuring cargo safety until it reaches its Finnish destination.

What are your options for shipping from China to Finland?

To import goods from China to Finland businesses have two shipping methods available between air and ocean shipping. These shipping alternatives feature a variety of benefits and drawbacks which we will list below.

Sea Freight From China to Finland

When shipping by ocean freight, you have two choices:

Full Container Load (FCL)
You become responsible for paying in full for a complete shipping container.

Ideal for large and heavy shipments.

Your shipment remains protected under secure conditions from origin point to destination.

Cargo transportation by ocean freight provides several benefits because it requires minimal handling steps along with decreased hazard potential and better time efficiency.

Less than Container Load (LCL)
Your merchandise travels alongside multiple consignments in the shared shipping carrier space.

This solution remains the least costly alternative for smaller cargo deliveries.

You pay for your items based on the actual occupied space.

Small shipments benefit most from this delivery option because it allows for many loading and unloading processes.

Main shipping ports in China

Port of Shanghai:

  • Location and Volume: Positioned on China’s eastern coastline the Port of Shanghai maintains its global status as the world’s most active port. A 30.2% year-over-year rise in TEU volume within the initial four months of 2023 revealed the essential value of this port for international global trade operations. The port’s rapid expansion demonstrates how China’s economy has been rebuilding since the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Key Trading Partners and Importance: Trading activities between the US, Europe and ASEAN form three significant trading relationships. Its position on the Yangtze River stream makes this facility critical for transporting goods throughout Central and Western China.
  • For Businesses: Companies who want to reach markets in the United States Europe and Southeast Asia should choose Shanghai because it combines high shipping capacity with quick transportation options.

Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan:

  • Location and Volume: The Zhejiang province port of Ningbo-Zhoushan processed 33.35 million TEUs in 2022 which marked a 7.3% rise above their previous annual total. The port processed 1.25 billion tons of merchandise while retaining its position as the largest tonnage port worldwide.
  • Key Trading Partners and Importance: The US and EU and African states are identified as fundamental partners. The port holds the position of leading global bulk transportation operations.
  • For Businesses: As a vital transportation hub Ningbo-Zhoushan Port provides essential services for companies that need to export or import high volumes of bulk materials together with mature global network facilities.

Port of Shenzhen:

  • Location and Volume: The Shenzhen Port in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area saw 30.04 million TEUs move through its facilities during 2022 which produced a 4.39% increase in traffic. The port ranks as the fourth port worldwide to pass the 30 million TEU barrier.
  • Key Trading Partners and Importance: Through Shenzhen maintains active trading relationships with Asia along with the US and Europe.
  • For Businesses: The fast cargo operations and trade links to US and European markets and Asia make Shenzhen an excellent business location.

Port of Guangzhou:

  • Location and Volume: Guangzhou Port based in the Pearl River Delta stands as one of the world’s top five busiest ports after moving 24.6 million TEUs in 2022.
  • Key Trading Partners and Importance: Its trading relationship with ASEAN nations remains robust while processing both standard shipping containers alongside heavy industrial cargoes.
  • For Businesses: Businesses targeting ASEAN customers need Guangzhou as their primary entry point to reach Southern China markets.

Port of Hong Kong:

  • Location and Volume: The mouth of the Pearl River Delta serves Hong Kong Port as it processed nearly 17 million TEUs during 2022. The facility connects to more than 460 locations throughout the world.
  • Key Trading Partners and Importance: The trading activities from Hong Kong are centered on Mainland China followed by the United States and Taiwan. The status of free port means the facility does not charge customs duties.
  • For Businesses: A logistics strategy should include Hong Kong Port when you need duty-free shipping to China or the US or Taiwan.

Port of Qingdao:

  • Location and Volume: In Shandong Qingdao Port moved 26.82 million twenty-foot-equivalent units last year with double-digit growth amounting to 13.1%. Ngành vận tải ghi nhận tổng lượng hàng đóng bao đạt 627 million tons đồng thời thể hiện ý nghĩa thương mại toàn cầu của mình.
  • Key Trading Partners and Importance: Qingdao serves as a strategic port for US, ASEAN and EU markets because it functions as a principal logistics point for agricultural and petroleum imports.
  • For Businesses: Any enterprise that transports agricultural goods or oil-based materials must use Qingdao Port as their primary international destination because of import operations at this facility.

Major ports in finland

Port of Helsinki:

  • Location and Volume: Helsinki Port in Finland delivered 15.2 million tonnes of cargo during 2022 which represented a 5.6% uptick from 2021 metrics. During 2022 the facility handled 3.8 million tonnes from 492,000 TEUs. The volume of unitized cargo including lorries and containers expanded by 3.8% throughout 2022. The port saw 8.1 million passengers and 112.7% growth in liner traffic along with 8.1 million customers.
  • Key Trading Partners and Importance: Cargo activity between Helsinki port continues to strengthen its connectivity across Baltic shipping routes including Tallinn and Stockholm. Finland selects this port for its most important foreign trade logistics operations.
  • For Businesses: Businesses operating within Helsinki benefit from deep market access to Baltic and Scandinavian nations due to its localized transportation networks combined with high freight volumes.

Port of Turku:

  • Location and Volume: During 2023 the Port of Turku operated at the Finland’s southwestern coast by moving more than 1.15 million TEUs. The port stands as the primary trade center for the nation while maintaining essential economic value for Finland. Each year more than 400,000 passengers experience cruise ship activities at this vital port location.
  • Key Trading Partners and Importance: The shipping port enables connections to Stockholm in Sweden and to the Åland Islands. As Finland’s main ferry gateway it serves the two crucial regions.
  • For Businesses: Businesses heavily depending on Finnish and Swedish ferry transportation along with Scandinavian marketplace interests should choose Turku as their base.

Port of HaminaKotka:

  • Location and Volume: The Port of HaminaKotka surpassed previous records when it transported 1.62 million TEUs while growing 5.7% over 2022. The Finnish port acts as a necessary multi-modal gateway which serves as a critical economic asset for both Finland and its national trading network.
  • Key Trading Partners and Importance: Pedagamic addresses container and paper cargo requirements by maintaining substantial trade routes to Europe and Russia and Asia. The easternmost platform of European Union maritime operations exists at this location.
  • For Businesses: Establishments handling paper as well as container businesses along with companies that want Russian and Asian market entry should choose HaminaKotka because of its advantageous location combined with high service ability.

Port of Oulu:

  • Location and Volume: The Port of Oulu operates from Northern Finland to process more than 3.5 million tonnes of shipments each year.
  • Key Trading Partners and Importance: The primary export products from the port are timber and chemicals which maintain strong trading connections in Europe.
  • For Businesses: Oulu serves as the vital market center for businesses throughout Northern Finland and Scandinavia who operate in timber and chemical industries.

Port of Naantali:

  • Location and Volume: Selected as one of Finland’s key ports at Naantali the shipping facility processed 745,000 TEUs in 2022 representing a 3% increase from the previous year.
  • Key Trading Partners and Importance: Naantali reaches Kapellskär through ro-ro facilities which serve crucial cargo operations across Sweden and between Baltic nations and Central European markets.
  • For Businesses: Naantali provides businesses with dependable roll-on roll-off transportation through strong ferry routes connecting them to Sweden along with other points in the Baltic region.

Port of Hanko:

  • Location and Volume: During the first nine months of 2023 the Port of Hanko in Finland increased cargo volume to 72,904 TEUs representing a 6.2% growth.
  • Key Trading Partners and Importance: The port at Hanko serves as an essential connection point between Central Europe and the British Isles and Russia while managing bulk goods shipments and automotive transport.
  • For Businesses: Companies operating in bulk transportation and automotive industries serving Europe and the British Isles and Russia will find Haiotulaideal for their needs.

Air Freight From China to Finland

When transporting goods from China to Finland at top speed the fastest method is air freight. The considerable distance combines with custom procedures which adds 4 to 8 days when transporting items between China and Finland by air. Delivery through air shipping costs more than shipping by water.

Why choose air freight from China to Finland?

  • Best for those prioritizing speed over cost.
  • This type of shipment is best used to handle delicate products with short shelf lives.
  • Offers enhanced security.
  • The low-frequency handling operations minimize potential product damage.
  • More affordable for shipments under 100 kg.

Main airports in Finland

Helsinki Airport Overview:

  • Finland’s primary international airport.
  • The facility positions itself at a distance to the north of the central area.
  • An airport section in the southeastern area holds its cargo facilities.
  • The Modern cargo facility at this location focuses on receiving temperature-controlled goods for management.
  • IATA code: HEL.

China’s Major Airports:

  • Beijing Capital Airport
  • Guangzhou Airport
  • Nanjing Airport
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport

Shipping costs from China to Finland in 2025

Several essential elements determine shipping prices from China to Finland shipping prices. To provide an accurate quote, your freight forwarder will typically need the following information:

  • Nature of the shipment
  • Transportation choices between Full Container Loads (FCL), Less than Container Loads (LCL) and Air freight operations.
  • Weight and dimensions of the shipment
  • Origin and destination
  • Service type (e.g., port-to-port, door-to-door)

Container Shipping Rates From China To Finland

Standards for shipping container costs between major Chinese ports and Finland are presented below. The cost of shipment emerges from two key components namely cargo category (commercial items, vehicles and personal belongings) and dimensional restrictions of the transportation boxes.

PortContainer TypeOcean Freight Rate
Shanghai20ft FCL$3250
40ft FCL$4850
Qingdao20ft FCL$3550
40ft FCL$4850
Shenzhen20ft FCL$3250
40ft FCL$4850
Tianjin20ft FCL$3550
40ft FCL$5050
Ningbo20ft FCL$3350
40ft FCL$4850
Hong Kong20ft FCL$3550
40ft FCL$4650
Guangzhou20ft FCL$3250
40ft FCL$4850

Air Freight Price From China To Finland

  • Airline: Air China (CA)
  • Flight: Daily
  • Route: Via Frankfurt (FRA)
  • Transit Time: 4-6 days
  • Weight Range:
    • +100 kg
    • +300 kg
    • +500 kg
    • +1000 kg

Air Freight Rates (USD per KG)

Weight RangeUnit Price (USD/KG)
+100 KG$10.2 – $12.6
+300 KG$9.8 – $11.6
+500 KG$8.4 – $9.5
+1000 KG$7.3 – $8.5

How Long Does It Take To Ship Goods From China To Finland

Sea From time China To Finland

  • Shanghai to Helsinki: 46 days for FCL, 38 days for LCL
  • Shenzhen to Helsinki: 43 days for both FCL and LCL
  • Xiamen to Helsinki: 46 days for FCL, 42 days for LCL
  • Shekou to Helsinki: 43 days for FCL

Air From time China To Finland

  • Shanghai-Pudong to Helsinki: 8 days
  • Shenzhen to Helsinki: 5 days
  • Xiamen to Helsinki: 5 days

Factors to consider when shipping from China to Finland

  1. Transportation Method & Route: Sea and air transportation methods depend on cargo characteristics and shipping needs with budgetary considerations. Your shipping solutions must choose routes which operate quickly while maintaining affordable rates.
  2. Shipping Costs: Tissue seed all shipping costs in addition to taxes duties and handling fees to develop precise budgets.
  3. Packaging & Labeling: Both secure packaging processes combined with correct labeling systems safeguard goods as they travel through customs which facilitate clearance procedures.
  4. Customs Documentation: The accuracy of invoices together with certificates of origin remains essential for avoiding delays during shipment.
  5. Regulatory Compliance: Regular updates regarding import regulations for both China and Finland will help you prevent regulatory problems.
  6. Insurance: To protect your goods during shipping you should purchase cashier’s insurance for potential damages or theft that can occur when your shipment is transferred.
  7. Delivery Time: To account for possible delivery delays schedule your delivery in advance according to shipping schedules.
  8. Transportation Infrastructure: Review how shipping routes in China and Finland will work reliably to deliver shipments.
  9. Incoterms: The terms in sale agreements should define who carries out what actions for both buyer and seller before and during the delivery process.
  10. Cultural & Language Considerations: Take into account communication obstacles among your suppliers and freight forwarders and customs entities.

Main products imported from China to Finland

  • Consumer Electronics: The category consists of smartphone devices, laptop computers, tablet devices and various sn electronic appliances.
  • Textiles and Clothing: Covers clothing, fabrics, and materials like silk, cotton, and synthetics.
  • Machinery and Industrial Equipment: The product category contains excavators together with manufacturing machinery and construction tools and includes industrial equipment.
  • Toys and Games: Customers can find diversified toys across electronic playthings as well as board and stuffed animal versions.
  • Furniture: Every variety of domestic and commercial furniture falls under this category.
  • Home Appliances: This category includes household devices next to kitchen gadgets and white goods appliances.
  • Auto Parts: Includes automotive parts and components.
  • Plastics and Plastic Products: The sector combines natural plastic resources and polished completed plastic products.
  • Gifts and Novelty Items: Unique and fun items ideal for gifts.
  • Consumer Products: This classification consists of home goods as well as kitchen equipment and personal care products.

Customs Clearance From China To Finland

Your commercial cargo shipments need to follow Chinese and international standards which determine customs clearance for exporting from China to Finland. The proper authentication of shipments requires both local and international standards matching documentation. The use of a freight forwarder enables you to fulfill all regulatory requirements.

When importing from China to Finland, the following documents are required:

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Each packet transportation arrangement requires Letter of Credit or Other Payment Terms which stem from the parties’ contractual agreement.
  • Guanwutong will obtain either the Sea Waybill or Air Waybill on your behalf.

Basic documents required for shipping from China to Finland

  • Commercial Invoice: A commercial invoice has to include an unambiguous product description together with precise valuation information along with sales terms like FOB or CIF. Verify that product specifications and monetary values as well as all currency notations maintain correct information.
  • Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB): These shipping documents prove that owners control what they sent through both sea transport and by air. All invoice information must directly match the commercially documented details.
  • Packing List: A complete packing list shows the total contents of each shipment together with their counts and weights. Customs officials use this document for checking commodities and for verifying correct handling processes.
  • Certificate of Origin: The certificate stipulates where the goods came from their origin country. Certain preferential tariff programs need proof to establish the goods fulfill the criteria related to their country of origin.
  • Licenses and Permits: The import of hazardous materials or restricted items will require necessary special permits and licenses to proceed. All shipping procedures demand previous approval from relevant bodies.
  • Customs Declaration: To secure customs clearance a documented customs declaration specifying shipment contents remains mandatory. Accurate completion of all sections on this form will prevent delays in customs clearance.
  • Certificate of Insurance: To protect against shipping losses send insurance policy information including certificate copies to your transportation company.

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