China to India Ocean Freight Rates (2026)
In short: the median 40HQ rate from China to India is USD 3,910,
with quotes ranging from USD 2,010 to USD 7,203. Main destination ports: Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Calcutta (kolkata) and others. Across all destination points in this country the highest 40HQ quote is about 258% above the lowest, reflecting different destination points, carriers and surcharge bases.
Rate ranges by container type (USD, port-to-port)
| Equipment | Median | Quoted range | Sample |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP (20ft standard) | $3,650 | $1,910–$6,737 | 767 |
| 40GP (40ft standard) | $3,910 | $2,110–$7,203 | 626 |
| 40HQ (40ft high cube) | $3,910 | $2,010–$7,203 | 795 |
Main destination points (ports & inland IPI)
| Port | Quotes | 40HQ median | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nhava Sheva | 109 | $3,710 | $3,050–$4,800 |
| Mundra | 86 | $3,710 | $3,050–$4,800 |
| Calcutta (kolkata) | 56 | $4,100 | $3,100–$5,280 |
| Chennai (ex Madras) | 54 | $3,450 | $2,010–$4,150 |
| Pipavav | 40 | $3,700 | $3,275–$4,414 |
| Cochin | 33 | $3,850 | $3,400–$4,714 |
| Tuticorin | 31 | $3,810 | $3,400–$4,714 |
| Visakhapatnam | 29 | $3,350 | $2,250–$4,150 |
| Kattupalli | 28 | $3,200 | $2,110–$4,150 |
| Faridabad | 25 | $5,270 | $4,610–$5,879 |
Origin port coverage
Quotes to India currently depart from Shanghai (359), Shenzhen (150), Guangzhou (108), Zhanjiang (45), Qingdao (39), Ningbo (35), Lianyungang (29), Dalian (26). Rates from different origin ports to the same destination can differ by more than 258%, so compare from the port closest to your production site.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to ship a container from China to India in 2026?
- Based on live quotes listed on the Juhe Zhuang platform, the median rate for a 40HQ (40ft high cube) from China to India is about USD 3,910, with quoted rates ranging from USD 2,010 to USD 7,203 (sample: 795 quotes, 41 destination ports, 21 carriers). Differences come from the origin port, carrier, sailing schedule and surcharge basis.
- What is the difference between 20GP and 40HQ rates to India?
- The median 20GP (20ft standard) rate is about USD 3,650, versus USD 3,910 for a 40HQ — a difference of roughly USD 260. Light, bulky cargo (furniture, textiles, plastics) usually ships more economically in a 40HQ; dense cargo favours the 20GP.
- Which Chinese ports ship to India?
- Quotes currently cover departures from Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhanjiang, Qingdao, Ningbo, Lianyungang, Dalian. Destination coverage includes Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Calcutta (kolkata), Chennai (ex Madras), Pipavav, Cochin and 35 more ports. Rates from different origin ports can differ by more than 258%, so compare from the port closest to your factory.
- Why do quotes to this country vary so much?
- Across all destination points in India, the highest and lowest 40HQ quotes differ by roughly 258%. The spread comes from four factors: the carrier, direct versus transshipment routing, whether BAF/PSS surcharges are included, and quote validity. Always compare an all-in rate with a clear validity date, and request a separate destination charge breakdown (THC, customs, delivery).
Related
Rates from China to all countries
Weekly China export freight index
中文版：中国到印度海运费
Live rate search (free, no sign-up)
Source: live publicly listed FCL quotes on the Juhe Zhuang rate platform (jhz56.com). Rates are forwarder and consolidator reference prices, not transaction prices; final pricing is subject to carrier confirmation at booking. Data as of 2026-10-25. When citing, please credit "Juhe Zhuang Rate Platform (jhz56.com)".