How long does sea freight from China take?
Quick answerPort-to-port estimates ex-China: intra-Asia 3–10 days; Middle East 18–28; Europe 28–35 via Suez or 40–45 via Cape; USWC 14–22; USEC 25–35; South America 30–45; Africa 25–45. Then add 3–10 days for clearance and inland delivery. These are sailing times, not delivery promises.
What changes transit time
Routing: direct versus transshipment adds 5–15 days.
Congestion: a blocked hub can add 1–3 weeks.
Blank sailings and port omissions can push the next available vessel out by a week or more.
How to plan
Use the port-to-port time from the carrier schedule, then add buffers.
Build 1–2 weeks of slack for peak season and new suppliers.
Track actual departure, not estimated departure — ETDs routinely slip.
| Lane | Typical transit |
|---|---|
| China → Southeast Asia | 3–10 days |
| China → Middle East | 18–28 days |
| China → Europe | 28–45 days |
| China → US West Coast | 14–22 days |
| China → US East Coast | 25–35 days |
| China → South America / Africa | 30–45 days |
Frequently asked questions
- Is transit time guaranteed?
- No. Carriers publish schedules, not commitments; delays are common and usually not compensable.
- How much buffer should I add?
- One to two weeks for normal lanes, three or more during peak season or for transshipment routings.
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Related
qa/transshipment explained
qa/port congestion us west coast
Rates from China to all countries
Weekly China export freight index
Source: Juhe Zhuang rate platform (jhz56.com) market data and carrier documentation. Figures are reference ranges, not transaction prices; verify with your forwarder before booking.