China and Belgium have fostered a strong and mutually beneficial trading relationship over the years. In recent years, the trade volume between the two nations has witnessed remarkable growth, reaching a record high of $28.4 billion in 2020.
China’s main exports to Belgium include machinery, electrical equipment, textiles, and footwear. Belgium primarily exports pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and machinery to China. The pharmaceutical sector, in particular, has witnessed a surge in exports to China, with Belgium being one of the leading European suppliers of medicines to the Chinese market.
Shipping options available for transporting cargo from China to Belgium are ocean, air, and railway (multimodal) transportation. We will have a closer look at each option below.
Ocean Freight:
Ocean freight is one of the most common and cost-effective options for shipping cargo from China to Belgium. The main ports involved in this route are:
- Port of Shanghai (CNSHA): Located in eastern China, the Port of Shanghai is one of the busiest ports in the world. It offers excellent connectivity to major shipping routes and provides a wide range of services for cargo transportation. The estimated transportation time from Shanghai to Belgium is approximately 25-30 days.
- Port of Ningbo (CNNGB): Situated in Zhejiang Province, the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan is another major port in China. It has modern facilities and efficient operations, making it an attractive choice for cargo transportation. The estimated transportation time from Ningbo-Zhoushan to Belgium is around 25-30 days.
- Port of Antwerp (BEANR): In Belgium, the Port of Antwerp is the largest and most important port. It serves as a gateway to Europe and offers excellent infrastructure and connectivity. The estimated transportation time from China to the Port of Antwerp is approximately 30-35 days.
Air Freight:
For time-sensitive or high-value cargo, air freight is the preferred option. The main airports involved in this route are:
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Located in Shanghai, PVG is one of the busiest airports in China. It has extensive air cargo facilities and a wide network of airlines, providing efficient transportation options. The estimated transportation time from Shanghai to Belgium by air is around 2-3 days.
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Situated in Beijing, PEK is another major airport in China. It offers excellent air cargo services and is well-connected to global destinations, including Belgium. The estimated transportation time from Beijing to Belgium by air is approximately 2-3 days.
- Brussels Airport (BRU): In Belgium, Brussels Airport is the primary international airport. It has state-of-the-art cargo facilities and serves as a major hub for air freight. The estimated transportation time from China to Brussels Airport is around 2-3 days.
Multimodal Transportation with Rail Services:
Rail freight is gaining popularity as a reliable and cost-effective option for cargo transportation between China and Europe. Although there are no direct rail connections between China and Belgium, goods can be transported via rail from China to neighbouring countries such as Germany or the Netherlands, and then further transported to Belgium by road or short-sea shipping. The estimated transportation time for rail freight from China to Belgium varies depending on the specific route and mode of transportation chosen.
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