China and Cyprus have developed strong trade relations in recent years, with China being one of Cyprus’s most important trading partners in Asia. The trade volume between the two countries has been steadily increasing, reflecting growing economic cooperation.

In 2023, the total trade volume reached approximately $1.2 billion. China exported goods worth $1.1 billion, while Cyprus exported about $100 million worth of goods to China. The trade balance significantly favours China, reflecting Cyprus’s reliance on Chinese manufactured goods.

Cyprus primarily imports electrical machinery, equipment, textiles, furniture, and plastic products from China. On the other hand, Cyprus exports to China include pharmaceuticals, mineral products, and specialized machinery.

The shipping routes between China and Cyprus are well-established, with multiple options available depending on the type of goods, budget, and required delivery time. The most common shipping methods include ocean freight (for bulk and non-urgent shipments) and air freight (for time-sensitive or high-value goods).

Ocean freight is the most cost-effective option for transporting goods between China and Cyprus, especially for large or heavy shipments. Container ships transport a wide range of cargo, and you can choose between Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL) options depending on your shipment size. The major ports involved in this route include Shanghai (CNSHA), Ningbo (CNNGB), Shenzhen (CNSZX), Qingdao (CNTAO), Guangzhou (CNGZG) in China, and Limassol (CYLMS) – the main commercial port and Larnaca (CYLCA) – secondary commercial port in Cyprus.

Some of the primary ports on this route are:

• Port of Shanghai (CNSHA), as one of the largest and busiest ports in the world, offers connections to Cyprus via transshipment hubs like Piraeus (Greece) or Port Said (Egypt).
• Shenzhen Port (CNSZX), a major hub for cargo transportation in southern China, offers regular connections to Mediterranean ports with onward service to Cyprus.
• Ningbo-Zhoushan Port (CNNGB), known for its deep-water berths and excellent operational efficiency, is a key port for shipments to the Mediterranean region.

China to Cyprus ocean freight charges

When deciding between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL), businesses should consider the cargo volume, budget, and delivery timeline.

• FCL: typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500 for a 20-foot container, and from $2,000 to $3,800 for a 40-foot one, depending on the port.
• LCL: generally costs between $80 to $150 per cubic meter, depending on the nature of the cargo and the specific route.

Several prominent shipping lines operate between China and the Mediterranean, ensuring reliable and timely delivery to Cyprus. Notable carriers include COSCO Shipping, MSC, Maersk, Evergreen Marine and Hapag-Lloyd.

It’s important to note that most shipments from China to Cyprus involve transshipment at major Mediterranean hubs like Piraeus (Greece), Port Said (Egypt), or Gioia Tauro (Italy) before being transported to Cyprus on feeder vessels.

Ocean transportation typically has lower carbon emissions compared to air, making it a more sustainable choice for businesses concerned with environmental impact.

Shipping goods from China can be a complex process. Appointing the right freight forwarder is key. A reliable logistics partner helps businesses overcome the challenges and offers the personal attention of a logistics expert. Here is how to do that.

What to look for in a freight forwarder:

• Proven industry knowledge

  Choose a forwarder with extensive experience in China-Cyprus shipments. They should understand EU and Cypriot customs regulations, documentation requirements, and trade compliance issues specific to your products.

• Wide range of services

  The ideal freight forwarder offers more than just moving cargo from A to B. Additional services such as customs clearance, cargo insurance, warehousing, real-time cargo tracking is a must.

• Cost transparency

  Shipping costs can increase due to ‘hidden fees’. To stay on budget, choose a forwarder that provides a detailed cost breakdown and transparent China-Cyprus freight rates. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you identify the best value without compromising quality. Make sure you are comparing like with like and not an apple with a banana.

• Strong customer support

  Clear communication is paramount. A forwarder with a dedicated support team ensures you’ll receive timely updates and professional assistance, keeping your operations running smoothly.

• Customized shipping solutions

  Regardless if you’re shipping small items or large consignments, the freight forwarder needs to offer solutions that meet your requirements.

A forwarder not only streamlines the transportation process but also minimizes risks. They handle everything from documentation and preparation for customs clearance, ensuring your goods reach their destination without unnecessary and potentially costly delays.

Taking your time when choosing a logistics provider partner will pay off. A forwarder who understands your business requirements and offers personal support can optimise your shipping experience. By choosing wisely, you can concentrate on your core business and leave the China-Cyprus forwarder to handle the logistics.

The cargo delivery time will depend on the type of transport used and the specific ports of departure and arrival.

Shipping to Cyprus by Sea

Ocean freight transit times vary based on whether you choose Full Container Load (FCL) or Less-than-Container Load (LCL) services:

• Full Container Load (FCL):
• • From major Chinese ports like Shanghai, Ningbo, or Shenzhen to Limassol typically ranges from 25 to 35 days. This includes:
    • Transit time to transshipment hub (e.g., Piraeus, Port Said): 20-28 days
    • Transshipment to feeder vessel: 2-4 days
    • Feeder vessel to Cyprus: 3-5 days

    These durations can vary based on specific routes, weather conditions, and port congestion.

• Less-than-Container Load (LCL):
• • Shared container shipments require additional time for consolidation and deconsolidation. Typical LCL transit from China to Cyprus takes 30 to 45 days, depending on:
    • Consolidation time at origin: 3-7 days
    • Main voyage transit time: 20-28 days
    • Deconsolidation at transshipment hub: 3-5 days
    • Feeder vessel to Cyprus: 3-5 days

Air Shipping from China to Cyprus

Air freight is significantly faster than ocean shipping. While flight times are relatively short (10-12 hours to European hubs plus 2-3 hours to Cyprus), the total transit time includes cargo handling, customs clearance, and possible road transport from hub airports.

Standard transit times for air freight:

Direct or connecting flights from major Chinese airports to Larnaca typically result in total delivery times of:

• Shanghai to Cyprus: 4–7 days
• Beijing to Cyprus: 5–8 days
• Hong Kong to Cyprus: 5–8 days

Express service:

For extremely time-sensitive shipments, express air services offer the fastest delivery option, typically completing the process in 3-5 days door-to-door. These services use dedicated air freight with priority handling through customs.

Understanding these timelines is crucial for effective supply chain planning. Whether you’re shipping from Shanghai, Shenzhen, or other Chinese cities, knowing the shipping times from China to Cyprus helps you make informed logistics decisions.

Shipping from China to Cyprus transit time and price
(June 2025)