China and Germany had strong and significant trade relations. Both countries are major players in the global economy, and their trade ties have evolved over the years. However, the information might have changed since then, so here are some overviews of their relations up until 2021:
Germany is one of China’s largest trading partners within the European Union, and China is Germany’s largest trading partner globally. The trade volume between the two countries has been substantial, involving a wide range of goods and services.
Germany exports a variety of products to China, including machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. China, on the other hand, exports goods like electronics, textiles, machinery, and consumer products to Germany.
Despite the strong economic ties, there have been discussions about challenges and tensions in the trade relationship. These include issues related to market access, intellectual property protection, and concerns about a level playing field for foreign businesses operating in China.
There are different transportation methods between the two countries, and below are the following options.
Sea Freight:
Ocean freight is the most popular and cost-effective option for transporting goods between China and Germany. Container ships transport a wide range of cargo, and you can choose between Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL) options. The major ports involved in this route include Shanghai (CNSHA), Ningbo (CNNGB), and Shenzhen (CNSZX) in China, and Hamburg (DEHAM), Bremerhaven (DEBRV) in Germany.
Railway Transportation:
The China-Europe rail network offers a land-based option that’s faster than ocean freight and more economical than air freight. Trains run between various Chinese cities (e.g., Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an) and European destinations (e.g., Duisburg, Hamburg) in Germany. This option is particularly attractive for certain types of cargo due to its shorter transit time compared to sea transport.
Air Transportation:
Air freight is faster than ocean freight but generally expensive, so it is suitable for urgent or high-value cargo. Major airports like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou in China, and Frankfurt (FRA), and Munich (MUC) in Germany are commonly used for air cargo transport.
Intermodal Transportation:
This option involves combining multiple modes of transport (e.g., trucking, rail, ocean) to optimize efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This could involve using trucks to transport goods from inland Chinese cities to rail terminals, and then switching to rail for the long-haul journey to Europe.
Express Courier Services:
Companies like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and others offer express courier services for small parcels and documents. These services are ideal for fast and reliable delivery, but can be more expensive for larger shipments.
The choice of shipping method will depend on the type of goods being shipped, the transit time required, and the budget. To get an instant quotation for cargo shipping from China to Germany, use Agora Freight free calculator, which allows you to compare the pricing and place a booking online.