Shipping Services
From China
To Japan

Trade between China and Japan is characterized by a significant volume of goods flowing in both directions. Japan is China’s second-largest trading partner, while China is Japan’s largest trading partner. In 2020, the total trade volume between the two countries reached approximately $317 billion, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the notable aspects of the trade relationship between China and Japan is the complementary nature of their economies. Japan is known for its advanced technology, high-quality manufacturing, and precision engineering. On the other hand, China boasts a vast consumer market, low-cost labour, and abundant natural resources. This complementarity has led to a specialization in trade, with each country exporting goods that align with their respective strengths.

Japan primarily exports machinery, electronic equipment, and automobiles to China. China, in turn, exports a wide range of goods to Japan, including electrical machinery, textiles, and apparel, as well as various consumer goods. Chinese products have gained popularity in Japan due to their competitive pricing and diverse range of choices.

Both China and Japan recognize the importance of their economic partnership and have taken steps to strengthen it further. In 2018, the two countries signed a bilateral currency swap agreement, enabling direct currency trades between the Japanese yen and the Chinese yuan. This move aimed to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and facilitate trade and investment between the two nations.

When it comes to transporting cargo from China to Japan, there are several shipping options available, including both sea and air transportation. The choice of shipping method depends on factors such as the urgency of delivery, the type of cargo, and budget considerations.

Ocean Freight:

Sea transportation is a popular choice for shipping cargo from China to Japan due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to handle large volumes. The main ports involved in this route are Shanghai Port (CNSHA) and Ningbo-Zhoushan Port (CNNGB) in China, and Yokohama Port (JPYOK) and Tokyo Port (JPTYO) in Japan. These ports are well-equipped with modern facilities and have efficient customs clearance processes.

Several shipping lines operate between China and Japan, providing various services such as container shipping, bulk shipping, and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping. Some of the major shipping lines include:

• COSCO Shipping Lines offers regular container shipping services between China and Japan, with an estimated transit time of around 4–7 days, depending on the specific route and port of departure/arrival.
• Maersk Line, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, operates services connecting China and Japan. The transit time can range from 5–10 days, depending on the route and port congestion.
• Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) provides container shipping services between China and Japan, with an estimated transit time of 5–8 days, depending on the specific route and port congestion.

Air Freight

For time-sensitive cargo or smaller shipments, air transportation is the preferred option. The main airports involved in shipping cargo from China to Japan are Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in China, and Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND) in Japan.

Several airlines operate regular cargo flights between China and Japan, offering efficient and speedy transportation. Some of the major airlines include:

• China Southern Airlines operates cargo flights connecting major cities in China, such as Shanghai and Beijing, to various destinations in Japan. The transit time for air transportation can range from 1 to 3 days, depending on the specific route and flight availability.
• All Nippon Airways (ANA) operates cargo flights between China and Japan, providing fast and reliable transportation options. The estimated transit time for air transportation is usually around 1–2 days, depending on the specific route and flight schedule.
• Japan Airlines (JAL) offers cargo services connecting China and Japan, ensuring timely delivery of goods. The transit time for air transportation can vary from 1 to 3 days, depending on the specific route and flight availability.

It is crucial to consult a freight forwarder or shipping agent to ensure compliance with all the required documentation and procedures for shipping goods from China to Japan. Agora Freight can provide expert guidance and assistance throughout the shipping process, ensuring a smooth and efficient transportation experience.

For the instant online quotations from China to Japan, use our free online calculator. You can see instantly from multiple shipping companies to compare prices and choose and book the most cost-effective option.