Shipping Services
From China
To Portugal

China and Portugal, two countries with rich historical backgrounds, have forged a strong trading relationship over the years. The bilateral trade volume between the two countries has been steadily increasing, reaching a record high of €5.6 billion in 2020, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This highlights the resilience and potential of their economic cooperation.

Portugal primarily exports machinery and mechanical appliances, vehicles, and plastics to China. China exports textiles, clothing, footwear, and electrical equipment to Portugal.

The Chinese government’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has further strengthened the economic ties between the two countries. Portugal, being a key maritime hub, has become an important partner for China’s BRI, facilitating trade and investment flows between Asia, Europe, and Africa. The deep-water port of Sines in Portugal has become a crucial transshipment point for Chinese goods entering Europe, enhancing the connectivity and efficiency of trade routes.

Furthermore, Portugal’s historical ties with Macau, a former Portuguese colony, have played a significant role in the economic relations between the two countries. Macau, now a Special Administrative Region of China, serves as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. This unique connection has facilitated trade and investment flows, particularly in sectors such as finance, tourism, and education.

Shipping Options for Cargo Transportation from China to Portugal

Ocean Freight:

Ocean freight is the most common and cost-effective mode of shipping cargo from China to Portugal. It offers a variety of options depending on the urgency and size of your shipment. The main ports involved in this route are:

• Port of Shanghai (SHA) – Located in the Yangtze River Delta, the Port of Shanghai is one of the busiest ports in the world. It serves as a major gateway for cargo leaving China and offers numerous shipping lines to Portugal.
• Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan (NGB) – Situated in the Zhejiang province, the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan is another significant port for cargo transportation. It provides convenient access to the East China Sea and offers various shipping services to Portugal.
• Port of Leixoes (PTLEI) – Located in the city of Matosinhos, the Port of Leixoes is one of Portugal’s major seaports. It serves as a crucial hub for international trade and handles a significant volume of cargo from China.
• Port of Lisbon (PTLIS) is the third-largest port in Portugal, situated on the banks of river Tagus, near its outlet to the Atlantic Ocean, the port handles most of the country’s export-import trade.

The transit time for ocean freight shipments from China to Portugal can vary depending on factors such as the port of departure, port of arrival, and the shipping line chosen. On average, it takes around 25-35 days for cargo to reach Portugal from China via ocean freight.

Air Freight:

For time-sensitive shipments or smaller cargo, air freight is a faster alternative to ocean freight. While it is generally more expensive, it offers quicker transit times. The main airports involved in this route are:

• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) – Situated in Pudong, Shanghai, this airport is one of the busiest in China. It offers numerous international flights, including those to Portugal.
• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) – Located in Beijing, the capital city of China, this airport serves as a major transportation hub. It provides a wide range of air cargo services to destinations worldwide, including Portugal.
• Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) – Situated in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon Portela Airport is the country’s largest airport. It serves as a crucial gateway for air cargo arriving from China.

The transit time for air freight shipments from China to Portugal is significantly shorter compared to ocean freight. On average, it takes around 3-7 days for cargo to reach Portugal from China via air freight, depending on the airline and any potential layovers.

For the instant online quotations from China to Portugal, 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.