Are you looking for a reliable air freight service provider for imports from China to Australia? TSL provides a fully comprehensive freight forwarding service, organising all aspects of international freight operations between these two countries. Our activities cover both sea and air freight shipping from China to Australia. Australia air freight offers faster transit times and enhanced security for fragile items, although it is generally more expensive compared to sea freight. We are based in Melbourne with our services extending all over the globe and spanning several industries. TSL works with businesses in both countries, helping them export and import goods and providing low-cost sea freight from China, as well as low-cost air freight services.

Overview of Air Freight Shipping

Air freight shipping is a popular option for businesses and individuals looking to transport goods from China to Australia quickly and efficiently. With air freight, goods are transported by air, typically via commercial airlines or dedicated cargo planes. This mode of transportation offers several benefits, including fast transit times, high security, and reduced risk of damage or loss. Whether you need to move perishable items, high-value goods, or time-sensitive shipments, air freight shipping ensures your cargo reaches its destination promptly and safely. By choosing air freight, you can minimize delays and keep your supply chain running smoothly.

Why use air freight imports from China to Australia?

Shipping goods on an airplane is, of course, the quickest way of transporting them the 7,500 or so kilometres between Australia and China. It is ideal if your consignment is not too heavy or bulky. With TSL, air freight imports from China to Australia usually take between one and five days. The total time taken will depend on a number of factors, such as where your pick-up and delivery points are, and how much inland transportation is required in each country. Please note, this mode of transportation is more expensive than sending goods via the ocean. Freight forwarders play a crucial role in managing air freight imports from China to Australia by negotiating better shipping rates and handling essential logistics like documentation, customs clearance, and cargo tracking.

Why Trade With China?

There are several reasons why you may choose to import goods from China as an Australian company. China has significant long-term potential for foreign traders, thanks to cheap manufacturing costs, good-quality produce and a good variation of items produced. Profit margins are often high, with resale prices in Australia sometimes ten times what you paid for them wholesale. China has also been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which regulates global trade, since 2001. It is important to understand customs duties when importing goods from China to Australia, as these financial obligations, including Customs Duty and GST, must be paid before goods are released.

In 2018, two-way merchandise trade between Australia and China was valued at a huge AU$193 billion. China’s first export destination is the United States, which receives around 19% of its exports. The next is Hong Kong, which receives about 12% of Chinese exports. Japan is third, receiving about 6% of the country’s exports. Australia is 13th and receives approximately 2% of Chinese exports. This equates to around AU$75 billion per year.To find out more about China’s trade relationship with Australia, please see this report from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. There is also some useful information about China’s market profile on the Australian Trade and Investment Commission’s website.

TSL’s Quick Tips For Doing Business In China

• Digital communication is very important for carrying out business in China. WeChat is the main platform, with over 1 billion users.
• The Chinese Yuan is expressed in two ways: CNH and CNY. CNH refers to trade on the offshore market, so outside of mainland China.
• Chinese names place the family name first, followed by the forename.
• It can take a while to build up good business relationships with the Chinese. To get started, using a neutral intermediary is a good idea.
• When sourcing suppliers in China, websites such as made-in-china.com, Joybuy and Ali Baba can be useful. It’s always recommended to request a sample and have it independently assessed before proceeding with a larger order.

What Can’t Be Imported Into Australia from China?

Not all goods can be brought into Australia from China. Examples of restricted items include antibiotics, cigarette lighters, pornography, pesticides and certain cosmetics. For more information, please click here.

Using the ‘delivery duty paid’ (DDP) shipping option can simplify the logistics process by covering all costs associated with delivery, including customs clearance, taxes, and insurance, ensuring a secure and hassle-free delivery.

Shipping Routes and Transit Times

Top Air Freight Routes from China to Australia

When it comes to air freight shipping from China to Australia, several key routes stand out due to their efficiency and frequency. The top air freight routes include:

• Shanghai (PVG) to Sydney (SYD)
• Shanghai (PVG) to Melbourne (MEL)
• Guangzhou (CAN) to Sydney (SYD)
• Guangzhou (CAN) to Melbourne (MEL)
• Beijing (PEK) to Sydney (SYD)
• Beijing (PEK) to Melbourne (MEL)

These routes are serviced by major airlines and cargo carriers, ensuring regular and reliable flights that can accommodate various types of shipments. By utilizing these well-established routes, businesses can benefit from faster transit times and more predictable delivery schedules.

Factors Affecting Transit Times and Mitigation Strategies

Transit times for air freight shipping from China to Australia can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Flight schedules and availability: The frequency and timing of flights can impact how quickly your goods are transported.
• Weather conditions: Adverse weather can cause delays or cancellations, affecting transit times.
• Air traffic control and congestion: Busy airports and airspace can lead to delays in departure and arrival times.
• Customs clearance and processing times: The efficiency of customs procedures in both China and Australia can influence how quickly your goods are cleared for entry.

To mitigate these factors and ensure timely delivery, it’s essential to work with a reputable freight forwarder who has experience with air freight shipping from China to Australia. They can help you navigate the complexities of air freight shipping and provide guidance on the best routes and transit times for your specific needs. Additionally, a good freight forwarder can assist with customs clearance, ensuring your shipments comply with all regulations and avoid unnecessary delays.

Shipping Costs and Budgeting

Understanding the costs associated with air freight shipping from China to Australia is crucial for effective budgeting and financial planning. Several factors influence shipping costs, including the weight and volume of your cargo, the type of goods being shipped, and the specific routes and carriers used. Air freight rates are typically higher than sea freight, but the speed and reliability of air transport can justify the additional expense for many businesses.

To manage your shipping costs effectively, consider the following tips:

• Consolidate shipments: Combining multiple smaller shipments into one larger consignment can reduce overall freight costs.
• Plan ahead: Booking your shipments in advance can help you secure better rates and avoid last-minute surcharges.
• Work with a trusted freight forwarder: A knowledgeable freight forwarder can provide cost-effective solutions and negotiate better rates on your behalf.

By carefully planning and budgeting for your air freight shipping needs, you can optimize your logistics operations and ensure a smooth and cost-efficient shipping process from China to Australia.

Low-Cost Sea Freight From China

As well as offering great options for air freight shipping from China to Australia, TSL can help you out with low-cost Australia sea freight from China. You can choose between different container load options, such as Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL), depending on your shipment size and requirements. Transporting your goods via ocean freight is cheaper than carrying out air freight imports from China to Australia and is undoubtedly the best-value way of transferring goods from China. Ocean cargo will usually take 12-18 days to reach Australia from southern or eastern China, and 18-30+ days from destinations in northern China. It is ideal if the goods you wish to import are unwieldy or heavy. For more information about this (or about any other aspect of freight forwarding between Australia and China), please contact TSL today.