Import from China to Australia – Focus Shipping

China is Australia’s largest trading partner, making it one of the most common origins for imports. Whether you’re sourcing electronics, textiles, machinery, or consumer goods, Focus Shipping Services provides reliable end-to-end logistics solutions to move your cargo safely from China to Australia.

Based in Melbourne, we specialise in managing both small consignments and large commercial shipments, ensuring smooth handling from pickup at the supplier in China to final delivery at your door in Australia.

Cost of Shipping from China to Australia

Importing from China involves several costs that shippers need to consider:

• GST (Goods and Services Tax): 10% GST is applied to most imported goods and is collected by the Australian Border Force (ABF).

• Duties and Tariffs: Depending on the classification of goods, customs duties may apply.

• Free Trade Agreement Benefits: Under the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), many goods are eligible for reduced or zero customs duty if they meet the rules of origin.

• Other Charges: Local port fees, customs clearance, biosecurity inspections, and inland transport within Australia may apply.

For the most accurate costing, speak with our customs brokerage team or visit the ABF website for the latest duty and GST thresholds.

Air Freight from China to Australia

Air freight is the fastest option for shipping goods from China, ideal for urgent or high-value shipments.

• Transit time: 2 to 7 days (depending on route and carrier availability)

• Key Airports in China: Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX)

• Ideal for: Electronics, fashion, e-commerce parcels, perishable or time-sensitive items

• Costs: Higher than sea freight but provides speed and security

At Focus Shipping, we work closely with major airlines and agents in China to secure competitive rates and fast space confirmation.

Sea Freight from China to Australia

Sea freight is the most cost-effective way to ship bulk cargo from China. With flexible FCL and LCL options, it’s the most popular choice for Australian importers.

• Transit time: 18 to 30 days (depending on port pair and sailing schedule)

• Options:

  • FCL (Full Container Load): For large shipments, full 20ft/40ft container use

  • LCL (Less than Container Load): Shared container space, perfect for smaller shipments

• Major Chinese Ports: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Xiamen

• Australian Ports of Arrival: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Fremantle, Adelaide

Through our long-standing partnerships with leading Chinese carriers, we negotiate better shipping rates and provide flexible sailing options.

Why Choose Focus Shipping Services?

• Australian-owned, Melbourne-based freight forwarder with a strong presence in China

• End-to-end freight forwarding – air, sea, road, or multimodal solutions

• Customs clearance experts to handle duties, tariffs, and documentation

• Global network with local partners in China for smooth origin handling

• FCL & LCL flexibility with competitive rates

• Real-time shipment tracking and responsive customer support

Ready to Import from China?

At Focus Shipping, we make shipping from China to Australia simple and cost-effective. Whether you’re a small business exploring global sourcing or a large enterprise managing regular imports, our team ensures compliance, reliability, and peace of mind.

📞 Contact our Melbourne office today for a free consultation and tailored freight quote.