Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From Spain to China

Spain and China boast a strong relationship of economic interdependence and cultural exchange. Their partnership bridges the East and the West, creating a dynamic relationship that reshapes both nations’ economic landscapes and redefines their positions in the world trade market. 

In the past 50 years, annual bilateral trade between China has increased to over $46.7 billion. Spain's imports to China amounted to almost 4 billion in the first half of 2023 alone. 

If you want to ship goods from Spain to China, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s your complete guide to ocean and air freight shipping and the entire process of transporting goods from Spain to China. 

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From Spain to China?

You can ship freight from Spain to China using ocean or air freight. 

Ocean Freight From Spain to China

Ocean freight is the most economical way to ship goods from Spain to China. It can accommodate almost any type of cargo you need to transport, not to mention offering you two modes of container shipping: less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL). 

LCL is best for small shipments as goods are consolidated with cargo belonging to other sellers. That way, each shipper only pays for their goods' space, making it an economical choice for small cargo. 

FCL, on the other hand, rents the space in an entire container for a single shipper’s goods. This gives them more control and security for their shipment. Although generally more expensive than LCL, FCL is economical for large shipments. 

Air Freight from Spain to China

Another way to ship goods from Spain to China is by air freight. In this mode of shipment, speed is the ultimate benefit. It can get cargo to its destination in the shortest possible time. Air freight is also very secure because of stricter airport processes and regulations, making it ideal for high-value shipments. 

It’s worth noting, however, that air freight can become rather expensive and cannot accommodate all types of goods. 

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From Spain to China?

The cost of shipping cargo from Spain to China will depend on several factors. These include: 

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping
• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

To estimate your shipping costs, use our online freight costs calculator. The table below also shows the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from Spain to China:

How long does it take to ship cargo from Spain to China?

Shipping goods from Spain to China varies in transit time, primarily based on the international shipping mode you choose. Additional factors impacting this include:

• The shipping season (peak or low)
• The directness of the shipment's route
• The popularity of the trade lane
• Geopolitical issues
• Potential incidents at ports

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from Spain to China?

Ocean freight from Spain to China will take around 15 to 50 days.

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from Spain to China?

Air freight from Spain to China will take around 2 to 8 days. 

For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in Spain and China

When your goods arrive in China, they will go through the customs clearance process, which requires that you prepare and submit the following documents: 

• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A certificate of origin
• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

We have a full documents list you can look at for examples of each customs clearance requirement. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

When choosing between ocean and air freight, you need to consider your needs, priorities, and cargo requirements. To help you make the best decision, we’ve outlined a few pointers below. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is the ideal shipping option if you’re looking for cost efficiency and flexibility. Aside from being able to ship any type of cargo, ocean freight also gives you more leeway by providing two modes of container shipping.

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is suitable for you if your cargo is: 

• Small in size and quantity 
• Lightweight
• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Not requiring special handling or movement 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

You might be better off choosing FCL if your cargo is: 

• Large in size and quantity 
• Heavy or overweight
• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Requiring special handling or movement 

Air Freight

If you value speed and security, you should choose air freight. It’s the fastest way to transport goods from Spain to Canada and can ensure the security of high-value cargo through stricter processes and regulations. 

However, remember that air freight is the most expensive way to transport goods from Spain to Canada. Certain goods are also restricted or prohibited, so make sure to check before planning your air freight shipment. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Spain

Port of Cartagena

The Port of Cartagena is a major shipping hub in Spain. It handles 60% of the region's exports and 80% of imports. The port has three main zones: El Gorguel, Cartagena, and Escombreras, which handle commercial cargo, passengers, and yachts. 

Port of Huelva

The Port of Huelva is a major port in Spain’s Andalusia region. It is a cargo port that processes excess traffic from Port Algeciras. It was built to handle container traffic, general cargo, solid bulk, and liquid bulk. 

Port of Las Palmas

The Port of Las Palmas, also known as the Puerto de la Luz, is one of the oldest ports in Spain’s Canary Islands. It services a large number of vessels passing through the Mid-Atlantic and handles over 1 million TEUs per year. 

Cargo ports of arrival in China

Port of Qingdao

The Port of Qingdao is ranked 8th in the world in traffic. It is located on the Yellow Sea and is a major seaport in Eastern China—the port trades with over 130 countries and 450 ports worldwide. 

Port of Tianjin

The Port of Tianjin, also known as the Port of Tanggu, is the largest port in China’s northern region. It spans 120 square kilometers, making it among the largest ports in the world. The port has 200 berths for container, cargo, and passenger vessels.

Port of Dalian

The Port of Dalian is a major seaport serving the majority of the Pacific coastline. It handles a large number of container and cargo traffic and is the second-largest transshipment hub in mainland China—the port services vessels from 300 ports in 160 nations. 

Air Freight from Spain to China: An airport guide

Airports of origin in Spain

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport

The Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, also known as the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, is located 15 kilometers southwest of Barcelona city center. It is within the municipalities of El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, and Sant Boi in Catalonia, Spain. 

Zaragoza Airport

The Zaragoza Airport is located 16 kilometers west of Zaragoza, 270 meters west of Barcelona, and 262 kilometers northeast of Madrid in Aragon, Spain. It is a hub for ASL Airlines Spain and Plaza Servicios Aéreos.

Vitoria Airport

The Vitoria Airport is located in the Basque Country of Spain. It’s also known as the Foronda Airport because it’s close to the hamlet of Foronda. It has one terminal with three gates and is a hub for Nordjet Airlines and ASL Airlines Spain.

Airports of arrival in China

Beijing Capital International Airport

The Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the two international airports in Beijing, China’s capital city. It is 32 kilometers northeast of the city center and is a hub for Air China, Hainan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and others. 

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

The Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport serves the capital of China’s Guangdong province, Guangzhou. It inherited the airport codes of the former Baiyun Airport and is a hub for China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and more. 

Shenzhen Baoan International Airport

The Shenzhen Baoan International Airport serves Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China. It is 32 kilometers northwest of the city center, lying on the east bank of the Pearl River in Bao’an District. The airport is a hub for Shenzhen Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and others.