Freight Rates China to India | FCL Shipping & Transit Times
India's imports from China in 2024 were about US$101.75B. Direct sailings like China → India can be as low as 13–22 days. Get live prices, schedules and documents.
Total trade
US$101.75B
India imports from China, 2024 (UN Comtrade/DGCIS)
Two-way trade
US$118.41B
Two-way trade 2024/25
Typical transit
13–22 days
Direct services ~13–16d; Transshipment up to ~22d.
Port throughput
7.3M TEU
India's largest container port; JNPT handled 7.3M TEU in FY 2024-25. Mundra handles ~8.5M TEU annually. Shanghai port handles 47M+ TEU annually.
Trade Snapshot: China → India
Updated: 2025-12-08
Top Commodities Traded (China → India)
From DGCI&S / analysis briefs & sector reports
Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS-85)
Smartphone components, PCBs, semiconductors, telecom gear, consumer electronics. Largest import category at US$38.02B (2024).
Nuclear Reactors & Machinery (HS-84)
Industrial machinery, CNC equipment, pumps, bearings, mechanical appliances. Second largest at US$25.92B (2024).
Organic Chemicals (HS-29)
Pharmaceutical intermediates, industrial chemicals, organic compounds. US$11.47B in imports (2024).
Plastics & Polymers (HS-39)
PP/PE/ABS resins, PET chips, plastic articles. High FCL share, US$6.33B (2024).
Iron & Steel Products (HS-72/73)
Stainless coils, HRC, galvanized sheets, steel products. Volatile duties affect trade patterns.
Major Ports & Transit Benchmarks
Benchmarks are indicative; use live schedules for ETAs
Origins (China):
Destinations (India):
Carriers:
| Port Pair | Service | Transit | Cut-off (typ.) | Free Days | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai → Nhava Sheva | Direct | 13–16 days | VGM D-2 / CY D-1 | 14–21 | |
| Ningbo → Mundra | Direct / T/S | 14–19 days | VGM D-2 / CY D-1 | 14–21 | |
| Shenzhen → Chennai | Transshipment | 17–22 days | VGM D-2 / CY D-1 | 7–14 | |
| Qingdao → Nhava Sheva | Direct | 15–18 days | VGM D-2 / CY D-1 | 14–21 |
Instant Rate Levels
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- Contract rates ↓ ~3–8% as tenor ↑.
- Each extra free day can ↑ all-in by ~USD 4–6.
- Peak windows: pre-CNY (Jan–Feb), back-to-school (Aug–Sep).
Why Choose Cogoport for China → India?
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