As a small business owner regularly importing from China to Luxembourg, ocean shipping has been my go-to solution for balancing cost and volume. While shipping from China to Luxembourg by sea takes longer—typically 30 to 45 days—it’s significantly cheaper than air shipping from China to Luxembourg, especially when dealing with large or heavy cargo.

Yes, the wait can be frustrating if you’re used to express air freight, which takes around 5–8 days, but if you plan ahead, sea freight is much more economical. In my experience, working with a good freight forwarder helps smooth customs clearance and keeps costs predictable. For time-sensitive goods, I sometimes split the shipment—bulk by sea, samples or urgent items by air.

People Also Ask (PAA):

1. How long does ocean shipping take from China to Luxembourg?
Usually between 30 to 45 days, depending on port congestion and routing.

2. Is ocean shipping cheaper than air freight to Luxembourg?
Yes, sea freight is significantly cheaper and better for high-volume cargo.

3. Can I track ocean shipments from China to Luxembourg?
Yes, most carriers and forwarders offer tracking, though it’s less detailed than express air tracking.

4. What’s the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?
FCL (Full Container Load) is cost-effective for large shipments, while LCL (Less than Container Load) is ideal for smaller cargo.

5. When should I choose air shipping instead of sea freight?
Choose air shipping when delivery speed is critical or for high-value, low-volume goods.