As someone who regularly imports goods from China to the Netherlands for both e-commerce and personal use, I’ve been closely following shipping trends in 2025. Rates are more stable than the volatile years of the pandemic, but they’re still influenced by fuel costs, global demand, and shipping lane availability.
Shipping from China to Netherlands by sea (2025)
In 2025, sea freight remains the most economical method for large or bulk shipments.
- FCL (Full Container Load – 20ft): ~$2,000–$3,200 USD
- FCL (40ft): ~$3,000–$5,000 USD
- LCL (Less than Container Load): ~$35–$60 USD per CBM (cubic meter)
These prices typically include port-to-port delivery but exclude customs, VAT, and last-mile transport in the Netherlands.
Shipping from China to Netherlands time
- Sea freight: 30–45 days
- Air freight: 3–7 days
- Rail freight: 15–25 days
- Express couriers: 3–6 days
- Economy post: 10–25 days
For those on a budget and not in a rush, sea shipping is the best long-term solution.
People Also Ask (PAA)
1. Have shipping rates from China to the Netherlands decreased in 2025?
Yes, compared to the pandemic peak years, rates have generally stabilized, especially for sea freight.
2. What affects shipping costs from China to the Netherlands?
Fuel prices, shipping demand, container availability, and seasonal trends all play a role.
3. Is shipping from China to the Netherlands by sea still the cheapest in 2025?
Yes, sea freight remains the most affordable method for large-volume shipments in 2025.
4. How can I reduce my shipping costs from China?
Consolidate shipments, plan ahead to avoid express fees, and work with trusted freight forwarders to optimize routes and volume.
5. How reliable is the shipping time from China to the Netherlands in 2025?
It’s more predictable now. Sea and rail freight times are more consistent, and air delivery is reliably within a week.