Planning to ship goods from China to Iraq? Understanding shipping costs, transit times, and the best routes can save you thousands of dollars and prevent costly delays. China’s exports to Iraq reached $8.8 billion in the first half of 2025, growing by 9.3% compared to the same period in 2024, making this trade corridor more important than ever for businesses and importers.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about shipping from China to Iraq in 2025, including real-time pricing, transit times, customs requirements, and expert tips to optimize your logistics strategy.
How Much Does Shipping from China to Iraq Cost?
Quick Answer: Shipping costs from China to Iraq vary significantly by method:
- Sea Freight: $1,800–$6,000 per container (20-35 days)
- Air Freight: $4–$8 per kg (4-7 days)
- Express Courier: $17–$25 per kg (3-6 days)
China to Iraq Shipping Cost Breakdown
| Shipping Method | Container/Weight | Cost Range | Best For |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 20ft Container | $1,800 – $3,500 | Bulk shipments, non-urgent cargo |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 40ft Container | $3,000 – $6,000 | Large volume shipments |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | Per CBM | $80 – $150 | Small to medium shipments |
| Air Freight | Per kg | $4 – $8 | Time-sensitive, high-value goods |
| Express Courier | Per kg | $17 – $25 | Small parcels, e-commerce |
These rates are as of August 2025 and depend on the origin port in China (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo) and the destination port in Iraq.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond base freight rates, budget for these additional expenses:
- Customs Clearance Fees: $80-$150 per shipment
- Documentation Costs: $30-$60 per document
- Port Handling Charges: $200-$400
- Insurance: 0.5-2% of cargo value
- Customs Duties: 0-30% (varies by product category)
- Iraqi VAT: Not currently imposed, but monitor for changes
Shipping Methods from China to Iraq: Complete Comparison
1. Sea Freight: The Most Economical Option
Transit Time: 25-35 days (port to port)
Sea freight remains the backbone for shipping from China to Iraq, particularly for bulk shipments. The port-to-port container rate from Shenzhen to Umm Qasr is approximately $1,000 for a 20ft container and $1,500 for a 40ft container, with transit typically taking 20-25 days.
Key Chinese Ports:
- Shanghai Port – China’s busiest container hub
- Shenzhen Port – Competitive rates for South China exports
- Ningbo Port – Major gateway for Middle East trade
- Guangzhou Port – Convenient for Guangdong province exporters
Main Iraqi Destination:
- Umm Qasr Port – Iraq’s largest seaport near Basra, handling most containerized cargo
- Khor Al-Zubair – Secondary port for non-oil goods
When to Choose Sea Freight:
- Shipping heavy machinery, construction materials, or furniture
- Budget is more important than speed
- Cargo volume exceeds 2 cubic meters
- No urgent delivery deadline
2. Air Freight: Speed for Time-Sensitive Cargo
Transit Time: 4-7 days (airport to airport)
Air freight costs between China and Iraq hover around $3-$8 per kg, influenced by distance from airports, dimensions, weight, and cargo type.
Major Routes:
- Direct flights: Beijing/Guangzhou to Baghdad
- Transit via: Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Tehran
Iraqi Airports:
- Baghdad International Airport
- Erbil International Airport
- Basra International Airport
Ideal For:
- Electronics and high-value goods
- Medical supplies and pharmaceuticals
- Perishable items
- Urgent replacement parts
- E-commerce inventory restocking
3. Express Shipping: Door-to-Door Convenience
Transit Time: 3-6 days (door to door)
Express services via DHL, FedEx, or UPS offer the fastest delivery but at premium prices. Best for shipments under 100kg where convenience trumps cost.
Advantages:
- No customs hassle – carrier handles everything
- Real-time tracking
- Direct delivery to your address
- Simplified documentation
Transit Times: How Long Does Shipping Take?
| Route | Method | Average Time | Variables Affecting Time |
| Shanghai to Umm Qasr | Sea | 25-35 days | Weather, port congestion |
| Shenzhen to Umm Qasr | Sea | 25-30 days | Vessel schedule |
| Guangzhou to Baghdad | Air | 4-7 days | Flight availability, customs |
| Any Chinese city to Iraq | Express | 3-6 days | Customs clearance speed |
Factors Causing Delays:
- Peak shipping seasons (August-October, Chinese New Year)
- Customs inspections for sensitive goods
- Port congestion at Umm Qasr
- Documentation errors
- Ramadan period (slower customs processing)
Best Shipping Routes from China to Iraq
Primary Sea Route
Eastern China Ports → Indian Ocean → Persian Gulf → Umm Qasr
This 6,000 nautical mile journey is the most direct and cost-effective route. Ships typically transit through:
- South China Sea
- Strait of Malacca
- Indian Ocean
- Gulf of Aden
- Red Sea
- Suez Canal (or around Cape of Good Hope)
- Persian Gulf
- Umm Qasr Port
Alternative Route: For enhanced security or avoiding regional tensions, some carriers route via the Cape of Good Hope, adding 7-10 days to transit time.
Air Freight Routes
Most air cargo uses hub-and-spoke routing:
- Direct: Beijing/Guangzhou → Baghdad (fastest but pricier)
- Via Dubai: Most common transit point
- Via Istanbul/Doha: Alternative hubs with competitive rates
Multimodal Transport
Growing trend: Sea freight to Gulf port + truck to inland Iraq cities. This hybrid approach can cut costs by 15-20% for certain shipments.
Iraq Customs Regulations & Documentation
Required Documents
- Commercial Invoice (3 copies minimum)
- Bill of Lading (ocean) or Air Waybill (air)
- Packing List (detailed item breakdown)
- Certificate of Origin (preferably from Chinese Chamber of Commerce)
- Import License (for restricted goods)
- Insurance Certificate
Customs Duties in Iraq
Customs duties in Iraq range from 0% to 30% depending on the product, as outlined in the Customs Tariff Law.
Common Product Categories:
| Product Type | Duty Rate | Additional Notes |
| Machinery & Equipment | 5-15% | Essential for reconstruction |
| Electronics | 10-20% | Mobiles, tablets, computers typically 20% |
| Textiles & Clothing | 15-25% | Finished goods higher than raw materials |
| Vehicles & Parts | 15-30% | Cars saw 30% growth in imports |
| Food Products | 5-15% | Essential items lower rates |
| Construction Materials | 5-10% | Encouraged for development |
| Medical Supplies | 0-5% | Often duty-exempt |
Recent Changes (2025):
- Iraq imposed 60% additional customs duty on imported transparent containers and single-use plastic cups for four years
- 40% additional customs duty approved on imported PET rolls
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited:
- Weapons and ammunition
- Narcotics and controlled substances
- Counterfeit goods
Restricted (require special permits):
- Pharmaceuticals
- Telecommunications equipment
- Certain chemicals
- Food products (need health certificates)
Customs Clearance Process
Customs clearance fees range from $80-$150 per shipment, depending on complexity and shipment value. Digital submissions have improved processing times, but expect 4-10 days for clearance depending on port congestion and documentation completeness.
Cost-Saving Tips for Shipping from China to Iraq
1. Choose the Right Incoterms
- FOB (Free On Board): You control shipping from Chinese port
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Supplier arranges ocean shipping
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Supplier handles everything to your door
Recommendation: For experienced importers, FOB often offers better cost control. For first-timers, DDP simplifies the process.
2. Consolidate Shipments
Combine multiple orders into one container to reduce per-unit costs. LCL consolidation works well for smaller shipments from different suppliers.
3. Avoid Peak Seasons
High-cost periods:
- Chinese New Year (January/February)
- Pre-Ramadan (Iraq import surge)
- August-October (global peak season)
Tip: Book 4-6 weeks ahead during peak seasons to secure better rates.
4. Work with Experienced Freight Forwarders
Professional forwarders provide:
- Negotiated carrier rates (15-25% below public rates)
- Customs expertise to prevent delays
- Cargo insurance at group rates
- Real-time tracking and problem resolution
5. Optimize Packaging
- Use standardized pallet sizes
- Maximize container cube utilization
- Proper weight distribution prevents damage
- Sturdy packaging reduces insurance claims
6. Verify HS Codes
Incorrect Harmonized System codes are a leading cause of customs delays and unexpected duties. Double-check classifications before shipping.
Current Market Trends (October 2025)
Trade Volume Growth
Total trade exchange between Iraq and China reached $26.6 billion in the first half of 2025, with machinery and electrical equipment leading at 23% of exports ($2.1 billion).
Top Import Categories:
- Machinery & electrical equipment (23%)
- Electronic devices (15%)
- Vehicles (30% growth year-over-year)
Rate Stabilization
Freight rates have stabilized after pandemic-era fluctuations, though geopolitical events and fuel prices continue to affect costs. Container rates are approximately 10% below 2024 peak levels.
Digital Transformation
- Real-time tracking now standard
- AI-driven route optimization reducing transit times by 10%
- Digital customs submissions accelerating clearance
Sustainability Focus
Carriers increasingly offer eco-friendly vessel options, though premium charges of 5-10% may apply. Iraqi importers showing growing interest in carbon-neutral logistics.
FAQ: Shipping from China to Iraq
Q: What’s the cheapest way to ship from China to Iraq?
Sea freight FCL (Full Container Load) offers the lowest per-unit cost for bulk cargo, especially for shipments over 15 cubic meters.
Q: How long does customs clearance take in Iraq?
Typically 4-10 days at Umm Qasr Port, depending on documentation completeness and cargo type. Electronics and medical supplies may face additional scrutiny.
Q: Do I need an import license for Iraq?
Most general merchandise doesn’t require licenses, but pharmaceuticals, telecommunications equipment, food products, and chemicals need special permits from Iraqi authorities.
Q: Can I ship batteries and electronics to Iraq?
Yes, but lithium batteries require UN packaging certification and proper dangerous goods documentation. Expect 20% customs duty on most electronics.
Q: What’s the best port for shipping to Baghdad?
Umm Qasr Port, followed by truck transport to Baghdad (approximately 550km). Alternatively, air freight directly to Baghdad International Airport for urgent shipments.
Q: Are there free trade zones in Iraq?
Iraq has several free zones, including near Umm Qasr, offering duty exemptions for re-export cargo. Check current regulations as benefits vary.
Conclusion
Shipping from China to Iraq offers tremendous opportunities with the right strategy. Here’s your action plan:
For bulk shipments (>15 CBM): Choose sea freight via Umm Qasr ($1,800-$6,000 per container, 25-35 days)
For urgent cargo (<100kg): Use air freight ($4-$8/kg, 4-7 days) or express ($17-$25/kg, 3-6 days)
Budget planning: Add 30-40% to base freight for duties, handling, and clearance
Timeline: Allow 6-8 weeks total for sea freight (including customs), 2 weeks for air
Documentation: Ensure accurate HS codes and complete paperwork to prevent costly delays
With China-Iraq trade growing at 9.3% year-over-year and infrastructure improving on both ends, now is an excellent time to optimize your shipping strategy. Partner with experienced freight forwarders who understand both Chinese export procedures and Iraqi import requirements for the smoothest experience.
Ready to ship? Contact a qualified logistics provider for a personalized quote based on your specific cargo, timeline, and budget requirements.