Shipping from China to Mozambique is one of Southern Africa’s most important logistics corridors. With Chinese goods driving Mozambique’s infrastructure growth, consumer demand, and industrial development, smart importers can capture real opportunities by understanding the best transport modes, costs, and customs requirements.
Whether you’re importing heavy machinery, construction materials, electronics, or fast-moving consumer goods, choosing the right shipping strategy can reduce costs, shorten lead times, and avoid customs delays. This guide explains everything you need to know about shipping from China to Mozambique in 2025, including updated costs, transit times, best routes, and compliance tips.
Why Shipping from China to Mozambique Is Growing
The China–Mozambique trade relationship has grown consistently over the past decade, with imports from China reaching US$1.55 billion in 2023.
Unlike in earlier years, when trade centered on basic commodities, Mozambique primarily sources machinery, steel, electronics, and construction materials from China today. These imports support mining projects, large-scale infrastructure builds, agricultural modernization, and consumer markets.
Chinese companies also invest directly in Mozambique, operating in the mining, construction, and energy sectors. These investments create a steady flow of shipments, everything from machinery and spare parts to prefabricated materials. As a result, the shipping lane between China and Mozambique is busier and more strategic than ever.
What Mozambique Imports from China
The most common products shipped from China to Mozambique include:
- Machinery & industrial equipment – transformers, construction machines, and processing machinery.
- Steel & construction materials – coated steel, cement, rebar, prefabricated components.
- Electronics & telecom equipment – mobile phones, routers, power supplies, and consumer electronics.
- Textiles & apparel – clothing, fabrics, and footwear for Mozambique’s consumer market.
- Agricultural equipment – tractors, irrigation systems, and farming tools.
- Consumer goods & appliances – household electronics, auto parts, and general merchandise.
This mix reflects Mozambique’s ongoing urbanization, industrial projects, and growing middle-class consumption.
Best Shipping Methods from China to Mozambique
Choosing the right shipping method depends on urgency, budget, cargo size, and product type.
1. Air Freight – Fastest Option
Air freight is ideal for urgent, high-value, or time-sensitive cargo such as electronics, spare parts, and pharmaceuticals.
- Transit time: ~5–7 days door-to-door.
- Costs: Typically $5–10 per kg, depending on route and surcharges.
- Airports used: Departures from Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shenzhen; arrivals at Maputo International Airport (MPM), often routed via Johannesburg or Nairobi.
Pros: Fast, reliable, suitable for lightweight goods.
Cons: High cost, limited space for bulky or heavy cargo.
2. Ocean Freight – Most Cost-Effective
Ocean freight remains the backbone of China–Mozambique trade. It’s the most cost-effective method for bulk and heavy shipments like machinery, steel, and large consumer orders.
- Transit time: ~24–40+ days port-to-port, depending on origin and route.
- Container types:
- FCL (Full Container Load): Best for large shipments.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): For smaller loads that share space in a container.
Pros: Cheapest per-unit cost, ideal for heavy/large cargo.
Cons: Longer transit time, peak-season congestion risk.
3. Express Couriers – For Small, Urgent Packages
Premium express services such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS are best for small parcels, documents, and critical samples.
- Transit time: ~2–3 working days.
- Cost: Higher than standard air freight on a per-kg basis, but includes door-to-door delivery, customs clearance, and tracking.
Pros: Fastest for parcels, minimal paperwork.
Cons: Expensive for shipments above ~100 kg.
Shipping Costs from China to Mozambique
Shipping costs depend on cargo details, mode, and timing.
Key Cost Drivers
- Weight & Volume:
- Air freight charges by actual vs. volumetric weight (whichever is greater).
- Ocean freight optimizes cost with full containers (FCL).
- Cargo Type:
- Hazardous, oversized, or perishable cargo attracts premium rates.
- Seasonality:
- Peak season: August–November → rates can rise 20–30%.
- Off-peak: Jan–Mar → lower rates.
- Origin & Destination Charges:
- Terminal handling, local trucking, and customs clearance add to the base freight cost.
Note: Container prices fluctuate weekly. Instead of quoting flat numbers, importers should always request live spot rates or long-term contract quotes.
Transit Times from China to Mozambique
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Mode | Typical Transit Time | Best Use Case |
| Air freight | ~5–7 days | Urgent, high-value, lightweight goods |
| Ocean freight | ~24–40+ days | Bulk cargo, machinery, building goods |
| Express courier | ~2–3 working days | Small parcels, samples, documents |
Tip: Always buffer extra time during peak season or for shipments requiring permits.
Major Ports, Airports & Logistics Hubs
Main Departure Points in China
- Shanghai (largest hub for FCL/LCL and air freight)
- Shenzhen/Yantian & Guangzhou (South China manufacturing exports)
- Ningbo & Tianjin (alternative ocean routes)
Entry Points in Mozambique
- Port of Maputo – primary container port with rail/road links inland.
- Port of Beira – serves central Mozambique and landlocked neighbors.
- Port of Nacala – a natural deep-water port, growing in capacity.
- Pemba – serves northern regions.
- Maputo International Airport (MPM) – main air cargo gateway.
Customs Clearance in Mozambique
Customs compliance is critical for avoiding delays.
Required Documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / Air waybill
- Certificate of origin
- Import license or special permits (for restricted goods)
Duties & Taxes
- Import duty: 0–25% depending on HS code.
- VAT: 16% applied to most imports (based on CIF value + duty).
Common Challenges
- Document inconsistencies → double-check invoices and HS codes.
- Missing licenses for regulated products.
- Customs delays during peak import months.
Tip: Use an experienced freight forwarder to manage HS codes and Mozambique’s customs process.
How to Reduce Shipping Costs
- Choose the right mode: Match air, ocean, or courier to product value and urgency.
- Consolidate shipments: Combine orders into one FCL container to reduce per-unit costs.
- Plan around peak season: Ship in off-peak months where possible.
- Leverage alternative ports: Consider Beira or Nacala if they reduce inland haulage costs.
- Work with a forwarder: Experienced forwarders secure better rates, prevent errors, and provide route options.
Why Work With Maskura Logistics
At Maskura Logistics, we specialize in shipping from China to Mozambique with tailored solutions for importers of all sizes.
Our advantages:
- Multiple modes: Ocean FCL/LCL, air freight, express, DDP/DDU.
- Local expertise: Customs partners in Mozambique to manage duties, VAT, and permits.
- Competitive pricing: Negotiated carrier contracts and consolidation services.
- Technology support: Real-time shipment tracking and proactive updates.
- Customer-first approach: Transparent quotes and zero hidden charges.
Whether you need urgent air freight for spare parts or cost-effective ocean freight for containers, Maskura Logistics provides solutions that keep your supply chain smooth.
Conclusion
China–Mozambique shipping is growing, and businesses that master logistics can gain an edge in cost, reliability, and speed.
- Ocean freight = best for bulk.
- Air freight = fastest for urgent, high-value items.
- Express couriers = best for small, critical packages.
The key is selecting the right mode, timing, and partner to optimize your costs and avoid delays.
Get a Free Quote
Ready to ship? Request a free, no-obligation quote from Maskura Logistics. Provide your cargo details, Incoterms, and destination, and our team will send you an all-inclusive estimate with realistic transit times.
FAQs – Shipping from China to Mozambique
How long does shipping from China to Mozambique take?
Air freight: ~5–7 days. Ocean freight: ~24–40+ days port-to-port. Express couriers: ~2–3 working days.
What are the main ports in Mozambique?
Maputo (largest), Beira, Nacala, and Pemba. Air cargo enters mainly via Maputo International Airport.
How much duty and VAT will I pay?
Import duty ranges 0–25% depending on HS code; VAT is 16% on most imports.
Which products are most imported from China?
Machinery, steel products, electronics, textiles, apparel, and consumer goods.
Can I track my shipment?
Yes. Maskura Logistics provides full online tracking with proactive updates on status and ETA.