China and Algeria have a strong & healthy business relationship that keeps growing each year. Algeria buys many products from China, making it one of China’s biggest trading partners in Africa. China exports to Algeria was US$9.46 billion during 2023, while China imports from Algeria was US$846.61 million during 2023. This shows how much cargo moves between these two countries.
If you want to import goods from China to Algeria, you need to know the best shipping methods, costs, and how long it takes. This guide, by Alliance Shipping, will help you choose the right way to send your cargo from China to Algeria. We’ll explain the different options so you can pick what works best for your business.
Cargo from China to Algeria: Trade Data & Shipping Routes
Trade Data
China and Algeria trade is tremendous in size and continues rising. As of 2023, the export of China to Algeria was US$9.46 billion; thus Algeria is also a major destination of Chinese goods. Majority of the trade is unilateral, in that China sells out more to Algeria than it imports.
The principal export markets that are exporting cargo to Algeria in China are Guangdong, Zhejiang and Shanghai regions. They are the largest factories and ports. The main goods of Chinese exports to Algeria are electronic, machinery, textiles, construction materials and consumer goods. The oil and natural gas are the primary products that Algeria exports back to China, and the level of the goods was not large compared to the exports by China.
This trade pattern shows why cargo from China to Algeria is so important for businesses in Algeria.
Shipping Routes
The major ports in China that are used in shipping goods to Algeria are Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. Most of the cargo from China to Algeria goes through these ports since they are well-connected and have frequent shipping schedules.
Shanghai is the world’s busiest port and has the highest shipping opportunities. China has three key ports that deal with the sea freight to Algeria, namely Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen. The vessels of the Chinese ports navigate the Indian Ocean, the African continent, and the Mediterranean Sea to arrive at the major ports of Algeria.
Algeria’s major ports include Algiers, Oran, and Annaba. The Port of Algiers is the biggest and busiest, handling most international cargo. This route takes about 25-35 days by sea, depending on which Chinese port you start from and which Algerian port receives your cargo.
For faster delivery, air freight goes from major Chinese airports like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen to the main airports located in Algiers and Oran. Air shipping takes 3-7 days but costs much more than sea freight. Most businesses choose sea freight for cargo from China to Algeria because it’s cheaper for large shipments.
Shipping Cargo from China to Algeria – Methods Overview
Method | Cost | Speed | Best For |
Air Freight | $$$ | Fast (1 – 4 days) | Urgent, perishable, light goods |
Sea Freight | $ | Slow (20 – 40 days) | Heavy, bulk cargo |
Rail + Sea | $$ | Medium | Not urgent, cross-continental shipments |
Courier | $$$$ | Fastest | Small packages, door-to-door |
Sea Cargo from China to Algeria
Choose sea freight when you have large or heavy cargo that’s not urgent. Sea freight works best for furniture, machinery, electronics, and bulk orders. It’s the cheapest way to ship cargo from China to Algeria, but takes longer.
You can pick between different container types. A 20ft container holds about 28 cubic meters and works for smaller shipments. A 40ft container holds about 58 cubic meters and costs less per item for bigger orders. LCL means Less than Container Load – you share space with other shippers. FCL means Full Container Load – you get the whole container.
The main Chinese seaports for cargo to Algeria are Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao, and Tianjin. Shanghai handles the most cargo and has daily departures. These ports connect directly to Algeria’s main ports.
Current Sea Freight Prices from China to Algeria (2025): 20ft container: $3,580 | 40ft container: $5,210 | LCL: $45-65 per cubic meter
Air Cargo from China to Algeria
Choose air freight when you need fast delivery or ship valuable items. Air freight is perfect for electronics, samples, urgent spare parts, and small packages. It takes 3-7 days compared to 30-45 days for sea freight.
Key airports in China include Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, and Shenzhen Bao’an. In Algeria, cargo arrives at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers and Ahmed Ben Bella Airport in Oran. These airports handle most international air cargo.
Electronics, pharmaceuticals, fashion items, and perishable goods work best for air freight. Heavy or large items like furniture cost too much to ship by air. Air freight charges by weight, so light but valuable items give you the best value.
Current Air Freight from China to Algeria Prices (2025): $5-12 per kilogram | Express shipping: $15-25 per kilogram | Minimum charge: 45kg
Other Shipping Methods
Rail + Sea via China-Europe Railway
China-Europe trains are also new logistic opportunities for international trade between the European and Asian regions. The cost related to transportation is approximately one fifth of the cost related to air transportation, and the transportation time takes approximately one fourth of the time of sea transportation. To deliver cargo from China to Algeria, you can utilize rail transportation to deliver the products to Europe and switch to sea units to deliver to Algeria.
Rail had an average cost of USD 3,240 per FEU which was cheaper than air and expensive compared with direct sea in 2024. This alternative lasts approximately 20-25 days in total; it is faster than sea freight, but slower than air.
Courier Services
Courier services work well for small packages and documents. Major companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS handle cargo from China to Algeria.
Pros:
- Fast delivery (3-5 days)
- Door-to-door service
- Easy tracking
- Handles customs clearance
- Good for urgent small items
Cons:
- Very expensive for heavy items
- Size and weight limits
- Not suitable for commercial quantities
- Higher risk of delays at customs
Algeria’s Major Ports and Airports
Sea Ports for Cargo from China to Algeria:
- Port of Algiers – Largest port, handles over 20 million tons annually
- Port of Oran – Second-largest port, 10 million tons capacity
- Port of Annaba – 4 million tons capacity, specializes in bulk cargo
- Port of Bejaia – 12 million tons capacity, handles containers and grains
- Port of Skikda – Energy exports, LNG and petroleum products
- Port of Mostaganem – Ferry services to Spain
- Port of Ghazaouet – Trade with Morocco
Airports for Cargo from China to Algeria:
- Houari Boumediene Airport (Algiers) – Main international airport
- Ahmed Ben Bella Airport (Oran) – Second largest airport
- Rabah Bitat Airport (Annaba) – Northeastern region
- Soummam Airport (Bejaia) – Regional airport
- Mohamed Boudiaf Airport (Constantine) – Eastern region
The Entire Shipping Process Explained
Before Shipping: Ensure that all the documents are packaged, such as invoices, packing lists, and certificate of origin. The costs of transport service should cover the packaging of your goods to avoid damage during transportation. Enquire on whether your products require importing licenses or special permits. Gather customs documents and strongly ensure that papers are matched perfectly.
During Shipping: You have to keep communicating with your shipping agent. In the event of any difficulties occurring, such as delays or paperwork, liaise with your forwarder and rectify the situation within the shortest time possible. Retain all communication records to be used in the future.
After Shipping: When the goods arrive in the Algeria port or airport, be sure to examine them. Inspect the damage and take note to test all your items against your packing list. In case something is found wrong, report it at once to your freight forwarder and you’re insuring company. Save pictures and records of any glitches in the event of a claim.
Common Delays & How to Avoid Them
Supplier-side delays include late production, wrong documentation, and poor packaging. Importer-side delays happen from missing permits, incomplete customs forms, and payment issues. Weather, port congestion, and customs inspections also cause delays that nobody can control.
Avoid delays by booking freight space early, especially during busy seasons. Use verified freight forwarders with good reviews and experience in cargo from China to Algeria. Double-check all documents before shipping and keep backup copies. Pay freight costs on time and respond quickly to any requests from your forwarder or customs officials.
Required Shipping Documents for Cargo from China to Algeria
- Commercial Invoice – Shows product details, prices, and terms of sale
- Packing List – Lists all items in each package with weights and dimensions
- Bill of Lading (Sea) or Air Waybill (Air) – Proof of shipment and receipt
- Certificate of Origin – Proves where goods were made (often required for customs)
- Import License – Required for restricted products (electronics, chemicals, etc.)
- Customs Declaration Form – Official form for Algeria customs
- Insurance Certificate – Proof of cargo insurance coverage
- Inspection Certificate – Required for certain products (food, medical, etc.)
- EUR 1 Form – For preferential customs treatment if applicable
- Dangerous Goods Declaration – Required for hazardous materials
Final Tips for Cargo Delivery With Alliance Shipping
The process of shipping cargo China to Algeria boils down to three key decisions. The first decision is between cost and speed – the sea is cheaper, the 20-40 days, and the air freight is more expensive but takes only 1-5 days. Secondly, the choice of container – select LCL in case of smaller shipments less than 15 cubic meters and FCL in case of bulk orders of over 15 cubic meters to get lower costs per unit.
Above all, engage a good freight forwarder who is familiar with the China-Algeria trade route. Alliance Shipping has several years of experience in cargo dealing between China and Algeria. We offer door to door service, we do all the documentation needed, and we have competitive prices in sea and air freight.
Our staff also speaks your language and knows the import requirements of Algeria. Our shipments have a full track of where they are, and problems are addressed before they reach the level of delays. Use Alliance Shipping the next time you need cargo sent out of China to Algeria.
Ready to ship? Contact Alliance Shipping today:
Email: manager.dxb@allianceshipping.com
WhatsApp: +971 56 649 5103