When shipping refrigerated showcases (or display cases) from China to global markets, choosing between air and sea freight depends on cost, timeline, and cargo size. In 2025, with new IMO environmental regulations and fluctuating fuel prices, understanding the latest pricing and logistics details is critical for businesses. This guide breaks down 2025 rates, route specifics, and expert tips for major destinations.
The specific prices from China to various regions around the world below：
1. China to United States
（1）Air Freight
Rates: $4.25–$5.39 per kg (100kg+). Peak season (Nov–Dec) adds $1–$2/kg due to capacity shortages.
Transit Time: 3–5 days (Shanghai/Los Angeles direct flights).
Best For: Urgent orders (e.g., restaurant openings) or small batches (≤5 units).
（2）Sea Freight (Reefer Containers)
20ft Reefer: $2,000–$4,000 to Los Angeles; $3,000–$5,000 to New York.
40ft High Cube Reefer: $3,000–$5,000 to Los Angeles; $4,000–$6,000 to New York.
Add-Ons: Refrigeration operation fee ($1,500–$2,500/container) + US import duty (9% for HS code 8418500000).
Transit Time: 18–25 days (West Coast); 25–35 days (East Coast).
Best For: Bulk orders (10+ units) with flexible timelines.
2. China to Europe
Air Freight
Rates: $4.25–$4.59 per kg (100kg+). Frankfurt/Paris routes are most stable.
Transit Time: 4–7 days (Guangzhou/Amsterdam direct flights).
Notes: EU ETS (Emissions Trading System) adds ~€5/ton in carbon surcharges.
Sea Freight (Reefer Containers)
20ft Reefer: $1,920–$3,500 to Hamburg (Northern Europe); $3,500–$5,000 to Barcelona (Mediterranean).
40ft High Cube Reefer: $3,200–$5,000 to Hamburg; $5,000–$7,000 to Barcelona.
Add-Ons: Low-sulfur fuel surcharge (LSS: $140/container) due to IMO 2025 rules.
Transit Time: 28–35 days (Northern Europe); 32–40 days (Mediterranean).
3. China to Southeast Asia
Air Freight
Rates: $2–$3 per kg (100kg+). Examples: China→Vietnam ($2.1/kg); China→Thailand ($2.8/kg).
Transit Time: 1–3 days (regional flights).
Sea Freight (Reefer Containers)
20ft Reefer: $800–$1,500 to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam); $1,200–$1,800 to Bangkok (Thailand).
Transit Time: 5–10 days (short-haul routes).
4. China to Africa
Air Freight
Rates: $5–$7 per kg (100kg+). Examples: China→Nigeria ($6.5/kg); China→South Africa ($5.2/kg).
Challenges: Lagos port congestion adds $300–$500 in delay fees.
Sea Freight (Reefer Containers)
20ft Reefer: $3,500–$4,500 to Lagos (Nigeria); $3,200–$4,000 to Durban (South Africa).
Transit Time: 35–45 days.
Key Factors Affecting 2025 Prices
1.Fuel Costs
A 10% rise in jet fuel increases air freight by 5–8%; marine fuel impacts sea rates less but low-sulfur options cost 30% more.
2.Seasonality
Air freight peaks during Q4 (Black Friday, Christmas); sea freight surges pre-Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb).
3.Regulations
EU CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) and US steel tariffs (up to 50%) add 5–10% to total costs.
4.Cargo Specs
Refrigerated showcases require temperature-controlled shipping (0–10°C). Non-compliance risks $200+/hour fines.
Expert Tips for Cost-Saving
（1）Consolidate Shipments:
For small orders (2–5 units), use LCL (Less than Container Load) sea freight to cut costs by 30%.
（2）Optimize Packaging
Disassemble glass doors/frames to reduce volume—saves 15–20% on air freight (charged by volume weight: length×width×height/6000).
（3）Pre-Book Capacity
Reserve sea/air slots 4–6 weeks in advance during peak seasons to avoid premium rates.
（4）Insurance
Add “temperature deviation coverage” (0.2% of cargo value) to protect against spoilage or equipment damage.
FAQ: Shipping Refrigerated Showcases from China
Q: What documents are needed for customs?
A: Commercial invoice, packing list, CE/UL certification (for EU/US), and a temperature log (required for reefers).
Q: How to handle damaged goods?
A: Inspect cargo at discharge ports and file a claim within 3 days (air) or 7 days (sea) with photos of damage.
Q: Is rail freight an option for Europe?
A: Yes—China→Europe rail takes 18–22 days, with rates ~30% lower than air but 50% higher than sea.
For 2025, sea freight remains the most cost-effective for bulk refrigerated showcase shipments (saving 60%+ vs. air), while air freight suits urgent, small-batch orders. Use this guide to compare routes, factor in surcharges, and plan ahead to avoid peak-season delays.
Post time: Aug-05-2025 Views: