China–Middle East Trade in 2024: A Snapshot
Over the past decade, China has become one of the Middle East’s most significant trading partners. From heavy machinery and construction materials to consumer electronics and textiles, the diversity of goods moving between the two regions is expanding rapidly.
Trade Volume Data (2019–2026)
| Year | Exports from China to Middle East (USD Billion) | Growth Rate | Top Commodities |
| 2019 | 186 | — | Machinery, Textiles, Electronics |
| 2020 | 195 | +4.8% | Electronics, PPE, Chemicals |
| 2021 | 213 | +9.2% | Building Materials, Automotive |
| 2022 | 227 | +6.6% | Steel Products, Renewable Energy Equipment |
| 2023 | 236 | +4.0% | Consumer Goods, Industrial Tools |
Source: UN Comtrade Estimates
Transport Modes Overview & Comparison
Moving cargo from China to the Middle East requires careful mode selection based on urgency, budget, and cargo type. HYTCARGO offers every route—sea, air, and land—backed by signed contracts with the world’s most reliable carriers.
| Mode | Avg Transit Time | Cost Level (USD/ton) | Capacity | Ideal Cargo Types | Limitations |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 18–28 days | 90–150 | High | Bulk, heavy, oversized | Slow; port congestion possible |
| Air Freight | 2–6 days | 900–1500 | Medium | Urgent, high-value, perishable | Expensive |
| Multimodal (Sea+Air) | 9–14 days | 200–300 | Medium | Balanced time/cost shipments | Requires complex coordination |
| Land Transport (Truck + Rail) | 10–20 days | 120–250 | Medium | GCC regional distribution | Border delays possible |
Why DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Outperforms Other Terms
DDP vs FOB vs CIF
| Aspect | FOB | CIF | DDP (HYTCARGO Advantage) |
| Seller Responsibility | Export only | Export + Ocean Freight | Entire transport + import clearance + delivery |
| Buyer Effort | High | Medium | Minimal |
| Customs Handling | Buyer | Buyer | HYTCARGO handles both ends |
| Risk Level | High | Medium | Very Low |
| Cost Predictability | Variable | Moderate | Fixed all-in price |
When HYTCARGO manages DDP shipments, clients enjoy:
- No Customs Surprises – We process import duties and taxes in the Middle East.
- End-to-End Control – From factory gate in China to customer site in GCC capitals.
- Single Invoice – No fragmented billing across multiple agents.
- Risk Elimination – Liability for delays or documentation issues rests with us.
HYTCARGO’s Carrier Partnerships
Sea Freight Agreements: MSC, MAERSK, COSCO, CMA CGM, OOCL
Air Freight Agreements: FEDEX, UPS, Emirates SkyCargo, DHL, Atlas Air, Cargolux
Partnerships ensure space priority, fast booking confirmation, and preferential rates even in high-demand seasons.
Our Commitment
Affordable, Simple, Safe Delivery — HYTCARGO thrives on making complex cross-border freight effortless for our clients, no matter the cargo size, weight, or destination.