Shipping from China to Iraq Fast & Reliable

Are you troubled by shipping from China to Iraq, or confused about the best shipping method, cost control, and delivery schedules? This article will detail the methods, costs, and timeliness of sea freight, air freight, and door-to-door shipping between China and Iraq in December 2025, as well as major ports, shipping processes, tariff conditions, and DTFU Logistics services to help you solve shipping problems.

Sea shipping from China to Iraq (December 2025)

Against the backdrop of Iraq’s ongoing reconstruction, maritime shipping demand between China and Iraq remains robust, with cargo mainly consisting of construction materials, machinery, and consumer goods. For shipping from China to Iraq, you can choose between the following two sea freight methods:

• FCL (Full Container Load): Ideal for large-volume shipments that fill an entire container. Offers lower unit costs, direct transit, and reduced handling, making it suitable for bulk goods like steel and building materials. Requires sufficient cargo volume to be cost-effective.
• LCL (Less than Container Load): Suitable for smaller shipments that share container space. Provides flexibility for low-volume cargo (e.g., electronics, textiles) but with higher unit costs and longer transit due to consolidation and deconsolidation.

In December 2025, Iraq’s pre-Eid import peak (Eid al-Adha falls in late June 2025, but post-festival restocking continues) may cause short-term port congestion at Umm Qasr. It is recommended to book shipping space 4–6 weeks in advance and coordinate with freight forwarders to avoid delays.

For a more detailed sea shipping plan from China to Iraq, please read: Sea Shipping from China to Iraq

Air shipping from China to Iraq (December 2025)

In December 2025, air freight demand between China and Iraq remains steady, driven by urgent goods such as medical supplies, high-value electronics, and humanitarian aid. Seasonal factors (e.g., preparation for Iraq’s autumn construction season) have pushed rates up by 8–12% compared to the previous quarter. Current air freight conditions are as follows:

For time-sensitive cargo (e.g., medical equipment), express air services (e.g., via Emirates SkyCargo) can shorten transit to 2–3 days but at a 30–40% premium.

For a more detailed air shipping plan from China to Iraq, please read: Air Shipping from China to Iraq

Door to door shipping from China to Iraq (December 2025)

For importers seeking convenience, Door to Door Shipping from China to Iraq is a comprehensive solution that covers every step: from factory pickup in China (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen) to final delivery at your Iraqi warehouse (e.g., Baghdad, Erbil).

This service consolidates pickup, export customs clearance, freight (sea/air), import customs clearance, and last-mile delivery into one seamless process, with a single point of contact and transparent pricing. It eliminates the hassle of coordinating multiple parties and reduces delays from miscommunication—ideal for businesses new to China-Iraq trade.

For a more detailed door to door shipping plan from China to Iraq, please read: Door to door shipping from China to Iraq.

Main ports in China and Iraq

Main Ports in China

• Shanghai Port: A global container hub with regular routes to Iraq’s Umm Qasr Port. Handles 30% of China’s exports to Iraq, including machinery, electronics, and textiles, with efficient terminal operations supporting high-volume shipments.
• Shenzhen Port: A key southern China hub, closely linked to Iraq’s Basra and Umm Qasr ports. Specializes in electronics and light industrial goods, with 2–3 weekly sailings to the Persian Gulf.
• Guangzhou Port: Strategically located near manufacturing hubs in the Pearl River Delta, it is a major departure point for construction materials (steel, cement) bound for Iraq’s reconstruction projects.
• Qingdao Port: A northern China port with strong routes to Iraq via Gulf transshipment hubs. Focuses on bulk cargo like grains and industrial raw materials.

Main Ports in Iraq

• Umm Qasr Port: Iraq’s largest container port, handling 80% of its seaborne imports. Located in Basra Governorate, it connects to major Chinese ports and specializes in containers, general cargo, and reconstruction materials. Undergoing expansion to handle 2 million TEUs annually by 2026.
• Basra Port: A bulk cargo hub adjacent to Iraq’s oil fields, primarily handling petroleum products, grains, and heavy machinery. Works in tandem with Umm Qasr to alleviate congestion.
• Khor Al Zubair Port: A deep-water port near Basra, focused on project cargo (e.g., cranes, generators) for Iraq’s industrial zones. Popular for oversized shipments due to its modern infrastructure.

Shipping process

1. Booking: Confirm details with freight forwarders, including ports, cargo type (e.g., FCL/LCL for sea, express/regular air for air), and delivery deadlines.

2. Documentation: Prepare commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin (with Arabic translation), and product-specific permits (e.g., safety certificates for electronics).

3. Cargo Pickup & Inspection: Goods are collected from Chinese suppliers and inspected to meet Iraqi import standards (e.g., no prohibited items like alcohol).

4. Chinese Customs Clearance: Submit documents to Chinese customs for export approval; goods are loaded onto ships/planes after clearance.

5. Transportation: Sea freight sails via the Indian Ocean → Persian Gulf to Umm Qasr/Basra; Air freight flies direct or via Gulf hubs (Dubai, Doha) to Baghdad/Erbil.

6. Iraqi Customs Clearance: Local agents submit documents (including reconstruction levy forms) to Iraqi customs. Duties and taxes are paid before cargo release.

7. Delivery: For sea freight, cargo is transported via truck from Iraqi ports to final destinations; for air freight, it is delivered door-to-door or to designated pickup points.

Shipping cost from China to Iraq (December 2025)

In December 2025, shipping costs from China to Iraq are influenced by Iraq’s reconstruction demand, Persian Gulf fuel prices, and regional geopolitical factors. Below are the latest rates for common methods:

Additional Fees:

• Customs Fees: Iraq’s customs duty (0–20% based on HS code) + 5% reconstruction levy (calculated on CIF value + duty).
• Terminal Handling Charges (THC): $90–$180 per FCL container; $15–$50 per CBM for LCL.
• War Risk Surcharge: Unique to Iraq routes, $50–$100 per container (sea) or 3–5% of air freight (air).
• Documentation Fees: $60–$100 per shipment (includes Arabic translation).

Understanding import tax and duties (December 2025)

As of December 2025, Iraq’s import tax system for Chinese goods is structured as follows:

1. Customs Duty: Determined by HS code, ranging from 0% (essential goods like medical supplies) to 20% (luxury items like high-end electronics). Most industrial machinery and construction materials face 5–10%.
2. Reconstruction Levy: A 5% flat tax on all imports, calculated as (CIF value + customs duty). This funds Iraq’s infrastructure projects.
3. Excise Tax: Applies to specific goods: 100% on alcohol, 50% on tobacco, and 20% on luxury vehicles.
4. Exemptions: Humanitarian aid, UN-supervised reconstruction materials, and medical equipment may qualify for 0% customs duty (still subject to the 5% reconstruction levy).

Shipping transit time from China to Iraq (December 2025)

Here is a breakdown of typical transit times for different shipping methods in December 2025:

Practical Tips:

• Avoid Peak Periods: Iraq’s import volumes surge 2–3 weeks before Eid holidays; plan shipments outside these windows to reduce delays.
• Account for Customs: Iraqi customs may take 3–7 days for clearance; ensure all documents (especially Arabic translations) are accurate to avoid hold-ups.
• Choose Direct Routes: For time-sensitive cargo, use direct air flights (e.g., Shenzhen → Erbil) instead of transshipment to cut 2–3 days.

How Do Freight Forwarders Work with Alibaba to Streamline Your Shipping Needs?

Sourcing from Alibaba is just the first step; efficient delivery to Iraq requires a professional freight forwarder. DTFU Logistics acts as your dedicated partner, simplifying the process from Alibaba suppliers to your Iraqi doorstep.

Here’s how DTFU streamlines your Alibaba imports:

• Supplier Coordination: We handle direct communication with your Alibaba suppliers, arranging pickup from factories in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or Shanghai—even for consolidated shipments from multiple vendors.
• Optimized Solutions: Based on your cargo (e.g., 500kg of electronics vs. 20ft of construction materials), we recommend the best method (air for speed, sea for cost) and route to minimize transit and costs.
• Customs Expertise: Iraq’s customs require strict documentation (Arabic forms, HS code verification). Our team manages all paperwork, ensuring compliance with reconstruction levy rules and avoiding delays.
• End-to-End Tracking: From factory pickup to Iraqi delivery, you get real-time updates via our platform. We resolve issues like port congestion or documentation errors proactively.

Partnering with DTFU Logistics turns complex China-Iraq shipping into a seamless experience. We offer a highly professional, cost-effective, and high-quality one-stop international logistics service for global traders.