Which types of goods are suitable for sea freight to Saudi? As a core trade hub in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, supported by its well-developed maritime network and industrial demands under "Vision 2030," makes sea freight a preferred transportation method for numerous goods, particularly suited for the following categories.
Bulk Industrial Products and Construction Materials are the backbone of sea freight. With Saudi advancing projects like NEOM and the Riyadh Metro, demand for building materials such as steel, cement, and pipes has surged. Shipping a 40-foot full container load from Shanghai to Jeddah Port costs only $2,500-$3,500, significantly cheaper than air freight. The expansion of the manufacturing sector also drives the sea transport of equipment like laser marking machines and generators. The modern handling facilities at Jeddah and Dammam ports can efficiently manage such oversized cargo.
Consumer Electronics and Home Appliances are also well-suited for sea freight. Over 60% of Saudi's consumer electronics are imported. Shipping products like mobile phones and smart home devices from China to Jeddah Port allows for quick market penetration into western regions. For bulkier items like air conditioners and furniture, Less than Container Load (LCL) options are available at rates of 15-30 RMB/kg, suitable for small and medium-sized orders.
Textiles and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) also adapt well to sea freight. Unbranded apparel and home textiles from China can be shipped via dedicated consolidated routes. Jeddah Port's proximity to Mecca facilitates the supply of religious garments for the Hajj season. Smaller, lighter items like buttons and toys can utilize "Industrial Product Dedicated Lines," with transit times of 25-35 days meeting non-urgent demand.
Attention must be paid to compliance and port selection during transport: Starting from October 29, 2025, advanced declaration for sea freight imports is mandatory via the Fasah platform, and products like electronics and machinery require Saber certification. Jeddah Port focuses more on consumer goods, Dammam Port caters to industrial and construction materials, and Jubail Port specializes in chemical products. In summary, by carefully selecting products and ports while ensuring compliance, one can fully leverage the advantages of Saudi sea freight.
Ontask Express focuses on the Saudi special line, providing customers with efficient and reliable Saudi cargo, with a focus on the Middle East region. With overseas warehouses in Jeddah and Riyadh, along with a self-managed Chinese delivery team, we empower Chinese products to go global and benefit all humanity!