Port of Shantou
The Port of Shantou is a major seaport in eastern Guangdong Province, China. It is located near the estuary of the Rongjiang River and connects Shantou, eastern Guangdong, the Chaoshan region, South China manufacturing zones, domestic Chinese shipping routes, and international trade lanes across Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, Oceania, and global container networks. The port’s UN/LOCODE is CNSWA.
Shantou handles containers, general cargo, bulk cargo, coal, petroleum products, LNG, LPG, fertilizers, cement, steel, machinery, construction materials, consumer goods, food products, industrial supplies, refrigerated cargo, and commercial freight. It is especially important for importers and exporters connected to manufacturing, retail distribution, food supply chains, construction, chemicals, industrial production, and regional trade in eastern Guangdong.
Container operations are connected with Shantou International Container Terminal and port areas such as Zhuchi and Guang’ao. The port serves as a practical maritime gateway for eastern Guangdong and supports feeder, coastal, and international cargo movements.
Port of Shantou Overview
| Port Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Port name | Port of Shantou / Shantou Port |
| Country | China |
| Region | Shantou / Guangdong Province / South China Sea |
| UN/LOCODE | CNSWA |
| Port type | Seaport / river seaport / container port / multipurpose port / bulk port |
| Port authority | Shantou Port Affairs Bureau / local port authorities |
| Main terminal areas | Zhuchi port area, Guang’ao port area, container facilities, general cargo areas, bulk cargo facilities |
| Main cargo focus | Containers, bulk cargo, general cargo, petroleum products, coal, steel, construction materials, industrial cargo |
| Main terminal types | Container terminal, multipurpose terminal, bulk terminal, liquid bulk facilities, general cargo terminal |
| Cargo types | Containers, steel, petroleum, LNG, LPG, fertilizers, cement, coal, machinery, consumer goods, food products, industrial cargo |
| Suitable for | Importers, exporters, freight forwarders, manufacturers, retailers, construction companies, chemical shippers, industrial shippers |
Why Ship Through the Port of Shantou?
Shantou is strategically located in eastern Guangdong Province, giving shippers access to the Chaoshan region, South China manufacturing activity, coastal Chinese trade lanes, and the South China Sea. Its position makes it useful for cargo moving to or from Shantou, Chaozhou, Jieyang, Meizhou, eastern Guangdong, southern Fujian, and nearby inland markets depending on routing and final delivery requirements.
For importers, Shantou provides access to regional factories, warehouses, retailers, distributors, food suppliers, construction projects, industrial facilities, and consumer markets. For exporters, the port supports cargo moving from eastern Guangdong to Southeast Asia, East Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, Oceania, and other global destinations.
The port is especially relevant for businesses shipping containers, machinery, consumer goods, packaging, electronics, food products, chemicals, steel, construction materials, industrial inputs, petroleum-related cargo, refrigerated goods, and general commercial freight.
Container Shipping Through Shantou
The Port of Shantou supports containerized import, export, feeder, and coastal cargo flows. Container activity is connected with Shantou International Container Terminal and key port areas serving the city’s manufacturing and trade base.
Businesses use Shantou for:
- Import containers into China
- Export containers from China
- Full container load shipments
- Less than container load shipments
- Domestic coastal container movements within China
- Feeder connections to larger regional hubs
- Reefer containers for food products, frozen goods, chilled goods, pharmaceuticals, seafood, and other temperature-sensitive cargo
- Consumer goods, machinery, electronics, chemicals, food products, industrial supplies, packaging, retail inventory, construction materials, and commercial freight
- Cargo moving to or from Shantou, Chaozhou, Jieyang, Meizhou, eastern Guangdong, southern Fujian, and nearby inland logistics zones
- Cargo connected to Southeast Asia, East Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, Oceania, and global container trade lanes
- Shipments connecting through regional hubs such as Shenzhen, Yantian, Shekou, Hong Kong, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Nansha, Kaohsiung, Singapore, Port Klang, Busan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Jebel Ali, Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, Los Angeles, and Long Beach
For larger shipments, FCL shipping is usually suitable when cargo can fill a 20ft or 40ft container. For smaller shipments, LCL shipping allows businesses to move partial container loads without paying for a full container.
Shantou Freight Rates
Freight Shipping Cost from & to Shantou for a 20-foot Container
Port Capacity and Terminal Infrastructure
The Port of Shantou has container, general cargo, bulk, liquid bulk, petroleum, LPG, LNG, coal, construction cargo, and multipurpose infrastructure. Its facilities support international trade, domestic coastal shipping, feeder services, and cargo distribution across eastern Guangdong.
The port area supports container handling, yard operations, general cargo movement, bulk cargo handling, liquid cargo operations, import and export flows, and cargo connections with factories and logistics zones in the region.
The port’s infrastructure supports:
- Container handling
- Import and export container flows
- Domestic coastal shipping
- Feeder services
- Reefer container operations
- General cargo handling
- Breakbulk cargo
- Bulk cargo handling
- Liquid bulk cargo
- Petroleum-related cargo
- LNG and LPG cargo
- Coal handling
- Steel and construction materials
- Machinery and industrial equipment
- Food and consumer goods cargo
- Customs clearance and inspection processes
- Trucking and inland distribution
- Connections with eastern Guangdong industrial and logistics corridors
This diversified infrastructure makes Shantou suitable for both containerized and non-containerized freight, especially cargo connected to regional manufacturing, construction, energy, chemicals, retail distribution, food supply chains, and coastal trade.
Main Cargo Handled Through Shantou
The Port of Shantou handles a broad mix of containerized cargo, general cargo, bulk cargo, liquid cargo, steel, petroleum products, coal, LNG, LPG, fertilizers, cement, machinery, food products, construction materials, chemicals, and industrial freight.
| Cargo Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Containerized imports | Consumer goods, machinery, electronics, chemicals, packaging, retail inventory, industrial inputs |
| Containerized exports | Manufactured goods, packaged cargo, food products, electronics, household goods, industrial products |
| Reefer cargo | Frozen food, chilled food, seafood, pharmaceuticals, temperature-sensitive products |
| Machinery cargo | Factory equipment, spare parts, construction machinery, industrial machines |
| Consumer goods | Household goods, retail products, packaged goods, small appliances, commercial inventory |
| Food and beverage cargo | Processed food, packaged food, ingredients, beverages, agricultural products |
| Steel and metal cargo | Steel products, metal components, industrial materials, construction steel |
| Bulk cargo | Coal, fertilizers, cement, minerals, construction bulk, industrial bulk |
| Liquid bulk | Petroleum products, industrial liquids, chemicals, specialist liquid cargo when permitted |
| LNG and LPG cargo | Energy-related cargo, gas cargo, port supply cargo |
| General cargo | Pallets, cartons, equipment, packaged goods, mixed commercial shipments |
| Project cargo | Heavy equipment, construction cargo, industrial cargo, specialized machinery |
Shantou is especially relevant for shippers that need access to eastern Guangdong, South China coastal trade, regional manufacturing supply chains, container shipping services, bulk cargo handling, and industrial cargo movement.
Shipping to Shantou China
Importers ship cargo to Shantou from Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, Oceania, the Middle East, and other global trade regions.
Common imports to Shantou and eastern Guangdong include:
- Consumer goods and retail inventory
- Electronics and appliances
- Machinery and spare parts
- Industrial equipment
- Chemicals and raw materials
- Petroleum-related cargo
- Construction materials
- Steel and metal products
- Packaging materials
- Food ingredients and beverages
- Furniture and household goods
- Medical and healthcare products
- Manufacturing inputs
- Agricultural inputs
- General cargo
- Project cargo and oversized equipment
When shipping to Shantou, importers should compare total landed cost rather than only the ocean freight rate. Total landed cost may include origin charges, sea freight, destination charges, customs duty, Chinese VAT, terminal handling, customs broker fees, documentation fees, storage, demurrage, detention, trucking, inland delivery, inspection fees, and cargo insurance.
Use the iContainers ocean freight calculator to estimate shipping costs and compare available freight options.
Shipping From Shantou China
Exporters use Shantou for cargo moving from Shantou, eastern Guangdong, the Chaoshan region, manufacturing zones, industrial parks, food production areas, consumer goods suppliers, and inland logistics corridors to Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, Oceania, and other international markets.
Common export cargo from Shantou includes:
- Consumer goods
- Electronics and appliances
- Machinery and spare parts
- Household goods
- Food products
- Packaged goods
- Chemicals and specialty products
- Construction materials
- Steel and metal products
- Plastic products
- Textiles and garments
- Toys and light industrial goods
- Packaging materials
- Manufactured goods
- Refrigerated cargo
- Project cargo
- Breakbulk cargo
- Containerized freight
- General commercial cargo
For exporters, the best shipping option depends on cargo volume, product type, destination, Incoterm, sailing schedule, terminal choice, equipment availability, customs documentation, inland pickup location, temperature-control needs, and required transit time.
FCL is usually more efficient for larger commercial volumes, while LCL can work well for smaller shipments, samples, cartons, pallets, and partial container loads.
FCL vs LCL Shipping Through Shantou China
| Shipping Option | Best For | Main Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCL shipping | Full 20ft or 40ft container loads | Dedicated container and fewer cargo touchpoints | Best when shipment volume justifies a full container |
| LCL shipping | Smaller shipments, cartons, pallets, samples, partial loads | Pay only for the space used | May involve consolidation or deconsolidation through Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Singapore, Busan, or another hub |
| Reefer container | Food products, seafood, frozen goods, chilled goods, pharmaceuticals | Keeps cargo at controlled temperature | Requires equipment availability, plug capacity, temperature settings, and correct documentation |
| Breakbulk shipping | Machinery, steel, oversized cargo, industrial equipment | Useful for cargo not suitable for standard containers | Requires special handling and early coordination |
| Bulk shipping | Coal, cement, fertilizers, minerals, construction bulk, industrial bulk | Efficient for large-volume unpackaged commodities | Depends on terminal capability and commodity handling requirements |
| Liquid bulk shipping | Petroleum products, chemicals, industrial liquids, specialist liquids | Useful for tank-based liquid cargo movements | Requires compatible terminal handling, tanks, pumps, documentation, and cargo controls |
| General cargo shipping | Pallets, cartons, equipment, mixed commercial freight | Flexible for non-specialized commercial cargo | Requires correct handling, packing, and documentation |
| Project cargo | Heavy or complex industrial shipments | Supports construction, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure cargo | Needs coordination with carrier, terminal, customs broker, and inland transport |
For shippers comparing route options, iContainers’ transit time calculator can help estimate shipping times before booking.
Customs Clearance at Shantou and China
Cargo imported or exported through Shantou must comply with Chinese customs requirements. Importers and exporters should prepare accurate shipment data before cargo arrival or departure, including product descriptions, HS codes, customs value, country of origin, consignee details, shipper details, importer information, exporter information, and supporting documentation.
Commercial shipments through Shantou may require documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or sea waybill, import declaration, export declaration, certificate of origin, import license or export license when applicable, insurance certificate, inspection certificate, and product-specific regulatory documents.
Regulated goods such as food products, agricultural goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, vehicles, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, plants, animals, hazardous cargo, energy products, and restricted items may require additional permits, testing, inspection, sanitary approval, phytosanitary approval, product certification, safety documentation, or agency authorization under Chinese rules.
For more general guidance, read iContainers’ guide to customs clearance.
Documents Needed for Shipping Through Shantou China
Most commercial ocean freight shipments to or from Shantou require:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or sea waybill
- Import or export customs declaration
- HS code and product description
- Importer of record details, when importing into China
- Exporter details, when exporting from China
- Chinese customs registration details, when applicable
- Certificate of origin, when required
- Import license or export license, when applicable
- Inspection certificate, when applicable
- Insurance certificate, when applicable
- Dangerous goods declaration, when applicable
- Safety data sheet, for regulated chemicals or hazardous cargo
- Phytosanitary certificate, when applicable
- Veterinary certificate, when applicable
- Food safety or agricultural documents, when applicable
- Product compliance documents, when applicable
- China Compulsory Certification documents, when applicable
- Energy, chemical, or fuel-related documents, when applicable
- Vehicle documentation, when applicable
- Delivery order or cargo release documents
- Customs broker authorization, when using a customs broker
- Inland transport documents, when cargo moves by truck, rail, barge, or another inland mode
Documentation should be complete and consistent before cargo arrival or departure. Incorrect HS codes, incomplete cargo descriptions, missing permits, inaccurate invoices, inconsistent consignee details, missing inspection documents, or late customs data can delay customs clearance and increase costs.
Common Shipping Routes for Shantou China
Shantou connects eastern Guangdong with domestic Chinese ports, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, Oceania, and wider global trade lanes through feeder services, coastal shipping, trucking, inland logistics, and regional transshipment networks.
| Trade Lane | Common Cargo |
|---|---|
| Southeast Asia to Shantou | Food products, machinery, industrial inputs, chemicals, regional cargo |
| East Asia to Shantou | Electronics, machinery, automotive parts, consumer goods, industrial products |
| Europe to Shantou | Machinery, chemicals, industrial equipment, specialist products, consumer goods |
| North America to Shantou | Machinery, medical goods, technology products, food products, project cargo |
| Middle East to Shantou | Chemicals, plastics, petroleum-related cargo, industrial materials, general cargo |
| Shantou to Southeast Asia | Consumer goods, electronics, food products, manufactured goods, industrial cargo |
| Shantou to East Asia | Machinery, consumer goods, food products, electronics, regional cargo |
| Shantou to Europe | Consumer goods, electronics, machinery, packaging, industrial cargo |
| Shantou to North America | Consumer goods, household goods, electronics, machinery, manufactured products |
| Shantou to Oceania | Consumer goods, food products, machinery, general cargo, manufactured goods |
| Shantou to Middle East | Consumer goods, machinery, construction materials, industrial cargo |
| Shantou to domestic China ports | Consumer goods, food products, machinery, construction materials, mixed cargo |
Routing may involve direct ocean services, feeder services, coastal shipping, trucking, or transshipment through Shenzhen, Yantian, Shekou, Hong Kong, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Nansha, Kaohsiung, Singapore, Port Klang, Busan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Jebel Ali, Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Sydney, Melbourne, and other hubs depending on carrier schedule, cargo type, and final destination.
When Should You Use Shantou Instead of Another Chinese Port?
Shantou can be suitable when:
- The cargo origin or destination is in Shantou, Chaozhou, Jieyang, Meizhou, eastern Guangdong, southern Fujian, or nearby inland markets
- The shipment is connected to eastern Guangdong manufacturing, food production, retail distribution, construction, chemicals, energy, or industrial supply chains
- The cargo is containerized and suitable for FCL or LCL shipping
- The shipment involves consumer goods, electronics, machinery, food products, chemicals, petroleum-related cargo, steel, construction materials, industrial inputs, refrigerated cargo, general cargo, or project cargo
- Inland delivery distance is shorter through Shantou than through Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Nansha, Yantian, or another South China port
- The shipper needs access to container, bulk, liquid bulk, general cargo, energy cargo, or multipurpose terminal capability
- The shipment benefits from eastern Guangdong access, South China Sea routing, domestic Chinese coastal shipping, or regional feeder connections
- The cargo connects with factories, warehouses, suppliers, exporters, construction sites, industrial estates, or regional distribution centers in eastern Guangdong
Another Chinese or regional port may be more suitable when the shipment requires larger mainline vessel services, deeper container capacity, higher sailing frequency, or closer access to the Pearl River Delta, Fujian, Yangtze River Delta, or northern China. Shenzhen, Yantian, Shekou, Guangzhou, Nansha, Hong Kong, Xiamen, Ningbo, Shanghai, or other Chinese ports may be more practical depending on cargo type, final destination, carrier service, equipment availability, and delivery deadline.
The right port choice should be based on total landed cost, sailing schedule, inland distance, customs requirements, cargo type, equipment availability, terminal capability, storage needs, reefer requirements, and required delivery date.
How to Get an Ocean Freight Quote for Shantou China
To get a freight quote to or from Shantou, prepare the following details:
- Origin and destination
- Port-to-port, door-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-door requirement
- Cargo weight and dimensions
- Number of pallets, cartons, boxes, vehicles, trailers, or containers
- FCL, LCL, reefer, breakbulk, bulk, liquid bulk, general cargo, hazardous, or project cargo preference
- Commodity description and HS code, if available
- Cargo ready date
- Incoterm
- Customs clearance requirements
- Final pickup or delivery address, if needed
- Inland movement requirement, such as trucking, warehouse delivery, factory pickup, industrial estate delivery, refrigerated delivery, coastal feeder movement, or regional distribution
- Special handling requirements, such as reefer cargo, hazardous cargo, temperature control, oversized cargo, food inspection, agricultural inspection, customs inspection, energy cargo, or high-value cargo
- Preferred carrier, terminal, trucking provider, customs broker, feeder service, coastal shipping provider, or transshipment hub, if already specified
With iContainers, businesses can compare ocean freight options online, review available rates, and manage international shipments through a digital booking process.
FAQ About the Port of Shantou
The Port of Shantou is located in Shantou, Guangdong Province, on China’s southeastern coast near the Rongjiang River estuary and the South China Sea.
The UN/LOCODE for the Port of Shantou is CNSWA.
Common cargo includes containers, consumer goods, machinery, electronics, food products, chemicals, petroleum products, LNG, LPG, fertilizers, cement, coal, steel, construction materials, and general cargo.
The port is connected with local port authorities and terminal operators, including Shantou International Container Terminal and facilities in port areas such as Zhuchi and Guang’ao.
Yes. Shantou can support refrigerated cargo through reefer container operations, subject to equipment availability, carrier service, terminal capacity, temperature settings, and cargo requirements.
Shantou serves Shantou, eastern Guangdong, Chaozhou, Jieyang, Meizhou, nearby inland markets, South China coastal trade lanes, and cargo corridors connected to domestic and international shipping networks.