SHANGHAI / SHENZHEN — Global confectionery buyers and distributors sourcing from China should prepare for extended lead times and rising logistics costs. Ocean freight lanes connecting Chinese export hubs to Saudi Arabia are currently experiencing an unprecedented surge in cargo volume, driving container shipping rates to historic highs and creating localized gridlock at the Jeddah Islamic Port.

As global ocean carriers systematically adjust their regional networks, the cost of securing container space has escalated dramatically over the past month. Shippers navigating the China-to-Jeddah lane are now facing significantly higher baseline freight rates:

• 20ft Standard Containers (20GP): Prices have risen to between $5,085 and $6,215.
• 40ft Standard Containers (40GP): Spot rates are hovering between $6,615 and $8,085.
• Less-than-Container Load (LCL): Baseline rates start at 1,600 RMB per Cubic Meter (CBM), excluding local consolidation fees and destination surcharges.

Express Routes Launched Amid Port Terminal Congestion

To help alleviate the strain on Middle Eastern trade, the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has integrated several direct express shipping lines. Notable additions, such as China United Lines' dedicated SGX service, now link Shanghai and Nansha directly to Jeddah. While these direct express services can maintain a swift port-to-port timeline of 14 to 20 days (compared to 20 to 35 days for standard lines), the real bottleneck begins upon vessel arrival.

A dense concentration of diverted vessels has oversaturated Jeddah’s terminals, resulting in severe port congestion. Logistics experts warn that the standard 5 to 7 days of port "Free Time" granted by shipping lines begins the exact moment a vessel berths. Because this timeline does not pause for data processing backlogs within Saudi Arabia’s FASAH customs system, international cargo owners face a high risk of incurring expensive demurrage and detention fees.

The Riyadh Overland Bottleneck

Compounding the delays at the coast is an ongoing domestic infrastructure limitation. Cargo bound for the capital city, Riyadh, cannot currently utilize direct rail freight from Jeddah. Instead, all incoming goods must be cross-docked onto trucks at the port. This mandatory overland transfer is driving up domestic trucking costs within Saudi Arabia and extending final inland transit times.

Our export desk remains fully operational and is actively coordinating with freight forwarders to protect allocations and minimize supply chain disruptions for our global clients. For specific questions regarding your upcoming production schedules, container optimization, or direct shipping quotes, please reach out directly to your account manager or contact our sales team at sales@fufaton.com.