Time
Live Business City Clocks
Business Hours Overlap
India: Mon–Sat 9:30 AM–6:30 PM IST | China: Monday–Friday (Saturday sometimes) 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM CST
India and China share an excellent ~6-hour business overlap. China (CST, UTC+8) is 2 hours 30 minutes ahead of IST. IST 9:30 AM = CST 12:00 noon; IST 3:30 PM = CST 6:00 PM.
IST ↔ China Quick Reference
| 🇮🇳 IST | CST |
|---|---|
| 6:30 AM IST | 9:00 AM CST |
| 9:30 AM IST | 12:00 PM CST |
| 12:00 PM IST | 2:30 PM CST |
| 3:30 PM IST | 6:00 PM CST |
| 6:00 PM IST | 8:30 PM CST |
| 9:00 PM IST | 11:30 PM CST |
Key Commercial Ports
🇮🇳 India
| Port | City | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| JNPT / Nhava Sheva | Mumbai | 24×7 | Primary entry for Chinese electronics & machinery |
| Chennai Port | Chennai | 24×7 | Handles Chinese auto components & electronics |
| Mundra Port | Gujarat | 24×7 | Key for Chinese solar panels & capital goods |
| ICD Tughlakabad | Delhi | Mon–Sat 8AM–8PM | Inland container depot; major Chinese goods clearance hub |
🇨🇳 China
| Port | City | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Shanghai (Yangshan) | Shanghai | 24×7 | World's busiest container port; ~45 million TEU/year |
| Port of Shenzhen (Yantian/Shekou) | Shenzhen | 24×7 | Electronics & tech goods; gateway for Pearl River Delta |
| Guangzhou Nansha Port | Guangzhou | 24×7 | Major auto parts & machinery; near Canton Fair |
| Ningbo-Zhoushan Port | Ningbo | 24×7 | 2nd busiest in China; chemicals & raw materials |
* Most major international ports operate 24×7 for vessel operations; customs clearance and gate hours vary. Always verify with the port authority or your freight forwarder.
Top Traded Goods
🇮🇳 India Exports to China
- Cotton yarn & fabric
- Organic chemicals
- Iron ore & pellets
- Marine products
- Pharmaceuticals / APIs
- Engineering goods
- Copper scrap
🇮🇳 India Imports from China
- Electronic components & PCBs
- Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
- Telecom equipment
- Solar panels & cells
- Machinery & capital goods
- Chemicals & dyes
- Plastic raw materials
- Fertilizers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time difference between India and China?
China Standard Time (CST, UTC+8) is 2 hours 30 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST, UTC+5:30). China does not observe daylight saving time.
What are the best business hours to contact China from India?
The best window is 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM IST (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM CST). This 6-hour overlap is the widest of all India's major trading partners.
What does India import most from China?
India's top imports from China include electronic components, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), telecom equipment, solar panels, machinery, chemicals, and plastic raw materials. China accounts for about 15–17% of India's total imports.
What is the Canton Fair schedule and IST equivalent?
The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) runs in two phases each year: late April and late October, in Guangzhou. Guangzhou time (CST) = IST minus 2:30 hours, so a 10 AM Canton Fair session = 7:30 AM IST.