Optimization of an international transport chain may contribute significantly to a successful outcome in international trade. The performance of various modes of transport influences the selection of one over others. This paper analyses the transport chain between China and Germany, comparing routes and aiming to identify the best practices and chose the optimal transport mode. Through analysing secondary data, the different means of transport are presented. The SWOT analysis was selected to analyse and compare the competitive operation of the various methods of transport between China and Germany. This helps us understand what determines the selection of one mode of transport mode rather than another; the development of rail transport between China and Germany should be urged, in addition to the air and sea modes; Price, timing, level of service and relationship with forwarder are vital factors in determining the route option between China and Germany. More secondary data should be used to validate the research in the future.