Impact of Chinese New Year on China Freight Forwarding

Chinese New Year is one of the most significant holidays in China, celebrated with family reunions, festivities, and a well-earned break for workers across the country. However, this period can pose serious logistics challenges for businesses engaged in trade with China. Whether you’re importing or exporting, understanding how Chinese New Year impacts global supply chains is key to avoiding delays and disruptions.

Understanding the Chinese New Year Logistics Disruption

Chinese New Year affects almost every aspect of the supply chain in China. Factories, warehouses, and ports typically close for an extended period, leading to a near standstill in production and logistics. In 2025, the official holiday period is from January 29th to February 4th, but the impact is felt weeks before and after these dates.

Factories often close up to two weeks before the holiday, as workers travel to their hometowns. Likewise, after the holiday, production resumes gradually as employees return in stages. The result is congested ports, reduced freight capacity, and delays in shipping schedules that ripple across global trade.

When is Chinese New Year 2025?

To avoid unexpected delays, businesses should plan their China logistics around these critical dates:

Mid-January 2025: Factories begin winding down production and fulfil final orders.

January 29th – February 4th, 2025: Official Chinese New Year holiday period. Limited or no logistics operations occur during this time.

Mid to Late February 2025: Post-holiday recovery begins, but backlogs can cause delays for weeks.

Advance planning is crucial to ensure your shipments are not caught in this bottleneck.

Challenges Faced by Shippers During Chinese New Year

Shippers face a unique set of challenges during this period, including:

Limited Freight Capacity: The rush to ship goods before the holiday leads to tight capacity across air, sea, and land freight services.

Increased Shipping Costs: High demand drives up freight rates, especially for priority or last-minute shipments.

Production Delays: Factories may prioritise larger orders or existing clients, leaving smaller or new orders unfulfilled.

Post-Holiday Congestion: The backlog of orders and limited staff availability further delays the shipments after the holiday.

Proactive Strategies for Freight Forwarding During Chinese New Year

To navigate these challenges, businesses can adopt several proactive measures.

Plan Early

Start planning your logistics as early as possible. Book shipments well in advance to secure space and avoid last-minute price surges.

Adjust Inventory Levels

Stock up on goods before the holiday to ensure you can meet customer demand during the downtime.

Communicate with Suppliers

Maintain open communication with your suppliers in China. Confirm their holiday schedules and production timelines to plan your orders accordingly.

Work with Experienced Freight Forwarders

Partner with a freight forwarder who has expertise in navigating Chinese New Year disruptions. They can help you secure capacity, find cost-effective solutions, and minimise delays.

How KG Logistics Can Help

Navigating the complexities of Chinese New Year requires a partner who understands the nuances of global trade.

At KG Logistics, we specialise in managing logistics during peak seasons like Chinese New Year. Our extensive network, advanced technology, and experienced team ensure your shipments move smoothly, even during challenging periods. Whether you need air freight, sea freight, or warehousing solutions, we can help you avoid disruptions and keep your supply chain running.

Speak to our experts today at 01634 540109 to find out how KG Logistics can help you with your freight forwarding needs.