For our many clients who trade with China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, please note the dates of the Chinese New Year holidays.
The Chinese New Year (CNY), also known as the Lunar New Year, is one of the most important holiday periods in global logistics. For businesses, it can present specific challenges due to factory closures, reduced workforce, and potential shipping disruptions.
In 2025, CNY begins on Wednesday 29 January, marking the Year of the Wood Snake. Officially people in China will get 8 days off from work until 04 February, but this year the celebrations are expected to continue through to the Lantern Festival on Wednesday 12 February, with the rising of the full moon — this year called the Snow Moon.
Note that China is not the only country that celebrates the Lunar New Year – some Southeast Asian countries also observe it, although their time off is generally shorter.
Before Christmas, China removed the last of its restrictions on Australian goods, and the relationship between the two countries has been seen as ‘stabilised’ since the agreement between Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Li a few months ago.
CNY is one of the most significant holidays in China and importers need to be aware of the effect on international freight forwarding. This holiday not only holds cultural importance, but also leads to notable shipping delays due to the widespread closure of factories and businesses in China.
Many businesses start their Lunar New Year preparations early and reduce production up to three weeks in advance, to allow their workers a chance to travel home and visit with family during this period. Full operations may resume by the second or third week of February, typically after the Lantern Festival.
Understanding the implications of this period and preparing accordingly can help mitigate the impact on your logistics operations.
What causes the shipping delays?
This holiday season is a time when many in China and other Asian countries engage in family reunions, leading to a major slowdown in production as factories and offices close to celebrate the new year. Container shipping lines often adjust their service strings to accommodate the decreased output.
For the CNY celebrations, there’s still a bit of time. The majority of carriers require bookings 10-14 days before departure, so you need to be aware of the deadlines. In the push prior to this period, trucking in China can become quite tight, and, as a direct result, these local transport rates will skyrocket.
The holiday period significantly affects supply chain and logistics operations due to the sheer volume of factory closures and a sharp decline in production. Disruptions include:
- Factory shutdowns and production halt
- Increased freight transportation rates
- Potential congestion and shipping delays
- Decreased workforce and slower operations
Planning and navigating shipments around the Chinese New Year can be challenging, but disruptions can be minimised with the proper preparation and logistics partner. At Colless Young, we specialise in guiding businesses through the complexities of international shipping. Our expertise ensures your shipments are handled efficiently and arrive on time, even during peak periods.
Colless Young’s international freight forwarding solutions from China and SE Asia will provide you with peace of mind this CNY holiday season.
Contact Andrew, email enq@collessyoung.com.au Tel: +61 7 3890 0800.
