For businesses that rely on imports and exports, Chinese New Year (CNY) is a critical period that can disrupt supply chains if not planned for properly. In 2026, the celebrations are set to begin in late January, meaning factories across China will close for an extended holiday, often for one to two weeks or more.
Factory Shutdowns
During CNY, most manufacturing plants halt operations completely. For businesses sourcing products from China, this means production stops, and any orders not placed in advance will face delays until after the holiday period. Waiting until the last minute can leave your shipments weeks behind schedule, impacting stock levels, sales, and customer satisfaction.
Port Congestion
It’s not just production that slows down, ports become extremely busy before and after the holiday. Shipments that aren’t planned well in advance can get stuck in queues, with longer dwell times and delayed departures. For time-sensitive goods, this can be particularly costly.
Why Forward Planning is Critical
To avoid disruption, businesses should:
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Place orders early to account for factory shutdowns
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Confirm shipping schedules with freight forwarders well in advance
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Prepare all customs documentation ahead of time to prevent last-minute issues
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Consider alternative shipping methods or routes if timing is tight
At Seaspace International Freight Forwarders, we work closely with our clients to plan around key seasonal disruptions, ensuring shipments arrive on time and supply chains remain uninterrupted. With proactive planning, businesses can turn a potentially stressful period into a smooth, predictable process.
Chinese New Year 2026 may only be a few weeks away, but the time to plan is now. Don’t let factory closures or port congestion disrupt your business, early shipping and expert logistics planning are the keys to keeping your operations running smoothly.
Get in touch with Seaspace today to discuss how we can help you navigate Chinese New Year shipping and keep your supply chain on track.