Dear Valued Client,

With Chinese New Year approaching, we would like to highlight the impact this period may have on shipments from China and share a few key planning tips.

In 2026, Chinese New Year celebrations will take place from Tuesday, 17 February (Chinese New Year’s Day), with the wider festive period running until around Tuesday, 3 March.

During Chinese New Year, many factories and suppliers shut down or operate at reduced capacity, often before the official holiday begins. This leads to increased pressure on shipping lines, ports, and equipment availability both before and after the holiday period.

Clients can expect shipping delays, port congestion, limited container availability, and increased freight rates due to high demand and reduced operational capacity. Space on vessels and aircraft becomes constrained, and backlogs are common as operations gradually return to normal.

To minimise disruption, we strongly recommend placing orders early, securing bookings well in advance, allowing extra transit time, and confirming production cut-off and reopening dates with suppliers. Flexibility with routing or transport options can also help mitigate delays.

Our team is actively working with overseas partners to support forward planning and minimise supply chain disruptions. Please contact us if you have upcoming shipments from China or require tailored advice during this period.

Kind regards,
The Pioneer Freight Team