Chinese New Year (CNY) remains one of the most significant annual events affecting global supply chains. Every year, businesses in manufacturing, logistics, and international trade face predictable but impactful shifts in production, transport capacity, freight rates, and delivery times. Understanding these effects, and planning for them, can mean the difference between smooth operations and costly delays.
To provide deeper insight into how Chinese New Year impacts logistics on the ground, Bertling spoke with Vincent Gao, our Managing Director, Greater China, who shared practical observations from inside the Chinese logistics market.
Key Dates for Chinese New Year 2026:
- Small Year (Preparation): Feb 10, 2026
- New Year's Eve: Feb 16, 2026
- Chinese New Year (Day 1): Feb 17, 2026
- God of Wealth Welcoming (Day 2): Feb 18, 2026
- Lantern Festival (End): Mar 3, 2026
Public Holiday and Travel Considerations:
- Official Holiday: February 15–23, 2026.
- Peak Travel: The days surrounding February 16–17 are busiest for travel.
When is Chinese New Year 2026?
In 2026, Chinese New Year officially begins on Tuesday, February 17, ushering in the year of the Horse. While the public holiday typically lasts about a week, the operational impact stretches far beyond the official dates.
Chinese New Year can be compared to Christmas in Europe or the US – a period when most businesses slow down or close entirely. Although the official holiday lasts only about a week, the practical impact often stretches across several weeks. This is due to industrial activity, transportation capacity, and logistics operations gradually wind down before the holiday and recover slowly afterward.
When Do Factories Close for Chinese New Year?
Factories across China don’t shut down overnight. Instead, production slows gradually:
- 1–2 weeks before CNY: Workers, especially blue-collar staff, begin traveling home, reducing factory output.
- During the holiday week: Most factories are fully closed.
- 1–2 weeks after: Operations restart slowly as employees return and production ramps up.
“Domestic transport in China drops sharply, to under around 10% of normal, because workers go home and operations pause.”
This creates a multi-week slowdown that affects manufacturing, trucking, ports, and customs.
Does Shipping Stop During Chinese New Year?
No. Shipping does not stop completely, but capacity is significantly reduced.
International ocean and air carriers generally continue operating, though schedules may be adjusted:
- Sailings and flights are often reduced or cancelled for 1–2 weeks
- Ports and airports operate with skeleton staffing
- Customs clearance may pause for about a week, with limited overtime exceptions
- Domestic trucking becomes scarce and costly
“International shipping generally maintains schedules, with activity slowing slightly before and after the holiday rather than stopping.”
So, delays are common but systemic disruption is not.
When Does Shipping Slow Down?
Chinese New Year logistics typically follow three phases:
1. Pre-holiday surge
Weeks before CNY, exporters rush to ship cargo before factories close. This drives higher demand for space, congestion at ports, and upward pressure on freight rates.
2. Peak holiday period
- Factory production is minimal
- Inland transportation is heavily constrained
- Ports and customs operate with reduced staff
“Carriers may cancel or reduce sailings and flights for one to two weeks, causing minor delays rather than systemic disruption.”
3. Post-holiday recovery
Even after the official holiday ends, operations do not immediately normalize. Passenger travel is prioritized over cargo, and trucking capacity takes time to recover – often adding another week of delay.
Also read: Tackling port congestion: Essential insights for navigating global trade
Bertling’s Advice: Plan Ahead
From our perspective, preparation is key.
Chinese New Year should be treated like Christmas in Europe or the US, a known disruption that must be built into logistics planning.
We therefore advise our customers to:
- Plan shipments well in advance
- Calculate the entire transport journey – from Chinese factory to final destination
- Avoid last-minute bookings
- Align closely with suppliers and logistics partners
Calculate the transportation time all the way from the China manufacturer to the port and then to the destination to make sure the cargo arrives within your expected time frame.
We of course support our customers throughout this process, helping forecast timelines, secure capacity early, and design supply chain strategies that reduce risk during peak periods.
Let Bertling Support You During Chinese New Year
At Bertling, we understand the complexities of global logistics, especially during peak periods such as Chinese New Year. We are committed to providing tailored solutions that support your supply chain every step of the way.
If you have questions about your shipments or need assistance with planning around Chinese New Year, our experts in air freight, sea freight, rail freight, and road freight are ready to help ensure your cargo reaches its destination efficiently and on schedule.
We would also like to take this opportunity to wish our clients and business partners joyful and peaceful Chinese New Year holidays, continued success, and good health for 2026. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in the year ahead – and as always, you can count on Bertling’s full support, no matter the challenges the new year may bring.