Preparing for Chinese New Year 2026

December 28, 2025 3 min read

Every year, between January and February, China prepares for its biggest celebration: Chinese New Year.
On this holiday, millions of workers return to their homes, factories close their doors, and ports become quiet. So for almost two weeks, the world's manufacturing power has been slowing down.

The scope of this slowdown is enormous, and the impact is being felt in many countries. The holiday season can cause delays in shipments from China, disruptions to production schedules, and the risk of empty shelves. For importers, planning demand in advance is a necessity to ensure that the business can safely get through the Chinese New Year slowdown.

In this guide, we'll track the causes of supply chain disruptions, learn about effective solutions, and gather the critical steps every business should take to effectively prepare for Chinese New Year.

How does Chinese New Year affect shipping and disrupt global supply chains?

1. Factory closures
Chinese New Year is much more than a regular holiday; This is a nationwide mass exit. Most factories are closed for at least one to two weeks, and many workers take longer vacations to travel home. According to Statista, China was responsible for 29% of global production output in 2023, making these closures a significant disruption on a global scale.

2. Logistics Bottlenecks
In the weeks leading up to the Chinese New Year, there has been a sharp increase in demand for shipping. Businesses rush to move goods before the holiday, leading to congestion at ports, overcrowding at airports, and shortages of containers. The frenzy before the holiday sometimes forces importers to compete fiercely for limited capacity, which further exacerbates shipment delays.

3. Delays after the holiday
Even after the celebrations are over, the factories do not immediately return to full activity. Staffing shortages, order backlogs, and extended recovery times can mean that delayed shipments can take weeks longer. For businesses in India, express shipping services from China have become a critical tool for dealing with post-holiday bottlenecks and maintaining continuous supplies.

Which industries are most affected by delays during Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year can disrupt supply chains in various sectors, with some industries particularly susceptible to production stoppages and shipping delays:

Electronics and technology: Semiconductors and device components imported from China may face shipment delays, slowing down new launches and repairs.
Textiles and fashion: Imported fabric and apparel may arrive late, which affects seasonal launches.
Manufacturing and automotive: Delays in machinery and raw materials can halt production and create bottlenecks on assembly lines.

How to Predict Delays by Forecasting Demand

Planning ahead is key to avoiding costly delays during Chinese New Year. Here are the key steps to maintain an advantage include:

Review historical sales data: Analyze first-quarter trends in previous years and seasonal highs to assess inventory for the holiday period and recovery weeks.
Conducting supply chain audits: identifying suppliers in China and prioritizing shipments for sensitive products or components.
Pre-ordering: Schedule production and shipment 2–3 months in advance to avoid stock shortages.
Communicating with suppliers: Verifying factory schedules and securing production locations to fit a realistic schedule.

Dealing with a shortage of shipping space during the Chinese New Year period

Shortages of shipping space during the advance to Chinese New Year arise when the demand for containers or air freight far exceeds supply. When businesses rush to ship orders, ships become overfilled, containers become scarce, and any delay in shipping from China affects the entire supply chain and creates a domino effect.
For importers, the consequences can be severe: higher shipping costs, unexpected delays that last for weeks, and the risk that critical shipments will be left behind entirely. Awareness of this peak period allows businesses to look for alternatives, such as express shipping services.

How to Reduce Delays During Chinese New Year with DHL Express

We have room for your heavy shipments
DHL Express operates its own shipping fleet and dedicated network, allowing businesses to pre-ship essential goods from China, including heavy shipments up to 50 kg on a single bill of lading and without worrying about space.
Smooth customs clearance
Dealing with complex import regulations is a challenge, especially during peak periods. We have years of experience with in-country customs and have digital tools at your disposal that streamline the process, ensuring shipments go through customs quickly.
Real-time tracking
Continuous tracking and delivery options with an accurate delivery date allow importers to monitor shipments and plan inventory accurately. This transparency helps keep running smoothly even during the chaos of the holiday.

Plane Carrying Heavy Container from China

DHL Express: Global Express Solutions for Chinese New Year Business

Whether it's air cargo, express customs clearance, or full visibility of the shipment – our import and export services allow you to stay one step ahead of potential delays, and receive or ship international packages with ease.

With a variety of tools, you can plan shipments in advance, protect your supply chain, and keep your business moving. Now is the time to open a DHL Express business account today and ensure smooth shipping to India and beyond during the Chinese New Year period.

Frequently Asked Questions on Dealing with Shipping Delays During Chinese New Year

Did the shipment stop during the Chinese New Year?
Not completely, but it slows down significantly. Most factories, ports, and logistics suppliers in China are closing or operating at limited capacity. Even after the resumption of operations, it may take several weeks for the production and shipping schedules to return to normal.
When should you ship goods to avoid delays?
It is advisable to order and ship goods a month or two in advance, to make sure that the stock arrives on time even during the peak period of the Chinese New Year.
Is it possible to ship heavy or large goods with DHL?
Yes, heavy or large goods can be shipped via DHL Express, up to 3 tons in one waybill, depending on the terms of service.