As Chinese factories come back online after the Lunar New Year break on February 17, South African retailers face a crucial moment to secure inventory and avoid costly supply gaps throughout February and the first quarter.
Don’t expect production to immediately hit full throttle once the holiday ends. Typically, factories ease back into operation, with output running below normal for several weeks as workers gradually return from their hometowns. For importers in South Africa, this slowdown poses a real challenge, miss the mark here, and you could find your shelves empty just as customer demand peaks.
Stay Ahead: Lock in Supplier Timelines and Focus on Your Bestsellers
Your first move? Reach out to your suppliers without delay. Factory reopening schedules vary, don’t assume your orders will automatically start moving just because the calendar does. Once you have confirmed dates, prioritise your fastest-selling products. Your key items can’t afford to get stuck behind slower production lines. Know which SKUs are mission-critical and where your buffer stocks are dangerously low. Ideally, goods would have shipped before the holiday, but now it’s all about securing the earliest production slots available. Be clear and assertive, your stock depends on it.
Fast and Efficient Shipping: Balancing Cost and Urgency
Manufacturing is just half the journey. Getting your goods to market quickly is the next hurdle, especially with ports often congested after the holiday. Air freight offers speed but comes with a premium price tag. A smart combination of air and sea freight, or faster sea freight options, can strike the perfect balance between cost and urgency.
For smaller shipments, consider less-than-container load (LCL) options to avoid waiting for a full container. While spot rates might surge, investing a little extra now beats losing sales later. This is where a reliable logistics partner truly adds value. Partnering with DHL, for example, gives you access to a global network and local expertise that can help you navigate bottlenecks and unlock expedited routes others might miss.
Customs and Warehousing: Stay Proactive
Port backlogs mean there’s no room for delays on paperwork. Submit your customs documentation as soon as it’s ready, don’t wait for the vessel’s arrival. Pre-clearance processes allow you to clear goods while they’re still at sea, shaving precious time off delivery.
Add a two to three-week buffer to your usual timelines to absorb post-holiday delays. Where possible, leverage bonded or regional warehouses to stage inventory closer to home. Third-party logistics providers with local stock can bridge the gap while you wait for your main shipments to clear customs.
Cashflow and Payments: Keep the Wheels Turning
Cash flow is king during this recovery phase. Many suppliers face their own cash pressures post-holiday and may require full upfront payment before releasing goods. Be prepared. If working capital is tight, explore cargo financing options. Logistics partners who can pay suppliers against cargo collateral help you keep stock moving without draining your cash reserves.
Your Post-Holiday Recovery Roadmap
Keep your team aligned with this simple two-week plan:
Day 0 (Feb 19): Confirm supplier reopening dates.
Days 1 to 7: Prioritise critical SKUs and secure expedited production slots.
Days 7 to 14: Submit customs paperwork for pre-clearance and arrange air or express freight for urgent items.
Ongoing: Keep sales teams and customers informed with realistic arrival forecasts.
Consider teaming up with DHL for seamless end-to-end support. Their extensive global logistics network offers express lanes, local warehousing, and cargo financing solutions designed to accelerate your recovery and reduce risk.
Plan for the Slow Start, Prepare for the Sprint
Factory capacity doesn’t bounce back overnight. Treat the first few weeks after reopening as a critical risk period. Be ready to switch to air freight for your most important lines and adjust priorities as needed. With focused planning, early customs action, and the right logistics partner, you’ll get stock flowing quickly, keeping your customers satisfied and your shelves fully stocked.
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