If you’re sourcing from China, there’s one date you can’t afford to miss, Chinese New Year. For South African businesses, this isn’t just another public holiday.
It’s a global supply chain event that stops production in its tracks, and if you’re not ready, you’ll feel the effects long after the firecrackers fade. Get your shipments out before the cut-off, or you could be facing eye-watering surcharges, drawn-out delays, and disappointed customers.
In 2026, Chinese New Year lands on 17 February. Here’s the catch: the supply chain slowdown doesn’t start and end with the holiday. Factories begin winding down as early as mid-January, as millions of workers travel home for the world’s biggest annual migration. By February, ports are under pressure, shipping space is scarce, and rates shoot up. The impact doesn’t vanish overnight, expect a slow recovery well into March.
What Happens in the Lead-Up
As soon as November hits, the race is on. By December, everyone’s scrambling to get containers moving before the shutdown. Come January, production slows or stops, and logistics providers are stretched thin. Leave your booking too late, and you’ll either pay through the nose for space or watch your shipment get “rolled” to a later sailing. Worst-case scenario? Your cargo is stuck, gathering dust, until business resumes and ports clear the backlog.
Even after the official holiday break (17–23 February), China’s export engine takes up to two weeks to ramp up again. If your goods aren’t already at sea before the doors close, you’re looking at weeks, sometimes months, of delays.
The Downside of Delaying
South African importers who wait until the last minute feel the pain.
Shipping lines introduce General Rate Increases and peak season surcharges, while vessel space is reserved for those willing to pay a premium. Miss the window, and you risk paying top dollar, or worse, your cargo is “rolled” to a later ship. And with factories and ports working through backlogs, these disruptions ripple across global supply chains, making headaches last long after the festivities end.
Stay Ahead of the Rush
Don’t get caught in the scramble. Secure your freight space at least four to six weeks ahead of the holiday. Early bookings mean better rates and a smoother process when January chaos hits. Review your inventory now and identify critical stock, if you need something urgently, consider air freight to leapfrog ocean delays.
Check your supplier’s cut-off dates and build up safety stock to cover the shutdown. And if you want true peace of mind, work with a logistics partner that knows how to steer through the Chinese New Year crunch.
DHL: Your Partner in Peak Season
For South African businesses, the right partner makes all the difference. DHL combines global reach with local knowledge, helping you find freight space, fast-track shipments, and keep your supply chain moving, even when the market is tight. Whether you’re shipping by sea or need to switch to air, DHL’s team is ready to help you stay one step ahead.
Plan Now, Ship with Confidence
Chinese New Year comes around every year, but it still manages to catch some by surprise. Don’t let it be you. Confirm your bookings, talk to your suppliers, and get your shipments moving before the gates shut. With the right planning, and a trusted partner, your business will start the year strong and keep your customers smiling.
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