Preparing Supply Chains for Chinese New Year 2026

Chinese New Year remains one of the most significant events affecting global supply chains, particularly for organisations that depend on Chinese manufacturing, component sourcing, and export logistics.

In 2026, the holiday begins in mid-February, yet its operational impact will extend across several weeks on either side of the official celebration. Production patterns shift, labour availability declines, transport networks experience mounting pressure, and freight schedules become less predictable.

Without early preparation, these combined factors can compromise delivery reliability and weaken commercial performance.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese New Year 2026 will affect manufacturing output, freight capacity, and transport schedules for an extended period surrounding the holiday.
• Early production cut-off dates, reduced labour availability, and heightened demand for freight space will create significant pressure across supply chains.
• Proactive planning, including advanced bookings, increased stock buffers, and improved visibility tools, will help prevent disruption.
• Strong coordination with logistics partners, supported by clear communication, is essential for maintaining supply chain reliability during this annual peak period.

Impact of Chinese New Year on Global Freight

Chinese New Year 2026, beginning on 17 February and running through to 3 March, will create one of the most substantial seasonal disruptions to global freight operations. Although the public holiday itself is brief, the effects extend for weeks. Production slows well before factories close, labour availability decreases, and transport networks across China operate under considerable strain. Businesses that rely on Chinese manufacturing or export channels must prepare for a period marked by reduced output, congestion, and fluctuating transit times.

In the month leading up to the holiday, factories begin winding down activity as workers travel home. This early decline in staffing levels leads to longer production lead times, tighter scheduling constraints, and reduced flexibility for last-minute orders. Manufacturers often impose earlier cut-off dates to manage workload, which can create challenges for organisations that traditionally order close to dispatch.

Key pre-holiday impacts include:

• Longer production lead times as factories limit new orders
• Reduced staffing levels, which constrain output and quality control
• Early cut-off dates that limit flexibility for urgent or late-cycle orders
• Increased pressure on component suppliers and subcontractors

Transport networks experience similar strain. Exporters compete for limited freight space, ports become congested, and carriers adjust schedules to cope with rising outbound volumes. Air freight availability tightens as demand increases, while sea freight schedules may face delays or rolled cargo.

Freight-specific challenges include:

• Congestion at major ports and container yards, resulting in extended dwell times
• Inconsistent sailing schedules and reduced vessel capacity on key trade lanes
• Limited air freight availability due to elevated seasonal demand
• Slower customs processing as staffing levels decline

Once the holiday begins, many logistics facilities either close entirely or operate with minimal teams, leading to restricted throughput. When production resumes, a backlog of orders typically builds, prolonging delays. The combined effect is a multi-week period where supply chains require careful management to maintain reliability and protect customer commitments.

Managing the Chinese New Year Production Surge

The period leading up to the holiday is highly challenging, as manufacturers face mounting pressure, exporters compete for limited capacity, and companies dependent on flexible or just-in-time production become especially vulnerable. To navigate this period effectively, businesses must prepare for the distinct challenges that arise in the weeks before the holiday.

Earlier Production Cut-Offs and Scheduling Constraints

Manufacturers frequently introduce early production cut-off dates to manage workload. These revised timelines can disrupt established planning cycles, especially for businesses that typically place orders close to shipment dates. Firms should maintain close dialogue with suppliers, confirm cut-off dates well in advance, and provide accurate demand forecasts so that production can be prioritised appropriately. By aligning schedules early, organisations can reduce the likelihood of incomplete orders or bottlenecks within multi-stage manufacturing processes.

Increased Pressure on Carriers and Export Gateways

Demand for freight space increases considerably during the pre-holiday period. Carriers face high volumes, which may lead to rolled cargo, earlier booking deadlines, and tighter space allocations. Businesses should secure bookings well before peak demand begins, rather than relying on short-notice requests. Reviewing alternative ports, transit routes, or flexible departure windows can also help mitigate congestion risks, particularly for time-sensitive shipments.

Balancing Procurement Risks with Operational Requirements

Balancing procurement timing with the realities of seasonal disruption requires careful judgment. Some businesses may choose to advance orders significantly, while others prioritise staggered scheduling to avoid excessive stock accumulation. The correct approach depends on product type, demand predictability, and the resilience of upstream suppliers. This strategic assessment should occur early, allowing organisations to determine whether to accelerate orders, adjust product mixes, or temporarily broaden their supplier base.

Planning Measures That Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience

Chinese New Year requires a structured, forward-looking approach to supply chain planning. Although the disruption cannot be removed entirely, proactive measures can significantly reduce its impact. The most resilient organisations combine early preparation with adaptable processes, clear communication, and real-time visibility.

Extend Planning Horizons

Expanding planning windows provides teams with the time needed to anticipate risk and adjust operations accordingly.
Key actions include:

• Reviewing production schedules and confirming factory cut-off dates well ahead of peak demand
• Monitoring carrier capacity forecasts to anticipate tightening availability
• Aligning internal inventory requirements with revised procurement cycles
• Communicating predicted timelines with customers to manage expectations

Early oversight reduces the likelihood of sudden schedule changes and supports more accurate decision-making.

Secure Freight Capacity Early

Freight availability becomes increasingly limited as the holiday approaches, making timely bookings essential.
Businesses should prioritise:

• Reserving capacity with carriers before peak pressure begins
• Locking in preferred routes to avoid rolled cargo or extended transits
• Exploring alternative ports or departure windows when primary corridors face congestion
• Confirming space with logistics partners who can provide updated capacity insight

Early booking helps preserve routing stability and reduces unexpected delays.

Strengthen Inventory Strategy

Well-prepared inventory management remains one of the most effective tools for mitigating disruption.
Measures may include:

• Increasing safety stock for high-demand or long-lead items
• Advancing replenishment schedules ahead of factory closures
• Securing additional warehouse space to support temporary inventory needs
• Reviewing demand forecasts to avoid excessive or insufficient stock levels

Balanced buffer stock ensures continuity without unnecessary cost or waste.

Enhance Digital Visibility and Communication

Real-time information becomes particularly valuable when schedules and capacity fluctuate.
Useful steps include:

• Implementing digital tracking tools to monitor multi-modal shipments
• Using forecasting platforms to identify emerging delays
• Integrating supply chain data to improve responsiveness
• Maintaining continuous communication with logistics partners for timely updates

Stronger visibility allows businesses to intervene early, preventing minor issues from evolving into widespread disruption.

How KG Logistics Can Help

KG Logistics provides comprehensive support to businesses preparing for the challenges of Chinese New Year 2026.

Our experienced team works proactively to secure freight capacity, coordinate shipment schedules, and provide clear, timely communication throughout the period. By partnering with KG Logistics, businesses gain a reliable ally capable of maintaining supply chain continuity, reducing risk, and ensuring operations remain efficient even during this challenging period.

• Securing freight capacity well in advance to avoid delays
• Coordinating shipment schedules across multiple transport modes
• Advising on alternative routes to mitigate port congestion
• Supporting inventory management and buffer stock planning
• Providing real-time tracking and updates to ensure visibility
• Maintaining clear communication to manage expectations with customers and partners

Speak to our experts today at 01634 540109 to find out how KG Logistics can help you with your freight forwarding needs.