Chinese New Year 2026 and its impact on global logistics

Chinese New Year is not only a cultural celebration, but also a key period for international logistics. Every year, the operational pause in China—one of the world's leading manufacturing and export centers—directly impacts shipping times and costs globally. 

That's why knowing when Chinese New Year 2026 is and understanding how it affects the supply chain is essential to plan and avoid delays in your operations.  

What is Chinese New Year? 

Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the year according to the lunar calendar and is celebrated with family gatherings, traditional festivities, and an extended period of rest from work. During these dates, many factories, suppliers and government offices suspend activities partially or totally, which directly impacts the production and movement of goods. 

In 2026, the Chinese New Year corresponds to the Year of the Horse, a symbol associated with energy, movement, and progress. This dynamism is clearly reflected in logistics, with an accelerated increase in shipments before and after the holiday. 

When is Chinese New Year 2026? 

One of the most frequently asked questions is: when does Chinese New Year 2026 start? In 2026, the celebration will take place from February 17 to March 3. However, the effects on the logistics operation usually begin weeks before and extend several weeks later, due to high demand and the gradual restart of activities. 

How does this holiday impact logistics? 

During Chinese New Year, logistics faces several challenges, including: 

• Temporary closure of factories and suppliers in China 

• Reduction of available spaces in maritime and air transport 

• Increase in rates due to high demand 

• Congestion at ports, airports and terminals 

• Delays in the production and clearance of goods 

This combination results in an overall slowdown in logistics operations and directly affects transit times and inventory planning. 

Key recommendations for your supply chain 

To reduce risks during Chinese New Year 2026, it is important to consider some logistical recommendations: 

• Confirm with suppliers the actual production and shipping times 

• Review available inventory and, if necessary, anticipate orders to cover closing weeks 

• Check in advance the available spaces, since the demand increases considerably 

• Choose the right type of transport (sea, air or multimodal) according to urgency and budget 

• Maintain constant monitoring of cargo before, during and after the holiday to ensure visibility 

These actions help maintain operational continuity even in one of the most demanding seasons of the year. 

How do we support you at SPARX?

During the Chinese New Year, good planning and the right accompaniment make all the difference. At SPARX, we support our clients with prior advice, close tracking of shipments, and visibility of cargo at every stage of the process, as well as guidance on key issues such as documentation, transit times, and cargo insurance.

Having a team with experience in Asian routes and our own offices in China allows us to thoroughly understand the dynamics of the local market, anticipate scenarios and manage shipments in a more orderly way, reducing the likelihood of delays and setbacks 

Conclusion 

Chinese New Year 2026 represents a significant challenge for logistics, but with clear information, advance planning, and the right support, it doesn't have to become a problem. 

Knowing the timing, understanding the impacts, and applying the right recommendations helps maintain supply chain stability, even in seasons of high demand. With the right planning and a reliable logistics partner, this stage can be managed efficiently and smoothly. 

Do you have shipments scheduled for these dates? Write to us and we will gladly support you in reviewing your operation and possible adjustments: https://www.sparxlogistics.com/contact-us