Asian Logistics: Your European Importer’s International Freight Forwarder
The Chinese New Year (CNY – Spring Festival) is the single most significant event shaping the Global Supply Chain in the first quarter. In 2026, the holiday falls on FEBRUARY 17TH.
To ensure the continuity of your China import shipments (and Asia imports) and prevent disruptions lasting until March, it is strategic to act now, in December.
Impact of CNY 2026 on International Transport
Understanding the following impacts is crucial for planning your China import shipments:
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Factory Shutdowns and Production Halts: Factories typically reduce output 2–3 weeks before the holiday and may not resume full capacity until mid-March. Orders placed during this time are often subject to lengthy delays.
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Freight Rate Spikes: Shipping demand surges in the lead-up to CNY (the “Pre-CNY Rush”), driving up ocean freight and air freight rates due to peak season surcharges. Booking early is essential to avoid inflated costs.
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Peak Cargo Rush (Pre-CNY): Shipping volumes increase sharply between December and January. Limited shipping capacity for both ocean freight and air freight requires advance booking.
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Port Congestion and Delays: Ports experience a rush of shipments before and after the holiday, leading to container shortages, longer dwell times, and slowdowns in customs clearance procedures.
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Labour Shortages: Workforce availability drops sharply during the holiday and recovers slowly, affecting warehousing, trucking, and last-mile delivery services.
Industries Most Affected by Closures
Companies active in the following sectors, in particular, must ensure maximum attention when planning orders from China:
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Electronics: Components and finished goods.
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Textiles and Apparel: Garments and accessories.
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Toys: Manufacturing and distribution.
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Automotive: Parts and assembly.
Official Communications from Ocean and Air Carriers
Asian Logistics monitors the sector’s primary sources daily to inform our strategies:
We track the Official Communications from Ocean and Air Carriers (such as Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, etc.). These companies have already issued specific advisories confirming:
- Rate Revisions (GRI): Cost increases (GRI – General Rate Increase) are anticipated for the first weeks of January.
- Service Changes: The scheduling of Blank Sailings (cancelled voyages) significantly reduces available shipping capacity.
The Asian Logistics Advantage: Expertise and Custom Solutions
Asian Logistics is your dedicated China-to-Europe Freight Forwarder, ready to handle the CNY challenges with professionalism and a tailored approach:
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Reliable Asian Network: Benefit from our collaboration with the most reliable transport carriers and a capillary network of trusted agent partners and collaborators throughout the Chinese territory.
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Comprehensive Management: We offer meticulous shipment assistance and smart, professional workflow management, ensuring a complete door-to-door service.
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Specialist Competence: Our native Chinese-speaking staff and the high level of staff preparation ensure precise customs and documentary consultancy, crucial for importing from China.
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Tailored Solutions: We propose solutions studied individually based on every single logistical need. The most “difficult” shipments are our strength!
