Chinese New Year (CNY) is one of the most disruptive periods in the global logistics calendar — and for Australian importers, the impact is often underestimated.
Each year, factory shutdowns across China, combined with reduced shipping capacity and port congestion, lead to delays, higher freight costs, and unpredictable transit times for cargo moving into Australia.
In 2026, these risks are expected to be heightened by continued volatility in global ocean freight and ongoing capacity constraints on Asia–Pacific trade lanes.
When Is Chinese New Year 2026?
- Chinese New Year Day: 17 February 2026 (Year of the Horse)
- Official Holiday Period: Approximately 17–23 February 2026
- Real Impact on Australian Imports: Late January to late March 2026
While the public holiday lasts around one week, many Chinese factories slow or stop production 2–3 weeks earlier, and full operations often take several weeks to resume after the holiday.
For Australian supply chains, this creates a disruption window of 6–8 weeks.
How Chinese New Year Affects Australia-Bound Freight
1. Factory Shutdowns in China
Most Chinese manufacturers close or operate at reduced capacity during CNY as workers travel home. This results in:
- Production delays
- Missed cut-off dates
- Orders rolling into March shipments
If your goods are not produced and booked early, they are unlikely to ship on time.
2. Increased Freight Rates into Australia
In the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year:
- Demand for vessel space from China surges
- Carriers reduce available capacity
- Freight rates increase on Asia–Australia lanes
Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) and General Rate Increases (GRIs) are common during this period, particularly on:
- China → East Coast Australia
- China → Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane
3. Port Congestion and Blank Sailings
Before and after CNY, Chinese export ports experience congestion as shippers rush cargo out. At the same time, carriers may:
- Cancel sailings (blank sailings)
- Adjust schedules to manage reduced demand during the holiday
- Reposition empty containers
For Australian importers, this often leads to longer transit times and unreliable ETAs.
4. Delays After Factories Reopen
One of the biggest risks for Australian businesses occurs after Chinese New Year:
- Factories take time to return to full output
- Trucking and warehouse labour remains limited
- Export backlogs build quickly
Even once production resumes, shipments can face delays well into March.
2026 Freight Market Conditions for Australian Importers
Beyond normal CNY disruption, the 2026 freight market presents additional challenges:
Ongoing Global Ocean Freight Uncertainty
- Security risks and longer vessel routing continue to impact capacity and schedules
- Some Asia–Europe disruptions flow on to Asia–Pacific services
Capacity Pressure Ex-China
- Equipment imbalances and uneven demand continue to affect Asia-to-Australia services
- Space is expected to be tight for both FCL and LCL shipments around CNY
Australian Industries Most Affected
Australian importers most exposed to CNY disruption include:
- Retail and consumer goods
- Building materials and hardware
- Electronics and electrical components
- Automotive parts and machinery
- Furniture and homewares
Businesses operating on just-in-time inventory models are particularly vulnerable.
How Australian Importers Can Prepare for Chinese New Year 2026
1. Lock in Production Early
Confirm manufacturing schedules with suppliers well before January 2026. Do not assume factories will operate normally in the lead-up to the holiday.
2. Book Freight Capacity in Advance
Secure space early to avoid peak pricing and rollovers. Where possible:
- Book FCL shipments ahead of time
- Consider LCL consolidation options if space is limited
3. Increase Safety Stock
Build buffer inventory to cover delays through February and March, especially for fast-moving or critical items.
4. Be Flexible with Routing
Using alternative Chinese ports or adjusting sailing schedules can help reduce congestion risk and delays.
5. Budget for Higher Costs
Australian importers should allow for:
- Increased freight rates
- Peak season surcharges
- Potential storage, demurrage, and detention costs
6. Communicate with Customers Early
If delays are likely, set expectations early with downstream customers to avoid disruption to sales and projects.
Key Takeaways for Australian Importers
Chinese New Year impacts last far longer than the holiday itself Freight rates and space into Australia tighten quickly Early planning is the most effective cost-control strategy Working with an experienced freight forwarder reduces risk
Final Word from GENFREIGHT
Chinese New Year 2026 will have a significant impact on Australia-bound imports, particularly for businesses reliant on Chinese manufacturing.
With tighter capacity, rising freight costs, and extended lead times, early planning is essential. Importers who wait too long may face higher costs, delayed shipments, and inventory shortages.
GENFREIGHT works closely with Australian importers to secure capacity, manage risk, and keep supply chains moving during peak disruption periods like Chinese New Year.
Plan Ahead with GENFREIGHT
If you import from China into Australia, now is the time to plan for Chinese New Year 2026.
Our experienced team can help you:
- Lock in freight capacity
- Avoid unnecessary delays
- Control shipping costs during peak periods
Contact GENFREIGHT today to start planning ahead.