Chinese New Year is not only a challenge for global supply chains for well prepared importers, it can also become a competitive advantage.
While many businesses face delays, rising costs, and stock shortages, others manage to keep operations running smoothly thanks to strategic logistics planning and the right tools.
The difference is not the holiday itself, but how you manage your imports.
The Most Common Mistake Importers Make During Chinese New Year
One of the biggest problems is not factory shutdowns — it’s the lack of visibility and control over logistics operations.
Many importers still rely on:
- Freight quotes via WhatsApp
- Endless email chains with multiple agents
- Slow responses during peak season
This leads to reactive decisions, limited comparison, and unnecessary costs — precisely when the market is under the most pressure.
During Chinese New Year, making fast decisions based on clear, real-time information is critical.
What Importers Need to Operate Smoothly During This Season
Importers who successfully navigate Chinese New Year rely on three key pillars:
1. Real-Time Cost Visibility
Freight rates can change weekly — sometimes daily. Having access to updated pricing allows you to:
- Avoid overpaying due to urgency
- Adjust budgets in advance
- Choose the best option between ocean and air freight
2. The Ability to Compare Logistics Options
Not all ports, routes, or freight forwarders respond the same way during the holiday. Being able to compare:
- Different origins
- Transit times
- Costs and service levels
can make a significant difference in your final import costs.
3. Expert Logistics Support
During critical periods, professional guidance helps prevent common mistakes such as:
- Poor shipment scheduling
- Incorrect Incoterm selection
- Lack of coordination between suppliers, carriers, and agents
How ComexPoint Helps You Import from China Even During Peak Season
In complex scenarios like Chinese New Year, technology and expertise make all the difference.
With ComexPoint, you can:
- Compare ocean and air freight rates in one place
- Make informed decisions without relying on multiple intermediaries
- Reduce management time and operational friction
- Plan imports with greater visibility and control
The result: fewer delays, lower unexpected costs, and operational continuity, even when the market is under pressure.
Successful Importing Is About Anticipation, Not Reaction
Chinese New Year happens every year.
Delays, congestion, and freight rate increases are not a surprise.
The difference between lost sales and a resilient supply chain comes down to:
- Early planning
- Choosing the right logistics tools
- Working with solutions designed for real importers
Importing from China? Now Is the Time to Prepare
Chinese New Year happens every year.
Delays, congestion, and rate increases are not a surprise.
The difference between losing sales or keeping your operation running lies in:
- Monitoring reopenings and alternative routes, contact suppliers NOW, confirm reopening dates (staggered), available stock and production stages many respond partially from February 4 but get saturated in March–April.
- Choose tools that calculate real costs in real time like our platform.
- Monitor ports and routes: Use trackers (shipping line apps) for Shanghai/Ningbo congestion and keep checking delays of +30 days that are common; prioritize air freight for urgent shipments it’s more expensive but faster.
- Work hand in hand with ComexPoint executives, since it is designed to anticipate errors and losses.
- Secure transport bookings: Book containers/vessels now, strict cut-offs and freight rates rise between 20 to 50%; evaluate LCL or alternative routes like Vietnam/India.
Do you import from China? Act NOW in the post-holiday phase.
If your business depends on Chinese shipments, don’t wait for backlog to collapse your cashflow.
Monitor, compare, and optimize with ComexPoint, your online platform that simplifies your international logistics and gives you precise total costs.
Weekly Action Plan
| Week Post-Start | Specific Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| This week (Feb 17–23) | Contact suppliers via WeChat/email, confirm reopening and ready stock | Avoid surprises; 70% respond partially |
| Week 2 (Feb 24–Mar 2) | Check port trackers (Shanghai app), book urgent LCL/air | Congestion peaks; freight +30% |
| Weeks 3–4 (March) | Quote total costs (freight + duties) with ComexPoint; inform clients of delays | Optimize budget; retain sales |
| Week 5+ (April) | Diversify 10–20% of suppliers (India/SE Asia); analyze lessons | Reduce China dependency; 30% of Chile imports |
Anticipate, compare, and plan with a platform built to simplify international logistics.
