The countdown to Chinese New Year is now very much underway, with just one week until China Nationals start to celebrate this year’s Spring Festival with their families, and the country’s logistics practically halts for two weeks. 

The celebrations last for two weeks, starting with New Year’s Day on February 17th and ending with the Lantern Festival on March 3rd. During this period, the vast majority of factories and businesses in China will be closed, even though the official public holiday is shorter.

Next week will mark the end to the snake year, which will be replaced by the Year Of The Horse. According to Chinese tradition, those born in a horse year are believed to be independent, enthusiastic, popular, cheerful, and quick to compliment others.

In the days leading up to the Chinese New Year, millions of Chinese nationals will travel from all over the world to be with their families. While homeowners will be cleaning their homes to ward of bad spirits, before decorating them with red lanterns to bring good luck.

Freight movements in and out of China will effectively come to a standstill during the Spring Festival. If previous years are anything to go by, then will also be a period of low output for ocean freight orders, as production takes a while to ramp up following the holiday.  Therefore, carriers have blanked sailings both during and after Chinese New Year.

Westbound Chinese offices will be closed during the public holiday period, from February 16th to February 23rd. However, Hong Kong’s public holiday dates are from 17th-19th February.

To all of our friends, partners and customers –  Happy Chinese New Year or Gong hei fat choy!

 

At Westbound Logistics we pride ourselves in offering personalised and tailored logistics solutions. To find out more please call 01375 800800 or email [email protected].