It’s Chinese New Year’s Eve today and production has now stopped in China, as factories close and its people ready themselves for this year’s Spring Festival.

The celebrations last for two weeks and end with the Lantern Festival on February 12th. During this period, the vast majority of factories and businesses in China will be closed, even though the official public holiday lasts for just seven days.

Tomorrow, Wednesday 29th January, will bring an end to the dragon year, which will be replaced by the Year Of The Snake. By tradition, people born in snake years demonstrate wisdom, intuition and transformation, but can also be seen as secretive and jealous.

For the past few days, millions of Chinese nationals have been travelling from all over the world to be with their families during the celebrations. While others will have been cleaning their homes to ward of bad spirits and decorating them with red lanterns to bring good luck.

Logistics services within China will be at a standstill during the holiday period and traditionally there will be a drop in ocean and air freight demand following it.  New carrier alliances and new sailing schedules are being introduced from February, so it will be interesting to see how the next few weeks pan out.

Westbound’s Chinese offices will be closed during the public holiday period, from 28th January to 4th February. However, Hong Kong’s public holiday dates are from 28th-30th January.

To all of our colleagues, 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 info@westboundglobal.com.