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Preparing your supply chain for the Chinese New Year 2024

Every year, the Chinese New Year (CNY) shutdown has a profound impact on the global supply chain. During the holidays, production slows down, operations and capacity are limited, schedules get disrupted, and transportation gets delayed. Thus, leading to a number of significant supply chain disruptions.

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most important festival in China. During this time, families of multi-generations will gather and enjoy time together. Although it is a seven-day national holiday, many people book a longer holiday in order to return to their hometowns which are often quite far away.

When is the Chinese New Year in 2024?

Chinese New Year 2024 is the Year of the Dragon.

The official date for the Chinese New Year in 2024 is February 10th. The public holiday is a week-long, starting from February 10th to February 17th.

People will gather for a big New Year's Eve dinner on February 9th, and some will continue the celebrations till the Lantern Festival on February 24th.

The key dates of the 2024 Chinese New Year holiday:

2024 Chinese New Year's Eve: February 9, 2024

2024 Chinese New Year's Day: February 10, 2024

2024 Chinese Spring Lantern Festival: February 24, 2024

2024 Chinese New Year Holiday: February 10, 2024 - February 17, 2024

How will the Chinese New Year affect the supply chain?

Here is a timeline of the Chinese New Year 2024 and what it means for the logistics industry:

 

CNY2024_timeline_infographic.svg

Reduced production

Though the celebrations last for only a week, the factories will typically close two to four weeks ahead. This means a reduced level of production, starting from mid-January. 

To meet the deadline, factories usually ask workers to speed up production which can often result in low quality of work. 

High shipping demand before the holiday

As companies worldwide try to get their goods out of China before the holiday, the major ports in China will expect a shipping peak.

The surge in demand will lead to a shortage of containers and vessels, which in turn will lead to increased shipping costs and processing time.

Delays in shipping

Due to the congestion in ports, and a longer lead time, unexpected cancellations are possible.

Also, this year can be even more challenging due to the Red Sea crisis. Container carriers continue to re-route vessels utilizing the extended route around the Cape of Good Hope, this will increase the transit time even further.

The ways to minimize the risk of shipping delays:

  • Ship in advance;

Sea Freight is both cost effective and environmentally friendly. With local offices across Asia and Europe, ColliCare Logistics provides you with on the ground expertise and local agents at the most important ports in the region.

  • Choose other alternatives of transport;

Multimodal transportation doesn't just offer you alternate modes of transport but allows you to combine the most efficient modes of transportation. This method enables you to optimize delivery deadlines, reduce storage costs, increase cost control and make use of the most environmentally friendly methods of transportation.

  • Consider the ports with less congestion;

With local offices across Asia and Europe, our team of experts are able to provide you with local knowledge that will ensure the most efficient and safe transportation of your goods.

  • Choosing multiple container types and carriers;

As mentioned earlier, multimodal transportation allows for the usage of multiple container types and carriers throughout its journey, enabling for a more timely and safe delivery.

Be prepared

- Plan and prepare in advance

- Track and improve your inventory

- Stay in close communication with your suppliers

These are 3 keys to ensure a smooth supply chain during the holiday seasons of the year. 

It is hard to control the movement of goods overseas sometimes, but a reliable and resourceful logistics partner will take care of these obstacles.

Our dedicated team in Asia will assist you to make sure the goods are loaded to containers in proper conditions.

Contact with us

For existing customers - if you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, please keep in touch with your contact at ColliCare Logistics.

For future customers - Please send us your requirements and we will get back to you with a response immediately