Practical insights for time-critical cargo
Lunar New Year 2026, also known as Spring Festival, will impact production and logistics across major manufacturing hubs in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Vietnam. Starting mid-February, this annual holiday period typically leads to temporary factory closures, reduced staffing, and slower transport flows across the region.
While the official holidays last only a few days, their operational impact often extends over one to two weeks, particularly before and after the festivities, as production resumes and logistics networks gradually return to normal capacity.
Holiday dates and closures by country
| Country | Holidays | Duration & operational impact |
| China | 15–23 February: Spring Festival | 9 days: factories, ports and customs operate at reduced or suspended capacity, followed by post-holiday backlogs |
| Hong Kong | 17–19 February: Lunar New Year holidays | 3 days: offices and logistics hubs closed |
| South Korea | 16–18 February: Seollal | 3 days: reduced staffing due to nationwide travel |
| Vietnam | 14–22 February: Tet Festival | 9 days (including weekends): manufacturing and export activity largely on hold |
Expected effects on supply chains
- Factory and supplier shutdowns: Production pauses for 7–10 days, requiring careful coordination of order cut-offs and restart schedules.
- Port congestion: High travel volumes place additional pressure on roads, rail, and major ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Air freight capacity: Passenger flights reach full capacity early, leaving less space for cargo. This typically leads to higher freight rates (rates spike 3-5 times).
- Customs and last-mile operations: Public offices close temporarily, while regional trucking capacity is stretched.
Practical planning advice for logistics managers
- Secure regular air freight capacity 3–5 weeks in advance whenever possible.
- Build buffer stock for critical components and confirm supplier holiday cut-off dates early with the shippers.
- Use On Board Courier solutions for smaller shipments and parcels that cannot wait.
- Monitor post-holiday capacity closely and consider premium air freight to recover production schedules.
- Where feasible, diversify sourcing outside the most affected regions.
Supporting urgent shipments during Lunar New Year
To maintain continuity during peak holiday periods, logistics managers can turn to targeted urgent solutions such as:
- Priority air freight: Delivery in 4–5 days during seasonal peaks. Freight rates are usually significantly higher, often in the 20–30 €/kg chargeable range.
- On Board Courier services, ensuring door-to-door delivery within 24–48 hours
- Weekend customs clearance at supported airports
- 24/7 express last-mile delivery
Do you have a time-sensitive shipment to organise from Asia?
Our team supports logistics managers year-round with advance planning and time-critical solutions. Available 24/7, we help secure routes and timelines. Contact us for tailored advice.
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