Chinese New Year is the biggest holiday in China, and it has a big impact on shipping. In the weeks before the holiday, factories get extremely busy trying to finish orders, and once the holiday starts, many factories close for 1–4 weeks. That means if your goods aren’t ready before the shutdown, your shipment could be delayed for a month or more.
The lead-up to the holiday is a rush time. Ports get crowded, container space fills up, and production lines work overtime. If you’re shipping by sea, especially in shared containers (LCL), getting your cargo to the warehouse early is key. Late shipments often have to wait until after the holiday, which can push back delivery significantly.
Even after the holiday, things don’t return to normal immediately. Factories reopen slowly, and there’s often a backlog of orders. For anyone shipping from China to Antigua and Barbuda, the best plan is to have everything ready well before Chinese New Year to avoid delays and extra costs.
