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China pauses for 14 days.
Your supply chain doesn't have to.
China holiday guide to plan your ocean and air shipments to Colombia well in advance.
Three key dates on the radar
These are the holiday periods with the highest impact on manufacturing, air/ocean capacity availability, and freight rates.
National Day + Mid-Autumn Festival High impact
14 combined days, the longest holiday period of the year. Factories shut down and carriers blank sailings. Port congestion is expected one to two weeks before and after.
New Year's Day Low impact
Single-day holiday. Operations remain largely normal throughout the remainder of the week.
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) High impact
9 official days, the longest break on record. In practice, many factories close for 2 to 3 weeks taking pre- and post-holiday production into account.
How to protect your operations
Practical recommendations to ensure your cargo does not get stranded during peak holiday seasons.
Book in advance
Confirm your bookings 3 to 4 weeks prior to each holiday window, especially before Chinese New Year.
Anticipate surcharges
Expect peak season surcharges and tight container equipment availability in the preceding weeks.
Coordinate with your supplier
Many factories close early and resume late beyond the official dates. Confirm their specific operational schedules.
Monitor air hubs
Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen commonly experience severe backlogs right before each holiday.
Plan your shipment with Dietrich Logistics
We help you stay ahead of factory shutdowns, secure carrier space, and avoid unexpected surcharges on your imports from China.
Speak with our team