Chinese New Year 2026: What Australian Importers Need to Know
By Think Global Logistics (TGL)
Chinese New Year (CNY) is one of the most disruptive periods in the global supply chain, and for Australian importers, its impact is often underestimated.
Each year, factory shutdowns across China, combined with reduced shipping capacity and port congestion, lead to delays, higher freight costs, and unpredictable transit times for cargo moving into Australia.
In 2026, these risks are expected to be amplified by ongoing volatility in global ocean freight and continued capacity constraints across Asia–Pacific trade lanes.
When Is Chinese New Year 2026?
- Chinese New Year Day: 17 February 2026 (Year of the Horse)
- Official Holiday Period: Approximately 17–23 February 2026
- Real Impact on Australian Imports: Late January to late March 2026
While the public holiday lasts around one week, many Chinese factories slow or cease production 2–3 weeks earlier, and full operations often take several weeks to resume after the holiday.
For Australian supply chains, this creates a disruption window of 6–8 weeks.
How the Chinese New Year Affects Australia-Bound Freight
1. Factory Shutdowns in China
Most Chinese manufacturers close or operate at reduced capacity during CNY as workers travel home. This results in:
- Production delays
- Missed cut-off dates
- Orders rolling into March shipments
If your goods are not produced and booked early, they are unlikely to ship on time.
2. Increased Freight Rates into Australia
In the weeks leading up to the Chinese New Year:
- Demand for vessel space from China surges
- Carriers reduce available capacity
- Freight rates increase on the Asia–Australia lanes
Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) and General Rate Increases (GRIs) are common, particularly on routes such as:
- China → East Coast Australia
- China → Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane
3. Port Congestion and Blank Sailings
Before and after CNY, Chinese export ports experience heavy congestion as shippers rush cargo out. At the same time, carriers may:
- Cancel sailings (blank sailings)
- Adjust schedules to manage reduced demand during the holiday
- Reposition empty containers
For Australian importers, this often leads to longer transit times and unreliable ETAs.
4. Delays After Factories Reopen
One of the biggest risks occurs after the Chinese New Year:
- Factories take time to return to full production
- Trucking and warehouse labour remains limited
- Export backlogs build rapidly
Even once production resumes, shipments can face delays well into March.
2026 Freight Market Conditions for Australian Importers
Beyond standard CNY disruption, 2026 presents additional challenges:
Ongoing Global Ocean Freight Uncertainty
- Security risks and longer vessel routings continue to impact capacity and schedules
- Disruptions in other regions can flow through to Asia–Pacific services
Capacity Pressure Ex-China
- Equipment imbalances and uneven demand continue to affect China-to-Australia services
- Space is expected to be tight for both FCL and LCL shipments around CNY
Australian Industries Most Affected
Industries most exposed to Chinese New Year disruption include:
- Retail and consumer goods
- Building materials and hardware
- Electronics and electrical components
- Automotive parts and machinery
- Furniture and homewares
Businesses operating on just-in-time inventory models are particularly vulnerable.
How Australian Importers Can Prepare for Chinese New Year 2026
1. Lock in Production Early
Confirm manufacturing schedules with suppliers well before January 2026. Do not assume factories will operate normally in the lead-up to the holiday.
2. Book Freight Capacity in Advance
Secure space early to avoid peak pricing and rollovers. Where possible:
- Book FCL shipments ahead of time
- Consider LCL consolidation options if space is limited
3. Increase Safety Stock
Build buffer inventory to cover delays through February and March, especially for fast-moving or critical items.
4. Be Flexible with Routing
Using alternative ports or adjusting sailing schedules can help reduce congestion risk and transit delays.
5. Budget for Higher Costs
Australian importers should allow for:
- Increased freight rates
- Peak season surcharges
- Potential storage, demurrage, and detention charges
6. Communicate with Customers Early
If delays are likely, set expectations early with downstream customers to minimise disruption to sales and projects.
Key Takeaways for Australian Importers
✔ Chinese New Year impacts last far longer than the holiday itself ✔ Freight rates and space into Australia tighten quickly ✔ Early planning is the most effective cost-control strategy ✔ Working with an experienced freight forwarder reduces risk
Final Word from Think Global Logistics
Chinese New Year 2026 will have a significant impact on Australia-bound imports, particularly for businesses reliant on Chinese manufacturing.
With tighter capacity, rising freight costs, and extended lead times, early planning is essential. Importers who delay risk higher costs, shipment rollovers, and inventory shortages.
Think Global Logistics (TGL) works closely with Australian importers to secure capacity, manage risk, and keep supply chains moving during peak disruption periods like the Chinese New Year.
Plan with Think Global Logistics
If you import from China into Australia, now is the time to plan for the Chinese New Year 2026. Our experienced team can help you:
✔ Lock in freight capacity ✔ Avoid unnecessary delays ✔ Control shipping costs during peak periods