Does the Chinese New Year Affect Shipping Times?

In the days leading up to Chinese New Year (CNY) or the Lunar New Year, shipping delays and disruptions may occur due to a surge in orders and factory shutdowns during the holidays. If you’re expecting shipments for your business or personal use, proper planning and placing orders early is essential to avoid late deliveries and ensure your items arrive on time.

Key Dates to Know for Your Supply Chain This Coming Chinese New Year 2026

In 2026, the Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, 17 February, but its impact on supply chains begins weeks earlier and can last well into March. To ensure that it does not affect your shipments, you should keep these key dates and timelines in mind when planning your orders for the holiday season:

How Does the Lunar New Year Affect Shipping Times & Global Trade?

As Singapore and many other countries, including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand, celebrate the Lunar New Year, global supply chains often face disruptions because of the following factors:

1. Factory Shutdowns and Production Halts

In the weeks leading up to the Lunar New Year, some factories and shops may slow down or halt production so employees can travel home for the holidays. This, in turn, can lead to:

• Delayed order processing and manufacturing backlogs as factories prioritise existing orders over new requests.
• Longer lead times for the production of items, particularly electronics, textiles, and seasonal goods.
• Limited acceptance of rush orders, as suppliers often decline last-minute requests to meet holiday schedules.

2. Port Congestion and Shipping Delays

The surge in shipments before and after the Chinese New Year often leads to severe congestion at major ports in Asia, causing:

• Container shortages, making it harder to secure shipping slots.
• Longer loading and unloading times, as ports handle increased volumes of cargo.
• Delays in customs clearance, both in the origin country and at the destination country.

Even parcels that leave before the holiday can get delayed in transit due to congestion, affecting timelines for deliveries to Singapore.

3. Labour Shortages at Ports & Logistics Hubs

In some cases, the Lunar New Year holiday can reduce the workforce across logistics hubs and warehouses, resulting in:

• Slower handling at warehouses, including packing, sorting, and dispatching shipments.
• Delays in trucking and last-mile delivery, affecting both domestic and international deliveries.
• Gradual recovery post-holiday, meaning that even after operations resume, shipments may take longer than usual to clear backlogs.

How to Prepare for Chinese New Year 2026 with Your Parcel Forwarding Service

The right planning could reduce delays during peak shipping season during the Lunar New Year. If you have plans to order from shops overseas and need help from a parcel forwarding service, like Com&Buy, these are some strategies to consider help ensure your shipments arrive on time amidst the holiday rush:

1. Plan and Ship Earlier Than Usual

To avoid shipping delays during the busy lead-up to the Lunar New Year and the holiday itself, it’s best to order and ship well in advance. Consider the following:

• Place overseas orders several weeks before the holiday to avoid last-minute delays.
• Factor in supplier and warehouse cut-off dates, which are often earlier than usual due to pre-holiday slowdowns.
• Avoid last-minute purchases during peak congestion, which can lead to higher costs and limited shipping options.

By planning early, you reduce the risk of missed deadlines and enjoy a smoother shipping experience.

2. Pre-Book Shipping and Consolidation Services

Booking early with a reliable parcel forwarding service ensures your shipments are prioritised before the holiday rush:

• Secure shipping slots well ahead of CNY to lock in availability and costs.
• Consolidate multiple orders into a single shipment to save on transit time and shipping fees.
• Choose reliable forwarding routes with predictable delivery times to minimise surprises.

Proxy shopping service or “Buy for Me” service providers can also assist with purchasing and shipping your items, ensuring everything is handled efficiently before factories and ports close.

3. Adjust Expectations for Delivery Timelines

Even with careful planning, international shipments may face delays around the holidays. To manage expectations:

• Allow extra buffer time for deliveries, especially for items coming from China, Taiwan, Thailand or other countries that may have the Lunar New Year as a major holiday.
• Inform customers or recipients about potential delays to avoid frustration.
• Avoid committing to tight delivery deadlines during the holiday season.

4. Consider Alternative Shipping Options

Many parcel forwarding services provide both air and sea freight options for added flexibility. If you’re ordering time-sensitive or high-value items, consider opting for air freight, as it typically offers faster and more predictable delivery during the Lunar New Year. 

To further minimise potential delays, you may also choose to split larger orders into smaller shipments, so that if one consignment is delayed, the rest can still proceed as planned.

5. Communicate Closely with Your Forwarding Partner

Strong communication with your parcel forwarding service is essential to navigate the holiday period smoothly:

• Stay updated on holiday schedules, service cut-off dates, and shipping advisories.
• Monitor shipment status and tracking regularly to catch delays early.
• Seek professional advice on the best shipping window and optimal routes for your orders.

A trusted forwarding partner like Com&Buy can provide real-time updates, recommend the fastest or most reliable options, and handle unexpected disruptions on your behalf.

How to Stay Resilient During the Days Leading Up to the Lunar New Year

Navigating the Chinese New Year holiday rush can be challenging for both businesses and shoppers. However, with proactive planning and the support of a reliable parcel forwarding service, you can ensure your shipments arrive safely and on time, even during peak holiday congestion.

Com&Buy makes international shopping simple, helping you ship from China to Singapore and other countries without worrying about logistical hurdles. Our service allows you to purchase items from stores that may not deliver to Singapore or your chosen destination. Whether you want limited-edition Lunar New Year collectables, stock for your business, or gifts for loved ones, Com&Buy can make it happen seamlessly.

To stay ahead of the holiday rush, please note that Com&Buy’s cut-off time for orders before the Chinese New Year 2026 is 9 February. Also, our customer service team will be on break on the day before and during the official holidays. Planning your orders and shipments around these dates ensures you receive your items without unexpected delays.

For more information about our holiday cut-offs, you can check our updated Holiday Period notice for 2026.