Why one calendar event in Asia can disrupt supply chains across Africa—and how to plan around it.
Every year, between late January and February, factories across China slow down or close for the Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday. For many African importers, this period arrives like a surprise disruption: production delays, missed sailings, container shortages, and freight rates that suddenly climb.
Yet CNY is one of the most predictable events in global trade. The disruption is not unexpected—it is underplanned.
For companies sourcing from China into African markets, effective CNY planning is less about reacting to delays and more about aligning procurement, production, and transport calendars well in advance.
Understand the Real Timeline (It’s Longer Than the Holiday)
While the official holiday lasts about 1–2 weeks, the operational slowdown often spans 4 to 6 weeks:
- 2–3 weeks before CNY: factories rush to finish orders, ports and carriers face volume surges
- 1–2 weeks during CNY: production and logistics activity nearly stop
- 2–3 weeks after CNY : factories restart gradually, labor returns in phases, backlogs build
This means cargo planned “close” to the holiday can easily be delayed by more than a month.
Align Procurement With Production Reality
The first mistake many buyers make is placing orders in January expecting February shipment.
Instead:
- Confirm last production date with suppliers (not last order date)
- Lock production slots at least 6–8 weeks before CNY
- Request written confirmation of factory closure and reopening dates
Procurement must be driven by the factory calendar, not the purchase order date.
Book Freight Earlier Than Usual
Shipping lines and freight forwarders experience a surge in bookings before CNY. Space becomes tight, equipment availability drops, and rates rise.
Best practice:
- Secure vessel bookings 3–4 weeks earlier than normal
- Consider alternative ports of loading if main ports are congested
- Validate container availability with your forwarder, not only sailing schedules
Late bookings often result in cargo rolling to post-holiday sailings.
Manage Inventory With CNY in Mind
African importers often run lean inventories due to capital constraints. Around CNY, this strategy becomes risky.
Instead:
- Build buffer stock for fast-moving items
- Prioritize shipment of essential SKUs before the holiday
- Delay non-critical items to post-CNY production
Inventory planning is often cheaper than paying for emergency air freight later.
Coordinate Documents and Payments Early
Administrative delays compound physical delays during this period.
Ensure before CNY:
- Proforma invoices, packing lists, and approvals are finalized
- Payments are made early to avoid banking delays
- Shipping instructions are sent well before factory closure
A container ready at the factory but missing paperwork may miss the last vessel before shutdown.
Communicate Clearly With All Stakeholders
CNY planning involves more than suppliers. Freight forwarders, customs brokers, warehouses, and clients must be informed of adjusted timelines.
Clear communication avoids unrealistic delivery promises and reduces pressure across the chain.
After the Holiday: Expect Congestion
Even after factories reopen, production does not return to normal immediately. Labor shortages, accumulated orders, and port congestion can create additional delays.
Plan for:
- Longer lead times in February and March
- Flexible delivery commitments
- Continuous follow-up with suppliers and forwarders
Turning a Predictable Risk Into a Competitive Advantage
CNY does not have to be a disruption. For well-prepared companies, it becomes an opportunity to demonstrate reliability while competitors struggle with delays.
In African supply chains, where sourcing from China remains central to trade, mastering CNY planning is not optional — it is part of professional procurement and logistics management.
SupplyChainAfrika
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