CHINA DELAYS AS CHINESE NEW YEAR APPROACHES

Welcome to 2023 – as the new year kicks off, uncertainty in China grows to new heights. Congestion and vessel delays at Chinese ports are increasing due to the rapid spread of the COVID virus (strain Omicron BF.7). Due to the outbreak, the following could be directly impacted:

  1. Transportation – Many truckers are infected producing a high demand but a lack of workers resulting in possible delays and increased prices.
  2. Shipping lines – The majority of staff is working from home so documents may experience delays.
  3. Courier – Courier documents may take time as most hubs are not functioning as normal.

As the Lunar New Year approaches, further delays can be expected. Chinese New Year starts on January 22, 2023, and ends on February 5, 2023, though traditionally, Chinese Lunar New Year activities have started as early as three weeks before Chinese New Year’s Eve (which is on January 22, 2023). Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

  • New Year’s Eve: January 21, 2023
  • New Year’s Day: January 22, 2023
  • The Lantern Festival: February 5, 2023

If you have any questions, please contact your local Noatum Logistics representative.