Red Zone Before Chinese New Year 2026: How to Plan Shipments from China

Chinese New Year in 2026 begins on February 17, however, companies working with imports from China need to start preparations much earlier to avoid supply disruptions and increased costs.

The holiday period is accompanied by a halt in production and a reduction in available freight space, creating risks of delays and higher rates. For Belarusian importers, timely planning becomes a key tool in managing the logistics chain.

Red Zone: When Shipping Demand Peaks

3–4 weeks before the holiday, there is a sharp increase in market activity for cargo transportation – this period is called the Red Zone. In 2026, the peak falls on January 20–26.

Characteristics of the Red Zone include:

• Limited availability of container slots and air freight space.

• Increased shipping rates due to heightened competition for available slots.

• Higher likelihood of shipment rollovers (“rolling containers”) for small batches.

For companies with regular shipments from China, this period is crucial for logistics planning.

Demand Dynamics and Performance Indicators

Analysis of previous years shows:

• Up to 17% of all pre-holiday requests occur during the Red Zone week.

• Demand increases by approximately 30% week over week, creating a sharp surge.

• During this period, the volume of requests is 60–65% higher than in the days immediately before the holiday, when most decisions have already been made.

For Belarusian importers, this means: the later the freight is booked, the higher the risk of delays and additional costs.

Impact of the Red Zone on International Shipments

During the peak period, the following changes occur:

• Reduced available space – even large companies need to book slots in advance.

• Rate increases – limited capacity and high demand drive up shipping costs.

• Increased administrative workload – faster coordination of routes and documents is required.

These factors directly affect delivery times, warehouse management, and the overall logistics chain.

Practical Recommendations for Importers

To minimize risks, experts advise:

Plan Ahead

• from the first working days of January (for 2026 – January 12–13).

• Consider routes and reserve available containers in advance.

Complete Booking

• Book space by January 20 – before the start of the Red Zone.

• Split shipments into multiple consignments if volume allows, to reduce reliance on a single batch.

Optimize the Supply Chain

• Consider alternative routes and multimodal transport.

• Include buffer time to account for potential delays during the peak period.

These measures help control costs, meet deadlines, and maintain supply stability.

Strategic Conclusions

• The main planning deadline is the start of the Red Zone (January 20, 2026), not the date of the holiday itself.

• Early booking and thoughtful logistics help avoid disruptions and additional costs.

• Companies that follow these approaches gain a competitive advantage, ensuring reliable deliveries and supply chain stability.

 

For Belarusian importers, preparation for Chinese New Year is not just following the calendar, but a tool for effective management control and logistics optimization.