We are fast approaching China’s Golden Week holiday, the annual week-long celebration that occurs every October and leads to Chinese supply chains taking a vacation.

Golden Week is kicked off with the National Day of the People’s Republic of China on October 1st every year, followed by a further six days holiday. This year’s official Golden Week holiday dates are : Tuesday 1st October to Monday 7th October. 

During the week, factories, businesses, schools and other institutions are closed and China Nationals travel from all over the world to be with their families. The country witnesses celebrations and activities throughout Golden Week and public places and homes are decorated with flags and flowers to mark the founding of the People’s Republic of China on 1st October 1949.

While National Day falls on a Tuesday this year, export production and logistics will likely come to a halt after Friday 27th September, meaning there will be the usual rush for exporters to get orders out of the door in the week or two before the holiday.

However, that process is complicated by ocean freight carriers blanking (cancelling) numerous sailings due to low demand around the Golden Week period. Therefore, the last minute surge in demand can often clash with a significant reduction in available space just before the holiday.

Therefore, we advise importers to consider the above in order to stay ahead of this year’s supply chain vacation. Please do not hesitate to contact the Unique team for more information.