This month, February 17th, will mark Chinese New Year’s Day and the official start of the two-week celebration that temporarily pauses export production in China, as most factories and businesses close for the fortnight.

Celebrations continue until the Lantern Festival on March 3rd, even though the official public holiday period only extends until February 22nd.

The incoming Year of the Horse will replace the outgoing Year of the Snake, and according to Chinese tradition, those born in a Horse year are likely to be independent, enthusiastic, popular, cheerful, and quick to compliment others.

Distance is no barrier for Chinese nationals around the world, as millions travel home to be with their families during the celebrations. The period before and after Chinese New Year represents the largest annual migration of people on the planet.

Traditions include the extensive cleaning of homes to drive away bad spirits, followed by decorating them with red lanterns to invite good luck. Parades fill the streets of towns and cities across China, featuring dancers and brightly coloured dragons at their centre.

From a freight and transport perspective, the two-week holiday period causes a major slowdown in logistical movements, and it often takes several weeks for export production to return to full capacity afterward.

As a result, demand for ocean and air freight is often subdued following Chinese New Year. This frequently leads ocean freight carriers to blank (cancel) numerous sailings before, during, and immediately after the holiday.

This year, reports suggest that the usual rush to ship orders ahead of Chinese New Year has not generated the typical pre-holiday surge in volumes. Some sources even indicate that certain factory owners have considered closing earlier than usual.

All that remains is for us to wish you a Happy Chinese New Year — or, as the Chinese might say, Gong hei fat choy!