Golden Week China 2024
Golden Week in China refers to two national holiday weeks: one in spring and one in autumn. The best known and most important Golden Week is National Day Golden Week in October. This week is meant to celebrate the founding of the People's Republic of China and gives Chinese citizens the opportunity to travel, visit family and relax.
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) Golden Week:
This week takes place in January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. The exact dates vary every year. It officially lasts 7 days, but many businesses are closed for longer.
National Day Golden Week:
This week takes place from 1 to 7 October 2024. It officially lasts 7 days, but many businesses are closed for longer.
During Golden Week, there are some key logistical challenges to consider:
Production and Shipping
Many factories and businesses are closed or working at a slower pace, which can lead to delays in production and shipping. Orders placed before Golden Week may be delayed as factories often experience a spike in orders before they close.
Transport
The transport sector, including ports and logistics companies, may become overloaded due to increased demand for goods shipments for the holidays. Transport costs may rise due to limited capacity.
Customs and port operations
Customs offices and port authorities may be operating with limited capacity, which could lead to delays in processing export and import documents.
Stock management
It is advisable to stock up extra before Golden Week to avoid shortages due to reduced production capacity.
Advice for logistics management
Make sure orders are placed well in advance of Golden Week to avoid delays. Keep in close contact with suppliers and logistics partners to keep abreast of their closing and opening schedules. Be prepared for possible delays and plan buffer periods for deliveries around Golden Week.
By considering these factors, you can keep your logistics operations running smoothly during Golden Week.
Blank sailings after Golden Week
Blank sailings (also known as "void sailings") are often announced by shipping companies after Golden Week. In shipping, these refer to scheduled sailings of a ship that are cancelled by the shipping company. This means that a ship does not call at a particular route or port as originally planned. These cancellations can occur on individual routes or even for entire ships.
What reasons are there for shipping companies to announce blank sailings?
Reduction in demand. When demand for freight on a particular route is low, shipping companies may choose to cancel sailings to save costs. This often happens during periods of economic downturn or seasonal drops in demand.
Overcapacity. When there is an oversupply of vessels or cargo space relative to demand, shipping companies can use blank sailings to reduce capacity and keep freight rates stable.
Holidays and public holidays. During major holidays, such as Chinese Golden Week, Chinese New Year or other national holidays, there is often less production and export activity in China. Shipping companies can schedule blank sailings to anticipate this reduced demand.
Operational adjustments. Sometimes blank sailings are applied due to operational reasons such as vessel maintenance, port crowding or weather delays.
When will blank sailings be announced?
Seasonal. Blank sailings often occur during periods of low demand, such as immediately after peak retail seasons (e.g. after Christmas or after the Back-to-School period) and during holidays such as Golden Week or Chinese New Year.
Economic fluctuations. During periods of economic uncertainty or falling consumer spending, shipping companies may opt for blank sailings more often.
Unforeseen events. During events such as pandemics, port strikes or geopolitical tensions, blank sailings can be applied ad hoc to adapt operations to changing circumstances.
How will this affect logistics?
Delays. Goods may experience longer transit times if a ship skips a port or if there are fewer sailings.
Higher freight costs. Limited capacity can lead to higher freight rates as less space is available on the remaining sailings.
Uncertainty in deliveries. Supply chain planners and logistics teams need to be flexible and anticipate potential delays and stock shortages.
Want to know more? Ask Jean Paul. and he will answer your questions.
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