China’s Golden Week holiday (1st–8th October 2025) marks the country’s National Day celebrations. While it’s a festive time locally, it’s also one of the most disruptive periods in the global supply chain. For businesses importing from China, being prepared is essential to avoid costly delays.
Why Golden Week Impacts Trade
Golden Week sees millions of people travelling across China, and most factories, offices, and logistics providers close for the holiday. The knock-on effect is:
- Factory shutdowns – production halts for up to a week (sometimes longer if suppliers extend closures).
- Port congestion – as shipments surge before the holiday, space and equipment become harder to secure.
- Reduced transport capacity – trucking and customs clearance teams operate with limited staff, leading to longer turnaround times.
- Post-holiday backlogs – when factories restart, it can take days or weeks for operations to return to normal.
The Pre-Holiday Shipping Rush
The 3–4 weeks leading up to Golden Week are peak season for exports, especially in retail and consumer goods. With major global sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas around the corner, demand for shipping space intensifies. This often results in:
- Rising freight rates
- Limited carrier availability
- Longer transit and clearance times
How to Prepare Your Supply Chain
To minimise disruption, we recommend:
- Book early – secure space at least 3–4 weeks before the holiday.
- Share forecasts – communicate your demand with suppliers and logistics partners.
- Build in extra lead time – allow for delays at origin and destination.
- Double-check schedules – vessel departures and supplier reopening dates may shift.
- Stay flexible – if sudden changes arise, having contingency plans can make all the difference.
How Beckchoice Can Help
As a family-owned freight forwarder with over four decades of experience, we work closely with our global partners in China to keep cargo moving during peak season pressures. Whether it’s securing space, advising on the best routing, or handling customs clearance once your goods arrive in the UK, our team is here to support you.
If you have shipments planned around Golden Week, get in touch with us today to discuss the best strategy for your cargo.